University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Connect: Benefitting Minnesota Companies
3/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Gopher Connect
March 18, 2014
A New Way of Thinking
Gopher Connect is an unprecedented initiative connecting Minnesota companies and University of Minnesota student-athletes to develop tomorrow's leaders and positively impact the state of Minnesota's future.
Gopher Connect is a new way of thinking about student-athlete development and professional talent identification. By centralizing a full suite of professional development and networking opportunities available to Gopher student-athletes, Gopher Connect provides an easy and efficient solution for matching top young talent with outstanding companies across Minnesota.
Our Incredible Student-Athletes
Throughout their time at the University of Minnesota, our 750 student-athletes continually strengthen valuable characteristics such as teamwork, resourcefulness, persistence and time management. Their hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the playing field are a credit to their character and their incredible desire to succeed in everything they do.
An Extraordinary Business Opportunity
Gopher Connect matches these student-athletes with companies based on relevant interests and skills, offering companies an efficient way to identify, develop and actively evaluate these extraordinary young men and women throughout their academic careers. Unlike more traditional means of talent evaluation, hands-on engagement with student-athletes provides companies the opportunity to build lasting relationships and a detailed understanding of potential intern or job candidates prior to making hiring decisions. It also creates regular opportunities to teach key skills, such as leadership, to strengthen our student-athletes as tomorrow's innovators and leaders.
For Minnesota companies, Gopher Connect creates unmatched talent development, evaluation and placement opportunities, producing outstanding value on time and resources invested.
Positive Impact for Minnesota
Through Gopher Connect, you have an opportunity to interact with top young talent in the Twin Cities. These aspiring professionals develop skills and values at the U of M that prepare them to positively impact local companies and Minnesota's economy. Your involvement gives you face-to-face opportunities to further strengthen their core skills, evaluate these young adults for potential job placement and develop them into the leaders Minnesota companies need to remain strong into the future.
Get Involved
There are many ways for your company to get involved with Gopher Connect. The greatest support you can provide our student-athletes through Gopher Connect is your time and expertise. Investing time in Gopher Connect has great value for your business and provides our student-athletes with priceles guidance from expert voices. Additionally, companies can support Gopher Connect by sharing resources, investing financially and by partnering with the University to create internship and job placement programs.
For more information about getting involved with Gopher Connect, please contact Peyton Owens, assistant athletics director for student-athlete development at the University of Minnesota. He can be reached at owens140@umn.edu or at (612) 624-5834.
