DRIVE For Success and UA Career Center Highlight “Going Pro” in the Athletics Industry
12/5/2018 6:58:00 PM | General
The Going Pro event included a panel discussion with industry leaders as well as a networking component
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – While it's certainly the dream, at the end of the day, very few collegiate athletes go on to be professional athletes, but that doesn't mean that there aren't a number of Crimson Tide student-athletes interested in a career in the realm of sports.
To that end, Alabama Athletics' DRIVE for Success initiative recently collaborated with UA's Career Center on a program called Going Pro: Getting into the Sports Game, a panel and networking event centered around working in the field of athletics.
Panelists ranged from Wright Waters, the executive director of the Football Bowl Association, Dr. Katrice Albert from the NCAA, Juan Aguilera from the New Orleans Saints/New Orleans Pelicans and Alabama Executive Associate Athletics Director Jeff Purinton, who worked at Florida State and the Orange Bowl before joining the Crimson Tide.
Tips from the panelists included the fact that networking is crucial in this or any field as well as the importance of candidates looking for opportunities to build their network and never burn a bridge. The panelists also encouraged everyone to find a career that fits their passion and purpose.
Additionally, the panelists shared what they looked for in potential candidates or characteristics they have seen in those who have risen quickly in their careers. They also stressed the value of expanding their perspective and creating inclusive work environments.
Attendees had the chance to network with more industry representatives following the panel, making contacts and learning more about their field of interest. Organizations with representatives in attendance included the NIKE Factory Store, BSN Sports, the Bruno Event Team, Knight Eady, Alabama Athletics Marketing, Athletics Training and Strength and Conditioning, Crimson Tide Sports Marketing, Crimson Tide Productions, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports and Crimson Tide Hospitality.
Going Pro is another part of Alabama Athletics' DRIVE for Success Career and Leadership Development program. Highlighted through the DRIVE acronym the program's values are Dedication, Responsibility, Influence, Vision, and Excellence. Now in its fifth year, DRIVE for Success' mission is to actively support professional and leadership growth of current and former Crimson Tide student-athletes through practical educational workshops, professional events, leadership programs and various opportunities for growth.
All the latest information on Alabama Athletics can be found via @UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook. You can follow Alabama's DRIVE for Success program on Twitter via @TideDrive.
