Knight of Networking Helps Shape Career Paths

For many college students, the preparation for life after their four or five years spent on campus begins on day one. The Rutgers Athletics Office of Leadership Development and Strategic Partnerships (LDSP) provides a variety of programs and resources to help each Scarlet Knight outline and shape their future career paths. The development for each student-athlete extends beyond the arena and focuses on the post competition aspirations of each individual. 

One of those programs is Knight of Networking, which pairs former student-athletes or individuals connected with Rutgers Athletics with current Scarlet Knights to share keys to professional development.

Two Scarlet Knights who were fortunate to take part in this year’s event were Gianna Glatz, a senior on the field hockey team, and senior Ryan Gallagher of men’s lacrosse. 

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to speak with professionals who are interested in supporting the development of student-athletes and to listen to their first-hand experience,” said Glatz.

“The biggest benefits of attending Knight of Networking as a student-athlete is first to learn how to speak the language of business,” added Gallagher. “It gives kids the opportunity to speak candidly with professionals. It helps you build valuable speaking skills that will be applicable in life after sports. Second, it is the wealth of connections you gain from it. By attending year after year, you are able to create a rolodex of Rutgers alumni that you can reach out to at any point in your life.”

Over the course of two weekends, more than 120 student-athletes participated in a total of 157 sessions with professionals spanning various career disciplines, including finance, healthcare, human resource management, education, marketing, communications and sports.

“We are so thankful for our letterwinners, alumni and others who give of their time to help our student-athletes prepare for life after Rutgers,” said Senior Associate Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrator Kate Hickey. “Converting Knight of Networking to a virtual event this year allowed us to expand our reach to professionals from around the country and overseas who haven’t participated in the past due to their geographical location. This was a great benefit for our student-athletes who attended the event.”

For both Glatz and Gallagher, working with the LDSP staff has been widely beneficial in preparing them for future opportunities. The various events and programs that the staff coordinates go a long way in career development, community engagement, alumni engagement, leadership development and overall personal enhancement. 

“The LDSP staff is dedicated to supporting the development of all Rutgers student-athletes as we prepare for our lives after collegiate athletics,” said Glatz. “The time and energy that they put into the various events and opportunities to help us succeed off the field are extremely admirable, and they truly do everything they can to support our development as emerging professionals.”

“LDSP has been instrumental in guiding me through professional development,” said Gallagher. “I regularly connect with my LDSP team representative to discuss progression on my job search as well as resume tweaks and mock interviews. The preparation that LDSP offers to student-athletes is excellent.” 

Gallagher has participated in a Knight of Networking event in each of his four years ‘On the Banks’ and that is largely due to the influence of teammates who have gone through the LDSP program previously. 

“My entire time here, older teammates have preached how open our alumni are to helping us professionally,” said Gallagher. “That point was especially evident this year.” 

Through their experiences, both Glatz and Gallagher have become advocates to their fellow Scarlet Knights. The earlier a student-athlete can get involved with LDSP and begin to chart their future career path, the better served they are upon graduation.

“The earlier a student-athlete can take advantage of the resources provided by LDSP, the more prepared they will be as a graduating senior,” said Glatz. “Graduation is inevitable, which makes it extremely beneficial for student-athletes to utilize these resources and the individuals within our LDSP department as soon as possible.”

One of the components shared during the most recent Knight of Networking event was R Scarlet Knight Network. The online platform connects current Scarlet Knights with potential mentors and provides them the opportunity to make introductions, set up meetings and connect with an individual in their desired professional career.

“I am a major advocate for the Scarlet Knight Network mentoring platform,” said Glatz. “It is incredible to log in to the site and have hundreds of professionals at our fingertips who are willing to support the development of Rutgers student-athletes. I have had the opportunity to discuss my career aspirations with professionals on the platform and learn more about their personal career experiences, as well as how I can grow my personal development prior to graduation.”

“I have used it on a handful of occasions,” said Gallagher. “It is great for networking follow ups. It is also extremely helpful if you are a student-athlete looking to find Rutgers alumni who are professionals in their desired career field.”

Navigating the college years can be filled with ups and downs and a fair share of twists and turns. That inevitable day arrives, when students embark on a new chapter away from campus life and for the Scarlet Knights, having LDSP along for the journey is a great benefit.

“I commend our student-athletes who attended Knight of Networking and who utilize LDSP’s services as they prioritize their professional development,” said Hickey. “It is never too early to prepare for life after Rutgers. We are here to help no matter where the students are on their career journey.”