Building Champions For Life
3/24/2016 2:15:00 PM | Athletics, Bearkat Champions Fund
More than 80 Sam Houston student-athletes who, like the NCAA's famous ad slogan says, “are going pro in something other than sports” attended Enterprise Holdings' eighth annual presentation on career skills this week.
Jamie Barry; Sterling Hardin, Jr. and Lauren E. Holdorff from Enterprise Holdings discussed the transferable skills that athletes can take from the playing field to the business world. Subjects in the presentation included resumes, dress, body language, interview skills and experiences from intercollegiate athletics that can help them land that first job.
Barry, a Sam Houston graduate, is a talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings in North Houston. Hardin is a sales executive in Spring. Holdorff is a talent acquisition specialist in Houston.
Hardin and Holdorff both were student-athletes themselves. Hardin was a running back at Southeast Missouri. Holdroff played volleyball at Lamar. All three know and identify with the challenges that await current student-athletes in getting a job after graduation and finding success in the business world.
“Athletes have certain transferable skills that make them attractive to employers,” Sterling told his audience. “Being part of a team, knowing how to work towards a common goal, experience in overcoming obstacles and the art of juggling practice and competition schedules with classes and personal lives. Those skills are why Enterprise hires a lot of former student-athletes.”
With an audience that consisted mostly of juniors and seniors, the three speakers took the student-athletes through each step of the process of finding a job. They emphasized the important of professionalism in each aspect from resume to appearance and attitude at an interview.
“You want to dress for the position you want, not what you are,” Barry said. “If you want to be a manager, dress like a manager. You want your resume to sell the skills that will make you an attractive applicant. It needs to be one page and be geared to the position for which you are applying.”
Holdroff emphasized the importance of preparation before an interview.
“Interviews are competitive. You have to prepare for an interview just like you prepare for a game,” Holdroff said. “You need to practice with mock interview. It will help you get over being nervous. And make sure you know something about the company. You need to do some research before the interview.”
Timeliness is important. Barry urged the student-athletes to be at the site of their interview 18 minutes before it is scheduled.
“You need to know where you are going,” Barry said. “Don't just put a GPS address into your phone. If possible, you can visit the location and know where you are supposed to be. And most important, bring energy to the interview.”
All three Enterprise representatives continued to emphasize the skills and experiences which will give the student-athlete an advantage in seeking a job.
“An athlete doesn't have a lot of work experience to discuss,” Hardin said. “But they have skills learned in competition that employers want and need – patience, positive attitude, resourcefulness, focus. Athletes are competitive and that's what employers look for.”
The Bearkat student-athletes found the presentation informative and helpful and appreciated the willingness of the presenters to answer any and all questions.
“This was one of the most informative hours we've spent here,” Sam Houston senior bowler Carrie Hopkinson said. “They've been on the decision side of tons of interviews. We're hearing things that can help us straight from someone who has been in our shoes.”
One of the most popular activities of the meeting came following the presentation when Hardin gave a demonstration on the professional way to tie a tie.
“Mr. Hardin was right there with us step by step until we got it right,” Bearkat junior basketball player Dakarai Henderson said. “There was a lot of great information given to us tonight.”
All three representatives from Enterprise Holdings were impressed with the Bearkat student-athletes as well.
“We really enjoyed the energy and interest they showed,” Holdroff said. “We got a lot more questions and reactions from our presentation than we do at some of the universities where we go.”
Chris Thompson, Sam Houston associate athletic director for student services, expressed her gratitude for the Enterprise trio to go beyond the normal hour allotted and spend extra time with the Bearkats.
“Jamie, Sterling and Lauren gave a remarkable presentation and really connected with the kids,” Thompson said. “Enterprise has been doing this for our student-athletes now for eight years and their help is greatly appreciated.”
Enterprise Holdings also supports the Sam Houston Athletic Department with annual financial contributions. Last spring Barry visited the campus with Enterprise regional vice president Joseph Cardello and human resources manager Monica Sugarek to present athletics with a $5,000 check.
“Sam Houston definitely appreciates the great support we receive from Enterprise,” Thompson said. “The Enterprise workshop has helped so many of our athletes as they prepare for life after graduation. Several of our student-athletes have ended up working for Enterprise as both interns and employees.”
Sam Houston athletics' goal of “Building Champions” is a team effort. Academic services, strength & conditioning, and training/medical treatment are an important part of the team. Alumni, friends and fans join the team too by becoming a Bearkat Champion.
Building Champions results in more than winning games, it involves creating well-rounded student-athletes. To do this, academic resources such as the Enterprise Job Skill presentation are necessary to assist them accomplish their goals in the classroom and in life. Support the Bearkat Champions Academic Fund to directly impact the future of over 400 student-athletes at the Bearkat Champions Academic Fund link
