Developing a Structured Career Orientation Program for First-Year Football Players

Abstract

Nineteen first-year football players at North Carolina State University participated in a year-long, structured career orientation program. Participants completed a series of career exploration activities, with a primary focus on self-assessment. Results showed significant gains in career decidedness, comfort level about choice of major, and knowledge about the process of selecting a major/career. The majority of the student-athletes believed that the program helped them learn more about themselves and possible majors/careers. The program received a strong endorsement from 16 participants who committed to voluntary participation in subsequent career planning activities.