COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A large contingent of student-athletes took some time away from the practice arena Tuesday evening to participate in the Terps Career Networking Social at the Tyser Tower Suites of Maryland Football Stadium. The event was sponsored by Maryland's Brand U initiative, giving student-athletes the opportunity to meet with local employers.

“As student athletes, sometimes you're out in a bubble...but there's so much more to life than being a student-athlete," said Maryland Big Ten Fellow Malina Howard. "Getting career development is really important, so just getting the chance to network, meet people, and shake hands is just part of the experience. Because getting a job is just like playing a sport, you have to practice at it. So this is like practicing with networking.”

Companies represented included Under Armour, the FBI, the National Security Agency, Department of Defense Human Capital Initiatives, Cintas, TTi, US Court System and more. Attendees mingled and enjoyed refreshments and SAAC president Hannah Dewey was pleased with the feedback and support for the event.          

“It was great to see how many businesses were so willing to help us," said Dewey. Even though it's a Tuesday night, most of their work days are over and they're not at the typical career fair during the day with thousands of people...we're just grateful for them being here...it's been really good."