Life After Ball is the program that assists our athletes with the transition from their sport to the professional world upon graduation. LAB is comprised of three pillars: Connections, Exposure, and Preparation. Every program and event we put on falls under one of these pillars. LAB would not work if it wasn’t for the incredible people in this network that contribute to it.
Athlete alumni are also able to take advantage of select Life After Ball opportunities as well. Scroll down for more information.
CONNECTIONS:
The Life After Ball network is made up of many SMU alums and people in the DFW community. Our athletes have the benefit of utilizing their platform as an athlete to leverage these connections and the many opportunities that exist in a booming city like Dallas. Our Professional Networking Dinners and Mentorship opportunities are the primary ways in which we help foster organic connections.
EXPOSURE:
How do you know what you want to do with your life if you don’t know what’s out there
TO do? Exposure to the many different sectors, industries, and jobs is crucial to learning not only what opportunities are out there, but also what skill sets are needed and how to get connected with different companies early on. Our Career Interest Talks are provided several times per term and help our athletes identify their interests.
PREPARATION:
It is vital that our athletes are prepared to begin their entrance into the workforce. Our “
Sutton Family Foundation Professional Development Series (PDS)” is our career prep program consisting of six workshops: Elevator Pitch & Selling Yourself, Networking 101, Taxes & Credit, LinkedIn & Resumes, Interview Prep, and Mental Health and the Transition out of Sports. All athletes are encouraged to complete the PDS by their graduating semester. It is highly recommended that athletes do this more than one time, ideally in sophomore and junior year, and senior year for a refresher. Upon completion of the PDS, each athlete earns a custom suit. Athletes are also provided with the opportunity to get their headshots taken for their LinkedIn profiles as well.
STUDENT-ATHLETE ALUMNI:
If you are a student-athlete alum, the Professional Development Series (PDS), Career Interest Talks, Professional Networking Dinners, as well as Resume assistance and Interview Preparation are all available to you to take part in. Additionally, we can add your resume to our digital resume book at any time.
Please contact Lisa Rawlins or Marissa Watters for the semester dates and any other needs.
