UCLA Career Center

If you are a student athlete, your day-to-day schedule is likely filled with scholastic as well as athletic obligations. While you are continually working towards graduation, you may have little time to consider what to do after you get there. Deep down you know that finding a job is just as important for you as it is for other UCLA students, but it may be harder for you to get started with so many other commitments looming. Luckily for you, the UCLA Career Center is available to help student athletes with every step of their job search. In fact, each team has an assigned career counselor, who deals specifically with them. For a list of counselors and their contact info, consult your Student Athlete Handbook. Armed with this information, you can call or email your counselor directly to set up an appointment. Career counselors are able to help you with anything related to the job search, from choosing a major to writing your resume.

The Career Center also puts on workshops specifically for athletes, like the one I attended, "Game Plan for Success: Career Night for All Fourth/Fifth Year Student Athletes." These workshops target athletes by year, second through fifth, but you do not have to wait till your second year to attend one. For those who missed the workshop on Nov. 1, 2005, hosted by Jordan Maness of the Career Center, a panel comprised of former student athletes provided informed advice for the next generation of job seekers. The panel consisted of representatives from Keller Williams Realty, Abercrombie & Fitch, Maxim Healthcare Services, Gallo Wine Company, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Eli Lilly and Company. Although not all of them attended UCLA, they speak from an experience similar to yours and took time out to share their knowledge with you. The following is a summary of their advice:

Your major does not have to dictate your career; For instance, just because you majored in sociology doesn’t mean you can’t sell pharmaceuticals.
Your GPA is important; It can help you get a job.
So is work experience, so start early with internships and community service.
Go to career fairs and mock interviews at the Career Center.
Ask all the questions you have now, so you will be informed about your options.

It’s OK to pick an industry and change it later; This adds to your experience.
You don’t have to know everything about a business to get into it; If a company really likes your attitude, they will train you to be successful.
Let other people know you are searching for a job; The more eyes and ears you have helping you, the better.

Start interviewing early; Even if you’re not sure about a position, the experience will help you be prepared when you interview for your dream job.
Research the position you are applying for as well as the company.
Don’t be modest; Sell yourself.
Don’t forget the little things, i.e. wear a suit, shake hands, smile.

In addition to the tips listed above, the panel stressed the idea that being an athlete can be a strong selling point, because employers are aware of the discipline and energy that athletes possess. The panelists encourage you to take what you have learned from participating in athletics and leverage it into your work. One of the panelists, Natalie Norberg, emphasized, “Like [you did in] sports, go where your strengths are.” In other words, find a career that capitalizes on your strong points, and you will be headed for success. Best of luck with the job search!

Elizabeth Armenti was a graduate counseling intern during the Fall 2005 quarter at the UCLA Career Center.
Note: This article was posted on 12.20.05.

Job Search Tips for Student Athletes: Advice From Professionals, Who Have Walked in Your Shoes