There are needs all across the board requiring intervention from our programs and services that truly have to be addressed before the majority of student athletes can transition into the business world. Studies prove that most athletes battle from some type of deficiency in an area of job skill development that creates an imbalance in their lives.
Athlete Connections markets the well-imbedded skill sets that student athletes posses that will help make them attractive to any employer.
Because this transition after the sport has ended, there is a significant need for a programto better help prepare that student-athlete for their upcoming approach about leaving their sport. In fact, individuals who participate in sports devote considerable time and effort to the development of physical skills, and they derive personal satisfaction from successful competitive performances (Grove& Stoll, 1999).
Researchshows that 1 out of 100 student-athletes will have a professional career in their sport. Athlete Connections addresses the future of the 99% of student athletes who do not go on to play professional sports.
Athlete Connections provides solutions for those athletes who have dedicated their time, talents and efforts to their respective universities and who end their college careers unprepared for careers outside of sports. For many of these students it becomes a daunting task once reality sets in and the question becomes…”what now?”
These student athletes represent a tremendous but largely untapped reservoir of young leaders who are disciplined, motivated and experienced in dealing with tough challenges and competitive situations. Our work in collaboration with your University is designed to advocate, expand and improve career opportunities for these young men and women and to increase public and policy maker understanding of their needs.
Specific Program Services/Benefits Proposed by Athlete Connections
Provide Project Coordination andsupervision
Job placement assistance and referrals
Utilization of Athlete Connections extensive public/private sector partnerships (database)
Development of a Student Athlete Mentor (SAM) Advisory Committee made up of program participants who have successfully completed the program to serve as mentors and counselors to new program participants
Encourage Student Athlete Mentors to continue their education with the College/University
8 hours of classroom instruction utilizing a customized curriculum “The Student Athlete Career Planning Playbook” ©<
Career exploration, counseling, life skills and mentoring services to program participants
Follow-up services for program participants to ensure seamless transition to the workplace
Program evaluation that includes outcome and “best practices” documentation to share with the College/University
Provide, in collaboration with your University, one informational luncheon and one career seminar
Use of and access to Athlete Connections state-of the-art customized interactive website designed for employers to post jobs and review resumes and student athletes to search job listings, create resumes and get interviewing tips.
Provide appropriate guest speakers who can identify with and provide direction to program participants as accomplishment to classroom instruction
TO INQUIREMORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT OUR SUPPORT STAFF AT407.403.6446 . SUPPORT@ATHLETECONNECTIONS.ORG