Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo By Meghan see

Sports-related career options for graduating seniors

By jed lynch

jelynch@vwc.edu

As the year comes to a close, so does the spring sports season. For many, it is not the last time they put on the blue and silver. But for the seniors, it will be. Those who have completed their four years of eligibility may find themselves wondering how to stay close to the game in which they have invested so much.

Many of VWC’s majors could help find a way back to the field. Although the athlete may not be in uniform, he or she could still be part of the game.

“Any degree would be good,” said Lisa Fentress, associate director of career services, “just think about the area.”

A degree in business management is one example. According to Fentress, there are many business opportunities in this area with the local minor league teams. Or, with a degree in communications, one could work in public relations helping promote and sell the team to the general public.

“Start as an intern,” said Fentress.

By interning, Fentress says, one can assess his or her skills and set goals for a future line of work. Internships, as well as playing on a team, are easy ways to meet people in a chosen field or with similar interests. It is a good way to begin networking.

Assistant men’s lacrosse coach, Luke Reilly, got his coaching start at Elizabethtown College after graduating from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) where he played lacrosse for four years.

“I knew the head coach,” said Reilly, “and he had just gotten there the same year and needed an assistant.”

For those who want to take an active part in the team, degrees in Therapeutic Recreation and Education might be best suited. Since most high schools require their coaches to teach, a degree in education would come in handy.

Men’s basketball coach Dave Macedo said he got his start from his former coach at Wilkes University, but his teaching degree has translated nicely into coaching and attests that having a degree helped him get a job.

“It’s such a competitive career nowadays,” said Macedo. “You almost need a master’s (degree).”

Finally, there are the lucky few who get to continue their sports career in professional sports as an athlete. Former men’s basketball player Brandon Adair has recently been performing well on his European team the Schwenningen Panthers of Germany.

From playing professionally to the behind-the-scenes jobs there is no reason why anyone with a love of sports and a degree could not continue being involved. For any questions on work opportunities visit the career services Web site at www.vwc.edu/careerservices. Type in the user name joblist and password marlinjobs.