Happy Holidays everyone! I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday season. Before you indulge in traveling, family time and presents, here's 12 days (actually reasons - that was my lame attempt at a holiday themed post) why I chose USF. Just remember, I'm from a suburb of Dallas and went to small town Fayetteville, Arkansas for college. So if I can educe the change, so can you.. And yes I brought back the GIFS.
#1 - You're in one of the most influential cities in America, if not the world.
USF is located in a city with a population over 825,000 along with numerous athletic teams, outdoor recreation businesses and fitness facilities. While taking classes, students have access to multiple internships or practicums with the variety of business opportunities that will enhance the learning experience while preparing for a career.
#1 - You're in one of the most influential cities in America, if not the world.
USF is located in a city with a population over 825,000 along with numerous athletic teams, outdoor recreation businesses and fitness facilities. While taking classes, students have access to multiple internships or practicums with the variety of business opportunities that will enhance the learning experience while preparing for a career.
#2 - Gain over 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.
Your internships with leading professional sport teams, universities, or agencies can start as soon as day one. Don't wait around, jump right in!
Your internships with leading professional sport teams, universities, or agencies can start as soon as day one. Don't wait around, jump right in!
#3 - Grad school is job preparation.
Always be looking for ways to enhance your skills because this is the time to learn. As a follow up from the previous reason, do your research. Find out what’s hot in your field, what’s necessary, what’s in demand. Be proactive during your time in grad school.
Always be looking for ways to enhance your skills because this is the time to learn. As a follow up from the previous reason, do your research. Find out what’s hot in your field, what’s necessary, what’s in demand. Be proactive during your time in grad school.
#4 - Learn from leaders in the field.
The teaching faculty and influential guest speakers have all experienced multiple scenarios to share with students new to the industry. They're insight and lessons can be valuable and help your path in this industry.
The teaching faculty and influential guest speakers have all experienced multiple scenarios to share with students new to the industry. They're insight and lessons can be valuable and help your path in this industry.
#5 - Join an active alumni network.
The USF network is huge. You have access to over 1,500 alumni who are leaders in the sport industry, use them! Even if they aren't in your specific field you want, making those connections could lead you to the dream job you've always wanted.
The USF network is huge. You have access to over 1,500 alumni who are leaders in the sport industry, use them! Even if they aren't in your specific field you want, making those connections could lead you to the dream job you've always wanted.
#6 - Attend evening class once a week.
Going to class once a week has it's perks. Rather than hitting a brick wall like you probably did once you graduated with your bachelors, this program allows you to get that job before you even graduate. Earn your Master's degree in 23 months!
Going to class once a week has it's perks. Rather than hitting a brick wall like you probably did once you graduated with your bachelors, this program allows you to get that job before you even graduate. Earn your Master's degree in 23 months!
#7 - This might be more like a graduate school reason but, the research.
As a grad student, you work on problems/issues that have no known solution, or are up for discussion and debate. It brings our your creative and intellectual side. Boundaries are pushed which can cause second guesses. You can head down a path combining two completely different ares of research, and see what you discover. The goal isn’t to do what you know, but to push yourself beyond that, and find your limits.
#8 - The in-between stage.
I’m not sure how many grad students like this, but I really do. Being a grad student is a bit like being in limbo. You’ve got a lot more responsibility and respect than an undergrad, but you don’t have all the administrative work and extra stress of being a professor. In the work place, most employers know you're a student and remember what it's like, allowing you time to balance your schoolwork (that is if you have a USF alumni in your workplace). Being a grad student is a chance to make mistakes and know that someone is around who is there to help you catch them and fix it. Take advantage of any learning opportunity that is thrown your way!
#9 - Don’t be afraid to take on volunteer work and part-time gigs.
It's usually the smaller based jobs that give you a large learning curve. Try new things and let your résumé and character build. That will give you skills that will be useful both in and out of school and your jobs. Plus, the more experience you have, the more examples and talking points you'll have during interviews!
It's usually the smaller based jobs that give you a large learning curve. Try new things and let your résumé and character build. That will give you skills that will be useful both in and out of school and your jobs. Plus, the more experience you have, the more examples and talking points you'll have during interviews!
#10 - Meet others who share the same passion.
The cohort experience fosters life-long personal and professional relationships with a diverse group of students. When new cohorts start, mingle with them too! You never know who you'll become friends with or even be working with in the future.
#11 - Is grad school and working in sports supposed to be this much fun?
If you're as passionate about working in sports as I am, each day is a new adventure. After dipping my toes in multiple organizations, I never imagined I would be doing the amount that I'm actually doing. While I watch and be a part of history, I'm obtaining my Master's. How cool is that?
#12 - It's seriously the best program.
Sure, I'm biased but come on. You're living in one of the biggest cities in the world and have so much more than you could ever imagined right in front of your nose. You can't beat it.
