Northwestern University Athletics
Wednesday, March 9
6:30 p.m.
Northwestern
vs
Sophomore Event
Sophomore ‘Cats Explore Industries via NU Alumni in The Garage
3/22/2016 11:30:00 AM | David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program
The NU for Life program gathered sophomore student-athletes on Wednesday, March 9, for an interactive session focused on industry exploration and providing an introduction to the art of career exploration and the wide variety of opportunities available in the working world.
The event took place in The Garage at Northwestern. The Garage is a cross-disciplinary space designed for all NU students to explore innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sophomores divided up into pre-selected groups based on their interests as each student-athlete spent two 30 minute sessions with separate groups of professionals in the following fields and paths:
• Consulting
• Engineering, Tech, Startups
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Marketing, Communications
• Graduate School
• Still Exploring
These groups were led by an impressive group of professionals and Northwestern alumni from each industry, including former student-athletes from the football, men's soccer, cross country, women's swimming and diving, softball, women's basketball, women's tennis and women's golf programs. Professionals shared their stories along with advice for attendees before engaging in broader industry-focused discussions with student-athletes and answering their questions.
"I wish I had this opportunity when I was a student-athlete," said former Northwestern football player Prince Kwateng. "It gives these student-athletes an opportunity to meet young professionals and show different paths after their athletic careers are over."
Kwateng, who currently serves as an account executive at LinkedIn, was one of 18 professionals who shared his or her professional journey.
Following the event, the sophomores were challenged to continue networking with a contest created by the NU for Life program, the Sophomore Challenge. The student-athletes receive points with each completed task – such as completing shadowing, a mock interview, or simpler tasks such as connecting with 10+ former 'Cats on LinkedIn. Winning individuals and teams will receive significant prizes, including funding for professional attire.
The event stressed to sophomores the importance of investing time in preparing for life after college and life after athletics. Through industry exploration as well as direct connection to young alumni, sophomores took positive steps towards maximizing their professional potential and taking advantage of the powerful Northwestern University network.
The event took place in The Garage at Northwestern. The Garage is a cross-disciplinary space designed for all NU students to explore innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sophomores divided up into pre-selected groups based on their interests as each student-athlete spent two 30 minute sessions with separate groups of professionals in the following fields and paths:
• Consulting
• Engineering, Tech, Startups
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Marketing, Communications
• Graduate School
• Still Exploring
These groups were led by an impressive group of professionals and Northwestern alumni from each industry, including former student-athletes from the football, men's soccer, cross country, women's swimming and diving, softball, women's basketball, women's tennis and women's golf programs. Professionals shared their stories along with advice for attendees before engaging in broader industry-focused discussions with student-athletes and answering their questions.
"I wish I had this opportunity when I was a student-athlete," said former Northwestern football player Prince Kwateng. "It gives these student-athletes an opportunity to meet young professionals and show different paths after their athletic careers are over."
Kwateng, who currently serves as an account executive at LinkedIn, was one of 18 professionals who shared his or her professional journey.
Following the event, the sophomores were challenged to continue networking with a contest created by the NU for Life program, the Sophomore Challenge. The student-athletes receive points with each completed task – such as completing shadowing, a mock interview, or simpler tasks such as connecting with 10+ former 'Cats on LinkedIn. Winning individuals and teams will receive significant prizes, including funding for professional attire.
The event stressed to sophomores the importance of investing time in preparing for life after college and life after athletics. Through industry exploration as well as direct connection to young alumni, sophomores took positive steps towards maximizing their professional potential and taking advantage of the powerful Northwestern University network.
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