The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorns Preparing for Future Careers
10.31.2024 | Student Services
On September 30th, 2024, The University of Texas's 4EVER TEXAS Student-Athlete Development program hosted a highly successful Career & Internship Fair designed exclusively for its student-athletes. Held at the prestigious Frank Denius Family UT Athletics Hall of Fame, the event gave student-athletes a rare and invaluable opportunity to network with top employers, explore potential career paths, and prepare for life after their college athletic careers. This event reflects 4EVER TEXAS's broader mission to support student-athletes both on and off the field. The career fair was carefully crafted to cater to the unique needs of athletes, with tailored guidance from industry professionals who recognize the exceptional skills athletes develop during their sports careers.
The fair drew participation from 55 companies, representing a broad spectrum of industries including healthcare, finance, technology, and sports management. Employers were eager to connect with student-athletes, many of whom possess skills like leadership, discipline, time management, and teamwork—attributes that translate seamlessly from the playing field to the workplace. These companies offered a range of positions, from internships to full-time jobs, providing pathways for student-athletes to begin building their careers even before they graduate.
In preparation for the career fair, 4EVER TEXAS hosted a comprehensive Career Bootcamp to equip student-athletes with essential skills for their professional journey. During this bootcamp, participants rotated through three focused workshops led by expert presenters. The first workshop covered how to create a compelling resume by translating the valuable skills developed through sports—such as leadership, teamwork, and time management—into qualities that are attractive across any industry. The second session introduced student-athletes to the power of LinkedIn, teaching them how to effectively use the platform for networking and job searching. Lastly, the bootcamp emphasized the importance of aligning one's career with personal values and purpose, encouraging participants to infuse these core elements into everything they do professionally. These foundational workshops ensured student-athletes were fully prepared to make the most of the upcoming career fair.
Recognizing that professionalism is key, one student-athlete commented, "Getting your foot in the door goes a long way down the line, no matter what career you are trying to pursue or what major you are in." The event also provided free professional headshots to all participants, allowing student-athletes to elevate their online profiles on platforms like LinkedIn. This service helped ensure that student-athletes present themselves with the same level of professionalism online that they demonstrate in their sports. Additionally, the first 200 attendees received a branded padfolio, a practical tool for staying organized during the job search process. These padfolios, engraved with the 4EVER TEXAS logo, represented the university's dedication to preparing its athletes for success beyond the playing field. Remarking on their overall experience at the career fair, another student-athlete said, "It was amazing going around and talking to representatives from companies and fields I was interested in. I learned that companies love hiring athletes."
The career fair is just one of many initiatives driven by 4EVER TEXAS and the university's athletics department to ensure that student-athletes are prepared for life after sports. From mentorship programs to career coaching, the university continues to provide its student-athletes with a comprehensive support system designed to foster success both during their time at Texas and in their professional lives. This long-term commitment ensures that student-athletes at The University of Texas will continue to have access to the tools, networks, and resources they need to excel in their careers beyond sports. Summing up the impact of these resources and unique experiences like the annual career fair, a student-athlete said, "I like the 4EVER TEXAS program because it relieves my anxiety about the future. In all areas of life, the program has helped me learn and understand how to be successful while at Texas."