Spring Networking Dinner Provides Opportunities For Student-Athletes
4/18/2007 8:00:00 AM | Terrapin Athletics
April 18, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Academic Support and Career Development Unit (ASCDU) for University of Maryland Athletics hosted a networking dinner Tuesday, April 17. ASCDU welcomed student-athletes, former student-athletes, and local employers to Heritage Hall in the Comcast Center.
Over 50 student-athletes from a range of varsity teams and representatives from about 40 local companies attended the dinner. The event provided student-athletes with information on business etiquette, the importance of networking, and a new database available called the Terrapin Career Network.
Academic Counselor Jessica Myers organized the event. "It is essential for our athletes to begin networking with local employers and former student-athletes," said Myers, "This will allow them to build relationships with people in the community who can help them reach their career objectives."
In the fall, ASCDU sponsored a similar event where student-athletes were given the opportunity to meet with Maryland graduates to discuss career goals. The spring networking dinner was a more formal event where local employers were invited as well.
The evening featured three guest speakers: Jonathon Claiborne, Perry Sandler, and Barbara Sumrall.
A former football player for the Terps, Jonathon Claiborne (Whiteford, Taylor, & Preston) spoke on the importance of networking with today's competitive job market.
Former member of Maryland's track and field team, Perry Sandler (Grant Thorton) gave insight on business etiquette. "This was extremely helpful in showing how you should handle yourself in a business setting when looking for a job," said wrestler Elijah Black.
Recent Maryland Graduate and former swimmer, Sumrall touched on her experiences after graduating and the opportunities that go along with being a part of such a strong network at Maryland.
"College is ending and the real life is starting.You have to look to your future and what you want to do in life," said football player Edwin Williams, "as a recent graduate, some of the things [Sumrall] said were very helpful."
"I really appreciate the fact that this university does give back to us," said Natasha Emmanuel, a member of Maryland's track and field team, "We dedicate so much time as athletes that it may take away from the time it takes to look for a job. It is beneficial to be given this opportunity and it was definitely helpful."
