BOONE, N.C. – Tuesday night, Appalachian State Athletics partnered with the Department of Student Development to host Student-Athlete Networking Night in the Athletics Center. Over 100 App State student-athletes were in attendance to interact with recruiters and business owners, some of whom were former App student-athletes themselves.

Student-athletes were given the opportunity to connect one-on-one in a career-fair setting and then had the chance to address a panel of former athletes who have moved on to successful careers. The night was a collaborative effort with the Appalachian State Department of Student Development and Dr. Susan McCracken, who served as moderator for the evening.

“The purpose of this event, and all our Mountaineer RISE programming, is to provide our student-athletes with the foundation to transition into a successful life after athletics,” Senior Associate A.D. for Administration Brittney Whiteside said. “Student-athletes often graduate lacking work experience because of the rigors of their academic and athletics schedules. The networking night gives the student-athletes an opportunity to practice networking skills, meet prospective employers, and learn more about the transferrable skills they possess as a student-athlete.”

Rising senior Courtney Sullivan is a member of the volleyball team and a sustainable development major with an emphasis on business. She used the evening to assess her preparation for next year, when her playing career will be winding down and the next step quickly approaching.

“Coming out to an event like this with your fellow student-athletes and networking I think helps prepare us all for life after college athletics,” Sullivan said Tuesday night. “You're in professional attire, networking, trying to lay the groundwork and gain a special edge for your future when the time comes to pursue a job. It's inspiring to see (former athletes), where they're at, and how they've continued to use the skills they developed as an athlete. It shows us what we need to do to succeed.”

Former App track athlete Claire Duval is an App State grad ('11) and she began laying the groundwork for her career on similar networking nights at App during her college days. Injuries cut Duval's distance-running career short, so she spent her time building a resume during college, had a job in place before she graduated, and is now the Field Marketing Manager, Retail Division for E & J Gallo in Virginia.

“App really does a fabulous job of giving every opportunity to their students (to gain experience),” Duval said. “Setting them up with career fairs and these type of events. If you put in the time and attend, you're going to have an opportunity to get a job before you graduate.”

Duval did just that, starting out as a sales rep in the Boone area and has climbed the corporate ladder within her company. Now, she is back at her alma mater recruiting, looking for the same student-athletes that are now in her former shoes.  

“It's important to let athletes know just because they don't have the time for part-time jobs and internships, it doesn't mean they can't take something from their experiences and be very appealing hires. These opportunities are in place and I'm here recruiting knowing there are talented people at Appalachian State,” Duval added.

-App State-