TUCSON, Ariz. – Earlier this month, Arizona Athletics and C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development hosted their first ever Student-Athlete Career Trek. The trek was a two-day off campus career exploration, networking, and skill building experience to support the career development of student-athletes and build connections across the Wildcat Community.
Through the experiences, students engaged in professional development to enhance their professional presence, were exposed to a variety of career opportunities, and gained insight into day-to-day company operations. Additionally, students had the chance to build confidence in their unique skills and strengths, identify future career interests, values, and goals, and create a game plan for these future goals. Most importantly, students were able to network and gain connections with Arizona Alumni, community members, and fellow student-athletes.
The Arizona student-athlete participants included representation from men's track and field, soccer, and triathlon. Over the two-day experience, students and staff visited the Phoenix Suns, Paradox, the City of Chandler, Enterprise Mobility, and the Phoenix Raceway. Each visit included a tour of the site and information from different staff members on their career journeys, roles, and opportunities for college students. Most of the sites emphasized the importance of networking, having a growth mindset, and understanding the value of being a student-athlete. C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development worked closely with partners in Student Engagement and Career Development, Arizona Alumni Letterwinners and the A-Club, and the University Foundation.
"The Student-Athlete Career Trek was an amazing experience that allowed me to gain confidence in preparing for my life post-graduation and gave me exposure to different career opportunities," said Diego Marquez, a member of the men's track and field team. "I also learned important qualities I have that can transfer from athletics to the workspace, along with extremely valuable skills in networking and marketing myself."
Arizona triathlete Laura Holanszky said, "I think the Student-Athlete Career Trek is something every student-athlete should experience. I enjoyed it from start to finish. It provided clarity, great opportunities to network with UA Alumni and other employees in several different settings, and a better understanding of myself. I was grateful to share this experience with my fellow student-athletes, and I would definitely participate again in the future!"
