“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.”
— DE Stan Land '74
In their own words
Come on back!
To support our Football program with career preparation, we are seeking to highlight micro-internships/externships and professional networking with companies or alumni who attend. Since UVA student-athletes spend 11 months out of the year training in Charlottesville, full-time internships off site are not an option for most players. If you can provide flexible opportunities for corporate skill development, we would like to collaborate as we prepare for the upcoming season. It is our goal that players have competitive options upon graduation, and this event is designed to foster connection and access to experiences that can enhance the hiring process. In consideration of a few players who pursue postseason and professional football, some student-athletes need flexible start dates for post-graduate employment.
Questions?
Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn
Director of Career Development
footballcareerkickoff@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 and 2025, Jim Detert facilitated, utilizing Darden's signature case method on the topics of Organizational Behavior and Leading Across the Generations, respectively, with directly applicable strategies for managing and motivating for high performance.
Welcome Reception
Upperclassmen are invited to a networking reception to connect with employers and alumni the evening prior. The reception takes place on the last day of classes for 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, employers, and over fifty football alumni. Tables are organized by industry where conversations range from high-level career exploration to targeted deep dives. The Head Coach and keynote alum will emcee the luncheon.
Career Fair
Players connect with guests for information about micro-internships that align with the UVA Football training calendar, as well as awareness of timelines for entry-level job opportunities.
Interviews & Alumni Breakout Sessions
Upperclassmen complete a rotation of coffee chat interviews while underclassmen learn from former players in small groups, spotlighting best practices for networking follow-up and sharing about transition from football into a range of corporate and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Save the date
Couldn't make it back for 2025? 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, a former player 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.
2026 | December 8-9
2027 | December 7-8
2028 | December 5-6
2029 | December 4-5
Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn
Director of Career Development
footballcareerkickoff@virginia.edu
Wanna participate? Contact:
** SAMPLE SCHEDULE **
Tuesday, December 9
Check-In
The Forum Hotel
12-12:30 PM
Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning
The Forum Hotel
12:30-4:30 PM
Complimentary professional development session for companies and alumni on the topic of crossing the generation gap and retaining new staff. Facilitated by Jim Detert with Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning.
Practice
Hardie Center
5-6:15 PM
Perfect practice makes perfect. Checkout the team as they prepare for the postseason.
Facility Tour
Hardie Center
5:15-5:30 PM
Have a look at the Home of Cavalier Football and what it takes to build a Model Program and Championship Men.
Welcome Reception
Hardie Center
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. Possible practice observation to be determined in late November.
Men's Basketball vs. Maryland Eastern Shore
John Paul Jones Arena
7 PM
Catch the Hoos in early season action before they head into ACC play. Tickets can be purchased here.
Wednesday, December 10
Check-In
The Forum Hotel
10-11 AM
Alumni & Company Meeting
The Forum Hotel
11-11:30 AM
Meeting and table setup at the lower level of the Forum.
Team Luncheon + Career Fair + Interviews
The Forum Hotel
12-4:30 PM
Keynoted by Coach Elliott and UVa NFL Panel, followed by career exploration fair, networking and mock/job interviews.
On-Site Interviews
The Forum Hotel
2-4 PM
Interview rotations for full-time jobs.
Sponsors
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.
