Success Stories

Career Connections 2007

Testimonials

"From my point of view, last year's event was great -- a lot of bright, articulate young people. Unfortunately, we did not hire as a "direct" result of the event, but I do expect that to change in 2007."

-Tim Parker (Virginia Tech Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance)

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"With the job market as competitive as it is in Sports Administration, Career Connections was a huge part of my success in finding the right job. The program was a great spring board for getting back into the job market. It allowed me to see who was hiring, but also allowed me to get an idea of who else was out there searching for jobs. I met my current employer at the Career Connections Job Fair last January. I had a chance to visit with their representatives prior to their official posting of the position. When Mitchell College received my application a month later, they had a face to go along with the resume. Colleges and Universities receive hundreds of applications for openings. Career Connections gave me an opportunity to stand-out early in the process."

-Stacy Kelly (Associate Director of Athletics, Mitchell College)

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"It was a very good event. We were able to hire one individual on a part-time basis as a mentor in our academic support services area. She has done a nice job...It was a first-class event in my opinion."

-Ed Howat (Purdue University Assistant Athletics Director, Student Services)

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"In January 2005, the NCAA held a job fair at its annual convention. I registered for the job fair with the hope that I would be able to get an opportunity to work at an institution. During the job fair, I happened to see Dr. Brand taking a walk through the convention hotel. I knew Dr. Brand was the president of the NCAA, so I decided that I would introduce myself to him and let him know why I was in attendance. We spoke to each other for no longer than a minute. I later sent Dr. Brand an e-mail as a follow-up to our brief conversation. In my e-mail, I posed a question regarding if he would be willing to provide me some advice about how to obtain a job in intercollegiate athletics. I did not expect him to respond, but to my surprise, he responded. Not only did he respond, but he had his assistant set up a conference call with me. During the conference call, he allowed me to express my desire about the type of career I was interested in, and he also assessed where I could benefit the NCAA based on my professional and educational backgrounds. He then forwarded my resume to the managing director of membership services after he determined that my skill set would be suited best for the membership services department. I was then given the opportunity to interview and was offered a position following the interview."

-Byron Hatch (NCAA Assistant Director of Membership Services)

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"Attending Career Connections last year was a valuable experience. I got the opportunity to meet with individuals from a variety of member institutions and sports corporations at the job fair and got the chance to visit with NCAA representatives throughout the entire event. I especially enjoyed the panel discussions which featured administrators from each division as well as conference offices and the NCAA. I met many people and received lots of helpful advice which I can now use in my new position as an NCAA intern.

In addition to my experience at Career Connections, I chose to stay on for the rest of the Convention, where I attended several sessions that helped me learn more about college athletics.

I would strongly recommend attending Career Connections and the NCAA Convention in 2007!"

-Ashley Gloystein (2006-07 NCAA Intern)

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"The NCAA Convention is the optimal place to network with administrators involved in all areas of college athletics. During the 2005 convention, I met people who ended up offering me a position for an amazing internship. A career in college athletics revolves around networking and maintaining meaningful relationships and the NCAA Convention is a great place to start building your network."

-Kelly Jordan (2005-06 NCAA Intern)

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"Career Connections indirectly put me in touch with the athletic director where I attend law school (University at Buffalo). Mr. Manuel was originally listed to attend, but his schedule ultimately couldn't allow it. But, by going and seeing his name on the list, I still had an easy excuse to get in touch with him. I think going to the Convention, and Career Connections, made an impression because as soon as the division of athletics needed help they got in touch with me. It not only got my foot in the door for athletics administration, but also earned me some credit for school. Currently, I plan on attending for a second year."

-Patrick McNelis (Student)

Are you a successful Career Connections hire? Let us know !

The contact for this page is jpearlman@ncaa.org