“I think it's very important for all of our former athletes to come back and get involved. I didn't think I had a place here. I thought that I was too old, that the young people here now really didn't want to hear from a 73-year old man. In reality, it's been one of the better experiences that I've ever had in being involved with the team. I would encourage any former player who has the opportunity, who has the time, to come back, participate, and help our Brotherhood.”
— DT Stan Land '74
Come on back!
This intentional partnership between the Alumni Club, Cav Futures Foundation, UVA Athletics Career Development, and Cavalier Code intends to provide student-athletes with the opportunity to explore tangible options for life after football.
This is where you come in...
To support our football program with career transition, we are seeking to highlight micro-internships, externships, shadowing, post-graduate internships, and, most immediately, full-time jobs with companies and alumni who attend. If you can offer one or more opportunities, we would love to collaborate as we prepare for the upcoming event. It is our goal that players have multiple offers upon graduation, and this event is designed to foster connection and awareness of hiring processes. Some student-athletes may need flexible start dates, which would allow those few players the ability to pursue postseason and professional football.
Questions?
Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn
Director of Career Development
vfac.careers@virginia.edu
434.661.8144
What it is
Questions?
Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn
Director of Career Development
vfac.careers@virginia.edu
434.661.8144
Executive Ed for Employers & Alums
As the Career Kickoff takes place at the Darden School of Business, a complimentary session of executive education naturally developed as a way to give back to both employers and alumni. In 2024, Jim Detert facilitated the inaugural session utilizing Darden's signature case method on the topic of Organizational Behavior and Leadership, with directly applicable strategies for managing and motivating for high performance.
Save the date
Couldn't make it back for 2024? No sweat. Let your coworkers know that you'll be out of the office for a few days next December... and the December after that... and the December after that... and the...
You get the point.
The Kickoff is a thing, and plans are already underway for the next one. Whether you're an employer looking to hire, and employee opportunistic for professional development opportunities, or an alum who's eager to give back, good things are happening through this event. We'd love to have you join us.
2025 | December 9-10
2026 | December 8-9
2027 | December 7-8
20204 Wednesday, December 11
NEW: Executive Education
The Forum Hotel
12:30-4:30 PM
We have further expanded the event to offer a free Executive Education session through our growing partnership with the Darden School of Business on the topic of Leadership & Organizational Behavior.
Welcome Reception
The Forum Hotel
5:30-7 PM
Company reps and alumni connect with fourth and fifth year players to practice professional etiquette and explore career opportunities with participating companies.
Thursday, December 12
Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn
Director of Career Development
heidi@virginia.edu
Wanna participate? Contact:
Hardie Center Tour
Hardie Football Operations Center
9-10 AM
Step inside and make yourself at home, at the new home of Virginia Football.
Team Luncheon + Career Fair
The Forum Hotel
11 AM-2 PM
Luncheon keynoted by Dr. Carla Williams and Coach Elliott, followed by an opportunity fair for career exploration.
On-Site Interviews
The Forum Hotel
2-5 PM
Interview rotations for full-time jobs.
Men's Basketball vs. Bethune Cookman
John Paul Jones Arena
7 PM
Catch the Hoos in early season action before they head into ACC play. Tickets can be purchased here.
Lodging
A block of rooms at The Forum will be available at a reduced rate, on a limited basis, and released at a a later date. Additional options at a variety of price points are detailed here.
Sponsors
Welcome Reception
Upperclassmen are invited to a networking reception at The Forum Hotel to connect with employers and alumni the evening prior. The reception takes place on the last day of classes of the semester, which is typically during the first full week of December.
Networking Luncheon
An average of 250 guests attend the Career Kickoff luncheon, which includes the current team, participating employers, and several dozen alumni. Tables are organized by industry where conversations range from high-level career exploration to targeted deep dives. The Head Coach and alumni guests emcee the luncheon.
Career Fair
Players connect for additional information about micro-internships that work within the limits of the Football calendar, as well as full-time job opportunities.
Interviews & Alumni Panel
Upperclassmen complete a rotation of on-site job interviews while underclassmen participate in a panel with former players, spotlighting the transition from Grounds (or professional football) into a range of professional pursuits.
