Mid-December saw dozens of companies and even more Alums gather at Darden's Forum Hotel for our third-annual Career Kickoff. The two-day event allowed current players to meet with representatives of companies to discuss opportunities for internships, externships and jobs. The previous two Kickoffs saw a 100% placement rate for those who were actively seeking opportunities, be it full-time employment for graduating player, or internships for those still on the team.
Several of those doors were opened at the direct initiative and influence of our Brotherhood. This 3-minute video paints a great picture:
Time was also allotted for an Alumni Roundtable where current players were treated to an hour's worth of truth bombs, hot takes, timeless stories, and lessons learned from Tony Covington '90, Marc Yavinsky '92, Wali Rainer '99, Noel LaMontagne '99, Billy McMullen '03, and Chase Minnifield '11. Good luck trying to find a seat after the doors had closed. The collective experience, wisdom, and candor from those six was a gift to our younger Brothers. And while there were certainly warnings of "Football is going to end, and the real world can be tough," the prevailing message was: "If you buy in, this place will prepare you for success, and we'll have your back."
The success of this event and cementing it into the DNA of the program and our Club is only possible because of you — the committee who works tirelessly to plan, fundraise, and execute. The 50+ guys who participated as employers, panelists, and networkers. Even more who couldn't attend but still took time to spread the word and champion the event from afar.
It takes a Team to make this work, and all can play a part. Stan Land '74 sums it up well:
“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.”
Hoos in the Big Apple
While most students headed home for Winter Break, a few hung around for the January Term and 38 student-athletes took advantage of the J-Term Career Trek to New Your City. UVA alumni in the city hosted students at their companies, attended networking events, and offered industry insights to foster career exploration.
Chris Trapp '05, Ryan Best '07, Pete Bladel '08, and Tanner Cowley '19 were accommodating hosts throughout the visit. Said Bladel:
"... I had the distinct pleasure of hosting a group of UVA student-athletes at the Genius Sports offices as part of the NYC Career Trek put on by UVA Student-Athlete Success. For an "old guy" like me who has been out of school awhile, it feels great to stay connected to the program and Athletic Department and help these young men and women make the transition from college to adult life. They're a bright and industrious group, no doubt they'll go far..."
Thank you to all of you who participated and supported these two events, and in particular, Director of Career Advising Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn, whose tireless work and continued partnership is making a real difference.
