Discovering New Heights

With engines roaring and ambitions soaring, Maryland Made recently took Charlotte, North Carolina, by storm for its most epic career exposure tour yet. 

Twenty-three student-athletes from the University of Maryland dove headfirst into a whirlwind of professional exploration over four action-packed days. From the thrilling Bank of America Stadium networking lunch to the NASCAR Hall of Fame halls, student-athletes didn't just network. They committed to their futures. This year's tour was bigger and bolder, setting the stage for these Terps to tackle any challenge that crosses their career path.

The event was held for the third consecutive year and took place June 25-28. It exposed student-athletes to various professions and equipped them with new skills and experiences. This year’s cohort was the largest since the program’s inception. The career exposure tour was also extended to a four-day event to give student-athletes more time to prepare for meaningful interactions with professionals through networking opportunities. It even introduced a community service component. 

Sydney Anderson, Maryland Athletics’ Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development, led the four-day tour for the second time. She says the career exposure tour is one of her favorite events to organize. 

“Not only were we able to increase the number of student-athletes, but we were also able to impact their personal and professional development journeys,” Anderson said. “During the trip, a professional told me that they could tell I love the work that I do, and this initiative is a big reason why. It is so much more than a trip where students get to learn about different careers and network with professionals. It is an opportunity for them to see life and their identities beyond being student-athletes, something that many former student-athletes like myself wish they had the chance to experience!”

On day one of the tour, student-athletes and staff volunteered with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte to make meaningful connections with campers. They attended Camp Holiday — a day camp for campers with Down syndrome, ages 5-21, in the area. Camp activities are based on weekly themes, including arts and crafts, water play, science experiments, literacy, and more. Maryland Made attended a Valentine’s Day-themed camp and rotated through different stations, which included an art activity, obstacle course, cooking lesson, and message-in-a-bottle activity. 

Before the trip, some of the student-athletes expressed feelings of anxiousness, so the Maryland Made staff decided to host a “Game Night” pre-work session to alleviate concerns. During the session, students engaged in a custom board game of life where they could learn more about the city of Charlotte, their peers and staff on the trip, and the resources available to them. The game also incorporated unexpected life events to keep students engaged. 

Students even partook in an activity where they were given a prompt that required them to speak about themselves, resulting in gaining confidence in public speaking. The last activity was led by Dr. Kris Oliveira, Director of the LGBTQ+ Equity Center on campus. He touched on identity and how everyone can reach their goals more efficiently and faster if they work together. Game night was a fun interaction between students and staff and laid a strong foundation for the days ahead, fostering teamwork, self-awareness, and personal growth among participants.

“I got to meet a lot of Maryland student-athletes who have the same goals and values as me and made a lot of new friends and connections,” said Anthony Bradley, a Maryland wrestling student-athlete. “I also met professionals who I plan on communicating with in the future for advice and maybe possible internships or career choices.”

On the second day of the tour, students delved into the dynamic intersection of sports, tourism, inclusion, and community during their visit to Visit Charlotte and CRVA. This gave them a firsthand look at how these elements intertwine and contribute to the local and broader societal landscape. 

Additionally, they toured HopeWay, a mental health clinic, and engaged with those driving Mission 34 and Project Life Movement forward. Mission 34 honors Sean P. Bonner, Jr. and aims to eradicate the stigma of mental illness through education, awareness, and prevention. Project Life Movement focuses on saving lives and curing diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell disease by expanding the global registry of bone marrow and stem cell donors. Participants engaged in enriching learning experiences throughout the day, finding inspiration and forging meaningful connections.

The third day kicked off with an exhilarating tour of Bank of America Stadium, the electrifying home of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC. Crystal Wright, the Director of Employee Experience and Development, orchestrated an extraordinary itinerary for the student-athletes, granting them unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to the world of professional sports.

The students embarked on an immersive journey through the stadium, soaking up insights into the daily workings of a top-tier sports facility. They delved into what it takes to thrive in such a high-paced environment, guided by seasoned professionals every step of the way.

The highlight of the visit was a pulse-pounding career readiness workshop, where students gained invaluable tips and strategies for success in the competitive sports industry. This hands-on session broadened their horizons and ignited their passion for pursuing careers in sports management and related fields.

“[The Career Exposure Tour] informed me about the many job opportunities and positions available to new grads,” said Chioma Njoku, a Maryland women’s track and field student-athlete. “It also put me in a position to learn more about others and interact with new people.” 

Wrapping up the unforgettable experience was a power-packed networking lunch with esteemed Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC industry leaders. Here, students could forge meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and glean priceless advice from those at the pinnacle of their professions.

Maryland Made continued their action-packed day with a visit to the NJCAA headquarters. Nestled in the heart of Charlotte, this visit provided a glimpse into the NJCAA's administrative hub. Here, the student-athletes gained a deeper understanding of the inner workings of collegiate sports governance, from rule-making processes to championship management. Maryland alumni and industry leaders from various organizations and companies connected with individuals to further assist the student-athletes. 

The highlight of the evening awaited them as they attended a thrilling networking night in collaboration with the M Club. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Charlotte’s skyline, this event offered an exclusive opportunity for student-athletes to connect with influential alumni, industry professionals, and fellow sports enthusiasts.

“I think that this was a great experience for me to learn a lot more about all kinds of careers and to have experiences that most other people never get to have,” said Joey Schneck, a wrestling student-athlete. “I’m really glad I came on this trip, and I think what I learned will stick with me throughout my career.” 

The grand finale of the career exposure tour surged into high gear with an adrenaline-pumping dive into NASCAR culture, commencing at the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame. Students engaged in a panel discussion featuring seasoned professionals. These trailblazers shared their odysseys and imparted invaluable strategies for conquering the leap from collegiate prowess to professional prominence.

The visit continued at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where participants embarked on an exclusive tour of the state-of-the-art facilities. Amidst the thunderous roar of engines and the palpable energy of the track, they absorbed invaluable insights on transforming internships into coveted full-time positions, learning firsthand from experts at the forefront of motorsports innovation.

Maryland Made’s 2024 career exposure tour marked a resounding success. Over four action-packed days, it solidified Maryland Athletics’ unwavering support for its student-athletes and equipped them with invaluable experiences poised to propel them towards thriving careers post-college.

The opportunity even served as a learning experience to the many hardworking individuals involved at the University of Maryland.  

“Participating as a staff campus partner on Maryland Made's Career Exposure Tour has been a highlight of my time at the University of Maryland,” said Dr. Kris Oliveira, Director of Maryland's LGBTQ+ Equity Center. “I had the opportunity to learn about the ways that UMD athletes think about the future, their opportunities, their barriers, and their strategies for achieving success.”