University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Student-Athletes Attend 2016 Pro Day
10/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
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University of Minnesota student-athletes traded in athletic gear for professional attire to attend the third annual Pro Day, held Monday, Oct. 17, at TCF Bank Stadium.
Gopher Athletics welcomed nearly 75 companies, organizations and University departments to the stadium's DQ Club Room to meet with 575 student-athlete to discuss professional development, as well as internship and career opportunities. The event, which started in 2014, grew from 45 businesses to 75 in just three short years.
Corporations began arriving as early as 4:30 p.m., to set up their assigned tables. Recruiters were provided a dinner before student-athletes arrived at 7 p.m. to ensure they had the energy to engage with hundreds of potential employees. Along with meeting employers, student-athletes were able to get a professional photo taken to use on their own LinkedIn pages. Student-athletes also attended a breakout session presented by Land O' Lakes, during which the naming sponsor of the department's new Land O'Lakes Center for Excellence spoke about common career mishaps and how to avoid them. The second breakout session was hosted by North Star Resource Group and demonstrated how to leverage athletic experiences in job interviews.
In addition to the current student-athletes in attendance, Gopher Athletics welcomed back 50 alums who volunteered or represented a company with which they are now employed.
Director of student-athlete development Anissa Lightner and current Gopher baseball pitcher Toby Anderson spearheaded the logistics of the event.
Look who we bumped into at Pro Day! Networking for life after softball. pic.twitter.com/cHJWEECXg1
- Minnesota Softball (@GopherSoftball) October 18, 2016
#Gophers annual #MNProDay in full swing at TCF Bank Stadium! pic.twitter.com/krwTrTGoZH
- M.A.G.I.C. (@umnMAGIC) October 18, 2016
.@GopherFootball taking in #MNProDay and learning tips for their professional careers! pic.twitter.com/JMWeGlYfmp
- M.A.G.I.C. (@umnMAGIC) October 18, 2016
The guys looking sharp in their new suits for Pro Day! Dressed for success! #Gophers #RESPECT pic.twitter.com/BXEKwBXGlK
- Richard Pitino (@MNCoachPitino) October 18, 2016
