College Recruiting & Social Media

It seems that every high school and college student-athlete is using some form of social media almost constantly.  With the advent of smart phones, it is easier now than ever before to communicate and share opinions and thoughts.  With this greater opportunity comes a greater responsibility to be wise.  

If a high school athlete desires to have as many good scholarship options as possible, then it is important that they are wise in their social media use.  For college athletes, if they want to have as many good employment options as possible, then they need to be responsible when they post to their social media accounts.  

I recently presented at the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Leadership Conference.  My topic was social media and college recruiting.  The bottom line is that the choices we make today will shape our tomorrows.  What do we want our tomorrow to look like.  We each have a brand.  We each have a story to tell about ourselves.  What are we going to tell the world?

Here is the power point presentation that we used at the conference…

• Power Point Presentation

SIMPLE YET PROFOUND CAREER ADVICE FOR ANYONE

"How do I get a good job one day?”  

“What do I need to do now to start preparing for the ‘real world'?" 

“The sports industry is so competitive, what advice would you give?”

“What should I major in if I want to work in sports?”

These are just a few questions that are regularly asked by students or people trying to get into the sports industry.  Harvey Mackay wrote a book entitled “Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty”.  It was primarily a networking book but it also brought up a number of good points in regards to getting a job, getting a better a job and getting ahead in your job.  Having been at the college level for nearly 20 years, I was often faced with questions from students about what to do after college when they get into the “real world”. No matter what age or career you are in, it is good to ask questions before you absolutely need the answers.  It is good to have something to drink on hand when you are thirsty.  It is good to have food in the refrigerator when you are hungry.  It is good to have a parachute packed when you jump out of a plane.  Here are a few simple pieces of advice for being prepared for the “real world.”