University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Eric Miller
Gopher Athletics Hosts Pro Day
10/23/2019 6:51:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics hosted the sixth-annual Pro Day, Monday, Oct. 21 at TCF Bank Stadium.
A job fair and networking event, Pro Day connected 70 participating organizations with nearly 600 Gopher student-athletes to build relationships, learn more about a variety of companies and career opportunities, and grow professionally for life after athletics.
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The idea for Pro Day grew from the suggestion of a Gopher student-athlete and has expanded since its inception in 2014. Gopher Athletics welcomed 45 organizations during that first event five years ago.
Companies from across Minnesota began lining the DQ Club Room as the business day ended, setting up their stations. The organizations were welcomed to the event with a dinner before setting up their stations. Pro Day intern and current student-athlete Nayoka Clunis addressed the business representatives on the importance of hiring student-athletes, but also what international student-athletes can bring to their organization.
First-year Gophers visited the M Club Room on the stadium's ground level for a Pro Day orientation to best navigate the event. Former Gopher football standout and current Land O'Lakes, Inc., employee Brandon Lingen spoke on how to get the most out of Pro Day. He provided tips for connecting with organizations, notably how to deliver a successful elevator speech.
Once inside the DQ Club Room, student-athletes roamed the various stations, passed out resumes, and spoke with individuals across industries. During the two-hour event, student-athletes also had the chance to take professional headshots for their LinkedIn pages. Student-athletes were encouraged to download the mobile GuideBook app, which allowed them to search companies at Pro Day and opportunities available through their organization. The app also featured event prep checklists and follow-up information with employers after the event.
On the sixth floor, students interested in open discussions and panels were available for student-athletes interested in going into the medical field and preparing for the MCAT.
Gopher Athletics Would Like to Thank the Following Organziations for their Attendance:
3M
ACR Homes
Aerotek
Allina Health
Allianz Life
American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance
Anoka-Hennepin School District
APi Group Inc.
Apprize Technology
AXA Advisors
Best Buy HQ
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Center For Sales Leadership and Education
Choice Bank
Coyote Logistics
Entrust Datacard
EY
First Care
Four51
Gradient Financial Group
iHeartMedia
Infor
Insight Global
Merrill Lynch/ Bank of America
Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
Minnesota State Patrol
Moments Hospice
Mutual of Omaha
New Life Family Services
North Star Resource Group
Northwestern Mutual Minneapolis
Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities
Osseo Area Schools
Polaris Industries
Priority1inc
ReedGroup
RBC Wealth Management
Schwan's Company
SciTechsperience Internship Program at MHTA
Securian Financial
Slalom
Target
TCF Bank
Thrivent Financial
Travelers
United States Marine Corps
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota - Athletics
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management
University of Minnesota Pre-Law Advising
Viking Forest Products
Waste Management Inc
A job fair and networking event, Pro Day connected 70 participating organizations with nearly 600 Gopher student-athletes to build relationships, learn more about a variety of companies and career opportunities, and grow professionally for life after athletics.
>
The idea for Pro Day grew from the suggestion of a Gopher student-athlete and has expanded since its inception in 2014. Gopher Athletics welcomed 45 organizations during that first event five years ago.
Companies from across Minnesota began lining the DQ Club Room as the business day ended, setting up their stations. The organizations were welcomed to the event with a dinner before setting up their stations. Pro Day intern and current student-athlete Nayoka Clunis addressed the business representatives on the importance of hiring student-athletes, but also what international student-athletes can bring to their organization.
First-year Gophers visited the M Club Room on the stadium's ground level for a Pro Day orientation to best navigate the event. Former Gopher football standout and current Land O'Lakes, Inc., employee Brandon Lingen spoke on how to get the most out of Pro Day. He provided tips for connecting with organizations, notably how to deliver a successful elevator speech.
Once inside the DQ Club Room, student-athletes roamed the various stations, passed out resumes, and spoke with individuals across industries. During the two-hour event, student-athletes also had the chance to take professional headshots for their LinkedIn pages. Student-athletes were encouraged to download the mobile GuideBook app, which allowed them to search companies at Pro Day and opportunities available through their organization. The app also featured event prep checklists and follow-up information with employers after the event.
On the sixth floor, students interested in open discussions and panels were available for student-athletes interested in going into the medical field and preparing for the MCAT.
Gopher Athletics Would Like to Thank the Following Organziations for their Attendance:
3M
ACR Homes
Aerotek
Allina Health
Allianz Life
American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance
Anoka-Hennepin School District
APi Group Inc.
Apprize Technology
AXA Advisors
Best Buy HQ
BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Center For Sales Leadership and Education
Choice Bank
Coyote Logistics
Entrust Datacard
EY
First Care
Four51
Gradient Financial Group
iHeartMedia
Infor
Insight Global
Merrill Lynch/ Bank of America
Minnesota Twins Baseball Club
Minnesota State Patrol
Moments Hospice
Mutual of Omaha
New Life Family Services
North Star Resource Group
Northwestern Mutual Minneapolis
Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities
Osseo Area Schools
Polaris Industries
Priority1inc
ReedGroup
RBC Wealth Management
Schwan's Company
SciTechsperience Internship Program at MHTA
Securian Financial
Slalom
Target
TCF Bank
Thrivent Financial
Travelers
United States Marine Corps
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota - Athletics
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management
University of Minnesota Pre-Law Advising
Viking Forest Products
Waste Management Inc
2025 Pro Day
Monday, November 24
Leadership Council Kickoff Retreat
Tuesday, November 04
2025 Sophomore Summits
Friday, April 11
Gopher Hockey Delivers Teddy Bears
Thursday, January 16