Career Development
Customized career coaching is an essential element of career design and discovery, including though not limited to individualized support with major exploration, resumes, interview prep, networking, professional development and job or internship searches. Certified career counselors in Athletics provide year-round access to opportunities for student-athletes to develop skills, gain experiences and build relationships with alumni or employers.
UVA Athletics welcomes new partnerships with companies or alumni, and the interest form can be accessed by clicking “Partner with Us” above. In order to enhance the internal alumni directory and opportunity database called UVA Pathways, we are actively seeking to add the types of experiences below:
- Micro-internships mindful of the scheduling challenges for student-athletes
- Entry-level roles or post-grad positions
- Externships or job shadowing
- Companies to host career treks or other one-day experiences
- Donor sponsorships for industry exploration
- Career Mentorship
The Athletics Career Advisory Board is a dedicated group of UVA student-athlete alumni leaders who actively collaborate with UVA Athletics to accelerate the career progression of current student-athletes. The advisory board is committed to fostering access to competitive career opportunities for UVA student-athletes by providing industry insights, working with respective companies to recruit UVA student-athletes, and increasing the pipeline of student-athletes being interviewed for their desired career. As an active board since 2021, members participate in quarterly meetings and provide on-grounds or virtual recruiting, job application support, interview prep and career mentorship. While all career pathways are supported, the primary focus is early recruiting for consulting, finance, general management/sales, and technology as well as pre-professional career advisement. To learn more about getting involved, email gohoos@virginia.edu.
Community Engagement
Service to others is an altruistic aspect of the student-athlete experience at UVA. With a personalized approach, student-athletes can volunteer in ways that match their interests throughout the Charlottesville area and beyond. Team and individual opportunities to serve in the community are found on Helper Helper in partnership with Cav Futures Foundation.
Leadership Development
CEO Academy
The UVA Athletics CEO Academy is a curricular and co-curricular semester-long experience that includes in-person events with McIntire School of Commerce and Darden School of Business. Participants enroll in academic micro-courses to develop foundational skills in accounting, finance, marketing, and strategy and receive a Commerce Business Essentials Credential upon successful completion.
SAAC
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) provides a forum for representatives from all 27 teams to discuss life as a student-athlete at UVA, fostering unity and collaboration within the Athletics Department. SAAC representatives provide input to the University, ACC and NCAA on rules, regulations, policies or experiences that affect student-athletes. Faculty members and staff across Grounds also engage with SAAC to build relationships, broaden perspectives, and voice concerns on matters at UVA.
SAM
Student-Athlete Mentors (SAMs) serve to educate student-athletes on health and wellness topics influencing the UVA experience. Trained by the University of Virginia’s Gordie Center, the goal is to empower Student-Athlete Mentors to build an informed, supportive and welcoming culture in the Athletics Department. Student-athlete designees on each team can make a direct impact with their platform to be honest, vulnerable and authentic through meaningful discussion with peers who understand similar pressures.
Leadership Academy
As the cornerstone of the Center for Citizen Leaders and Sports Ethics, the Leadership Academy cohorts participate in meaningful programming with thought leaders in various fields. Leadership Academy emphasizes skill development and ethical decision-making, equipping members with tools necessary to be both great and good - true citizen leaders. A two-part commitment, the Leadership Academy’s first year experience is facilitated in partnership with the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. The second year is focused on philanthropy and servant leadership through the Champions of the Community Program.
- Click here for link to “The Center for Citizen Leaders and Sports Ethics.”
Student-Athlete Affinity Groups
UVA student-athletes are encouraged to get involved in student-led affinity groups to meet individuals outside of their teams. Affinity groups within UVA Athletics strive to build relationships, understanding and empathy among the student-athlete population. If interested in learning more about the groups below, please email gohoos@virginia.edu.
- Black SAs Offering Service & Support (BOSS)
- Athletes Committed to Education (ACE)
- Athletes for Equality
- Athletes in Medicine (AiM)
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) / Athletes in Action (AIA)
- Global Hoos
- Green Athletics
- Groundskeepers
- Jewish Student-Athletes Club (JSAC)
- Run C’ville
- Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
- Student-Athlete Mentors (SAMs)
- Team IMPACT
- And more!
Student-Athlete Mental Health Week
The UVA Sport Psychology Unit hosts Student-Athlete Mental Health Week during October in collaboration with Hilinski’s Hope. While year-round services are available from UVA Athletics, this week is dedicated to creating additional opportunities for connection, education and meaningful conversations around mental wellness and sport performance.