This summer marked a significant milestone in our commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes. The Pathways Rotational Internship Program, designed by alums to equip our younger brothers with skills and experiences beyond the football field (and that many of us wish we had), culminated in a series of impressive final presentations last week. The event was attended by AD Carla Williams and Cav Futures Executive Director Lo Davis, along with members of the Football staff and Academic Advising team, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
Pathways Rotational Internship Program: A Journey Through Diverse Industries
The program began on June 4th with an overview session where participants received project instructions and learned about the business industry. This was followed by sessions on Consulting on June 12th, Finance on June 18th, and Technology on June 26th. Each session provided an in-depth look into the respective fields, allowing our student-athletes to explore specific functional roles and understand the overlap between different industries.
After a brief break during the Fourth of July week, the program resumed with a presentation practice session on July 11th, where participants received one-on-one feedback from alumni over Zoom. The program concluded with the final in-person presentations on July 16th, where our student-athletes demonstrated their newfound knowledge and skills.
Structure and Objectives
The Pathways Rotational Internship Program was designed to expose our student-athletes to competitive industries within a condensed timeframe—as you're well aware, a football player's schedule doesn't often leave sufficient time for traditional summer employment opportunities. The first four meetings provided an overview of business, consulting, finance, and technology, with the final sessions focused on project work and presentation skills.
Throughout the program, participants compared opportunities across various fields, explored specific roles within industries, identified entry-level positions of interest, and practiced public speaking. These activities aimed to help them develop a comprehensive understanding of the job market and prepare them for future career opportunities.
Final Presentations: Showcasing Growth and Potential
The final presentations were the highlight of the program. Each student-athlete presented an overview of the industry they were most interested in, explaining its significance in the economy and society, and sharing their personal motivations for pursuing a career in that field. They highlighted the transferable skills they had gained from their education and football experiences, such as teamwork and leadership, and discussed how these skills would help them succeed in their chosen industry.
They also addressed common barriers to entry in their chosen fields and proposed strategies to overcome these challenges. Additionally, they provided insights into current trends and future prospects within the industry, emphasizing growth opportunities. Finally, they outlined a clear action plan, detailing the steps they would take to achieve their career goals, including networking with alumni and pursuing relevant courses and internships.
The Impact and Future of the Program
Our younger brothers also benefited from insights shared by older brothers who have excelled in their professional careers. Paul Freedman '12 spoke on business development and sales, sharing strategies for success in a competitive market. Jack Gruninger '90 provided valuable insights into the technology sector, highlighting the latest trends and opportunities. David Brown '92 discussed the dynamic world of financial services, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Matt Gahm '21 covered consulting, offering practical advice on problem-solving and client management.
Additionally, in late spring Rick Ramsey '01 and Chris Trapp '05 hosted players for in-person internships, generously offering their time while providing insights and practical exposure in finance and technology.
The final presentations were a testament to the dedication and growth of our student-athletes. Dr. Carla Williams, along with the football staff and academic advisors, were impressed by the depth of understanding and professionalism displayed by the participants.
The Pathways Rotational Internship Program has set a high standard for career development initiatives at UVA. It has provided our student-athletes with valuable insights into various industries, practical skills, and a roadmap for their future careers.
It also highlights the commitment our Club has made to the current roster of players; shoes we all once occupied. The impetus for this group has always been rooted in the shared experiences of Virginia Football—where initial "dues" are paid to the program and to your teammates as an undergrad, and where "membership" is conferred at the end of one's career. That doesn't change.
In recent years, though, we've increasingly sought to engage with the team, recognizing that many of us lacked an awareness and connection to our Alumni brotherhood until long after we'd left Grounds. And so we waded through much of those early post-grad years on our own. Several of you felt that we should do better by and for each other. Thus, here we are, and we are excited to continue building on this foundation and supporting our players in their journey beyond the football field.
Thank you to all of you who participated and supported this program, and in particular, Director of Career Advising Heidi VandeHoef-Gunn, whose tireless work and continued partnership is making a real difference. Together, we are empowering our brothers to excel in all areas of life. Go Hoos!
