Cardinal CHAMPS/Life Skills Program - Career Development
October 12, 2000 | General
The commitment to Career Development is assisting the student-athlete in developing career objectives and pursuing life goals.
Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to visit the University of Louisville Career Development Center, where they can receive information on career counseling, career workshops, internship information, creating resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews and job placement assistance. Student-athletes can, also, access a comprehensive computer career development program called DISCOVER at the Career Center.
In addition, student-athletes can receive assistance from their academic counselor in the Olga S. Peers Academic Center, and from the Life Skills Coordinator on developing their resumes and cover letters, making job contacts and preparing for job interviews.
The Shadows Program provides student-athletes an opportunity to spend some time with a professional on the job, to observe day to day activities of employers in their specific career interests. This program can be used as a great resource for student-athletes who are in the process of designating their majors, or are interested in pursuing internship opportunities in their field of interest.
In the Spring of 2003, the Life Skills Program sponsored our first Professional Panels. Local Professionals from various career paths were invited to address junior and senior student-athletes. Panelists shared their career paths and provided student-athletes with advice on preparing for interviews, preparing for their future, and making the transition from college to the real world. Student-athletes were given the opportunity to ask questions and network with the panelists. The Life Skills program will continue to sponsor these events each semester; incorporating men and women from diverse professions, as well as alumni student-athletes.
The Life After Sports Mentor Program is designed to assist student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility by matching each student with a mentor in the Louisville community that holds a similar field of interest. This program provides student-athletes with the chance to learn from their mentor's professional experiences and expertise; and develop their own network outside of athletics. The role of the mentor is to assist student-athletes with the transition from the collegiate classroom to the work world.
The Corporate Playbook is produced each year by the Life Skills Program. It includes a letter of recommendation from our Athletic Director, and the resumes of all of our graduating seniors. Corporate Playbook's are distributed to our corporate sponsors, local companies, companies that participate in the University's Spring Career Fair and alumni organizations across the country.
Assistance in the application process for graduate and professional schools is offered through the Life Skills Office, The Olga S. Peers Academic Center for Student-Athletes, and our Faculty Athletic Representative, Elaine Wise. In Spring of 2002 the Life Skills Program hosted a graduate/professional school night for student-athletes who were interested in pursing these opportunities. The University Career Center also provides resources in this area.
For information on the Life Skills Program, contact:
| Ashley Armstrong, Asst. Athletic Director | 852-0863 |
| Lesley Prather, Life Skills Associate | 852-8872 |
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