UIndy looks to help student-athletes start careers after graduation
The University of Indianapolis recently paired with Career Athletes to help student-athletes find jobs once they graduate from college.
The No.13 University of Indianapolis women’s softball team (27-10-1, 10-6 GLVC) continues its season with a series of GLVC conference games this month. Sophomore pitcher Jennifer DeMotte is pictured. Photo by Mikey McGrath.
According to the Career Athletes website, its mission is to “provide our members with an educational, opportunistic and interactive community ensuring these connections can be made quickly and effectively.”
UIndy has a four-year commitment with the Career Athletes program. According to Director of Athletics Sue Willey, the seminar will be coming to UIndy every two years.
“We want our student-athletes to think about their careers and look for things that will benefit them in the future,” Willey said.
On April 6, two mandatory seminars were held in Ransburg Auditorium for all UIndy student-athletes. Freshmen and sophomore athletes attended the first seminar at 8:30 p.m., while junior and senior athletes attended a 9:30 p.m. seminar.
DJ Washington, vice president of training and development for Career Athletes and a former student-athlete, was the speaker.
According to Washington, mentors helped him throughout his college career as an athlete, and his involvement with the Career Athletes program is his way of giving back to the community.
The freshmen and sophomore seminar focused on building resumes, getting internships and stepping up to take part in different volunteer work in the community, while the junior and senior seminar focused strictly on resumes and taking the next steps toward getting a successful job.
“This program is an extremely beneficial resource, as well as an excellent program to help college athletes get ready to obtain jobs,” Willey said.
Washington spoke on many different ways to network in society and stressed that what is put on Twitter or Facebook by student-athletes has an effect on potential employers.
“Posting inappropriate posts, pictures, comments, etc. has a huge impact when it comes to getting the job you want,” Washington said.
According to Assistant Sports Information Director Jackie Paquette, this program is performed in a very compelling way.
“By investing in this program, you get a lot out of what is paid,” Paquette said. “I had students continually thank me for making this seminar mandatory.”
Junior track and football athlete Collin Coffer was one of the many who were thankful for this program and the knowledge gained from Washington’s lesson. He thought that Career Athletes was an outstanding partnership.
“I thought DJ was very helpful, and he knew a lot to bring a different perspective. He gave exceptional tips and pointers for succeeding in one’s career,” Coffer said.
Washington also held an additional individual resume critique session that was offered to the juniors and seniors.
“I would recommend this program for other universities. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that gets you ahead of the game and well on your feet,” Coffer said.
