The commitment to career development incorporates each of the other facets of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program through emphasis on the student-athlete's life beyond college. Career development begins the moment the student-athlete arrives at Oswego and continues after graduation. Career development strategies include the PED 295 Life Skills class, interest assessments, career workshops, the Student Athlete Mentor program and other supporting offerings.

One helpful boost is the college's Career Development Program, also known as Laker Connections. Every spring semester, an alumni group of former student-athletes speak to current student-athletes on how athletics has affected their career and personal development.

The athletics department also works with the Office of Career Services (606 Culkin Hall, x2255) to bolster student-athlete success after graduation. All students are encouraged to utilize this office's services and programs, which include a career library, computerized career decision-making system, computer resume preparation, interviewing techniques, job listings, advisement for graduate-school applications and reference folder mailings. Visit the Career Services Web site for more information.

For more information, contact Ryoko Sekiguchi, academic/life skills coordinator, at sekiguch@oswego.edu.

At a recent alumni career panel, Oswego graduates talked about their experiences in sports and the job world with current student-athletes. From left are Jackie Luszczek, '04, women's basketball; Missy Verdoliva, '99, women's soccer; Pete Sears, '71, men's ice hockey; and Frank Mahar, '93, men's lacrosse.