Ohio State Football Beyond Four Years
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Via Ohio State FB
Coming from a university that places great emphasis on networking and building genuine business relationships (Full Sail University), I was excited to hear about the Ohio State Football Real Life Wednesdays program. Although this program is not new, one of their latest videos captures the real mission and vision for Real Life Wednesdays.
Real Life Wednesdays is a three-phase program that takes student-athletes through the process of filling and maintaining their "toolbox" and building brand awareness through internship opportunities and career fairs. By bringing in guest speakers such as Phil Knight (Nike), Dan Gilbert (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Kenneth Chenault (American Express) athletes have the opportunity to shake hands and connect with some of the top executives in the nation. In the words of Ryan Stamper, Director of Player Development for Ohio State Football, "we don't want to make sure our guys are just set for the four years they're here. My goal is to make sure they're set for the next 40 years."
Being that Columbus, Ohio is the 15th largest city in the nation and the state is home to 25 Fortune 500 companies, Ohio State also provides student-athletes with internship opportunities with many companies in Ohio and around the country. Also, through the Real Life Wednesdays program, athletes are given opportunities to shadow companies and executive and are taken through mock interviews.
From My Perspective:
I think Real Life Wednesdays is a program that every school needs from high schools to colleges and universities. These days, having a high school diploma or a college degree is not enough. Taking advantage of every opportunity, you have to connect and network with potential employers or industry professionals is the key to establishing a long career after graduation.
Many student-athletes are not well-equipped with the tools needed after college or after their sports career. I'm not sure if the Real Life Wednesdays program is for all student-athletes, but Ohio State Football has a very organized plan in place for their athletes.
Check out the video below to see what Ohio State is doing to prepare student-athletes for a life and career beyond four years.
Sources: Ohio State Football