KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State University student-athletes traded jerseys for jackets Tuesday evening at the KSU Center, where they participated in a "networking scrimmage" to help them sharpen their professional networking skills before entering the workforce.
More than a dozen major employers, including Microsoft, Southern Company, Lockheed Martin and Aflac, engaged with student-athletes during the 90-minute event. The goal was to give students an opportunity to practice introducing themselves, sharing their academic and athletic accomplishments, and discussing potential career interests in a low-pressure environment.
"The networking scrimmage was a great experience that allowed me to communicate with over 20 professionals in various fields," said Caroline Cole, a senior on the KSU volleyball team. "It helped me learn how to approach and network myself to employers in multiple different industries."
For many student-athletes, whose schedules are dominated by practices, travel, competition, and academic requirements, opportunities like this are rare. The scrimmage-style event gives them a chance to build confidence in a setting where mistakes are welcomed, and feedback is part of the process.
"This event gives our student-athletes a much-needed opportunity to practice before they're in a high-stakes situation," said Director of Student-Athlete Development Megan Stoltzfus. "With their busy schedules, many haven't had the chance to attend events like this before."
The evening concluded with an employer advice panel featuring three professionals, all former student-athletes, who shared personal stories of transitioning from sports to the workplace. They also offered tips to help current athletes navigate their own post-collegiate paths.
"Since I am graduating this May, I was nervous about networking and marketing myself to professionals," Cole said. "But this scrimmage provided me with invaluable experience that helped me gain confidence as I enter my professional journey."
The event was well attended and received positive feedback from both employers and students, emphasizing the value of creating practice environments that build confidence and career readiness.
