A few weeks ago, I had the great opportunity to participate in the NCAA’s Emerging Leaders Seminar with 200 other future athletic professionals. Networking with peers in the industry and learning from professionals in the field was an indispensable experience. There were themes that echoed throughout each speaker, panel, and breakout session. I gathered my top 5 takeaways that can be applied to any professional.

5. Know yourself and be honest with yourself.
Before you can effectively work with others, it is crucial to understand your personality, leadership, and emotional characteristics. On the flip side, understanding others’ point of views and what previous experiences play a role in their opinions can help the both of you work together as a team. Honesty with oneself can help you shoot for your goals, understand your weaknesses, and adjust based on constructive criticism to further achieve your goals.

4. You are never qualified for the job on the first day.
Everyone has a ‘first day on the job’ and with the right attitude, you can learn how to do your job most effectively. Be confident, but willing to listen and learn from others. Additionally, don’t sell yourself short when applying for jobs.

3. There is not ONE “correct” path.
We heard from numerous professionals over the 3 days at ELS and not one career path was the same. Some have stayed in college athletics since the beginning, others have not. The paths to their current positions were crooked and unique. Adding to this thought was the statement from Glenn Sugiyama “to do your best job in the job that you have.” Do the job you have and take the job that is right for yourself during that time of your life.

2. Learn always, from everyone.
This was the best advice I received as an intern 5 years ago and it was echoed loudly throughout the presenters at ELS. We’ve heard it millions of times, that reading is paramount to success and it is what the most successful people in the world do constantly. Read, listen, communicate. Every situation is an opportunity to learn.

1. It’s all about relationships.
Networking aka.: relationship building. Relationships take two people and are give and take, not always take. It’s easy to reach out to people when you need something, but true relationships are built in the interim when it can grow organically. Support your peers, communicate, and genuinely grow your relationships to expand your network.

AC