Sara Wegmann, President, Her Next Play
It’s been a tough month as COVID-19 has disrupted all our lives. We’ve all felt a huge loss with sports being suspended and cancelled, and at the same time, the job market just got a lot tougher too.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even frozen in this environment, but as athletes we all know how to compete in tough situations. And now, more than ever, you are going to need the support of a team.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that creating a successful career is 100% a team sport.
Building your team and professional community will help you as you make career decisions, look for internships and find new job opportunities. And the more competitive the job market, the more critical it is to have a strong team.
What is one thing you can do now to build your team and community of professional support?
RECONNECT
If you’re like me, there are a lot of people you think of often, but you never find the time to reach out to them. Here’s the opportunity to take the time to build your team. With everything cancelled, you probably finally have some extra free time.
So, make a list of people you already know. As an athlete, you’ve built a lot of relationships through sports, and those connections can really help your career if you invest in them.
POSSIBLE CONNECTIONS
High School and Club Coaches
Former Teammates
Teammates’ Parents
Former Teachers and Professors
High School Friends and Teammates
Boosters or Fans
Alumni from your school or team
Check in with them! Call, text, Facetime, DM, email, or send them a card.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Ask them how they are doing. Tell them how you are doing and what you are doing now.
The time to build and strengthen your team of support is NOW. Challenge yourself to reconnect with someone every day. Reach out, show empathy, and offer your help if can. This will go a long way in building your team, and ultimately helping your career.
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