Alumni Focus - Nick Rivers, Men's Basketball (B.S. 2011, M.B.A 2013)
1/17/2018 3:39:00 PM | Life Skills
Each month, The Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program focuses on the career and professional development of a former University of Pittsburgh student-athlete. In this edition, former Pitt Men's Basketball student-athlete and current campus recruiter at DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. Nick Rivers (B.S. 2011, M.B.A. 2013), shares his thoughts and insights regarding his career and professional development.
What is your current occupation(s)? What do you like most about your job(s)?
I am currently a Campus Recruiter at DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. I build relationships with brilliant business students from around the country and show them how they can begin exciting and rewarding careers.
How did your experience as a Pitt student-athlete help in your career and professional development?
A Pitt experience is valuable because it immerses you into a city that is growing, developing, and thriving at a rapid pace. Pittsburgh is a close knit community that loves its athletes. If you take the time to build a network, you can build bonds and gain access to anything you want to accomplish.
Who had the biggest positive impact on your career and professional development while you were a student-athlete at Pitt? Why were they so impactful?
My head coach Jamie Dixon had the biggest impact on my career and professional development because he gave me the opportunity to be a part of the most premier basketball program in the country which built me a platform to network with the people that gave me my first internships, opportunities for educational advancement, and career opportunities.
Others who had positive impacts on my career and professional development were leaders like Penny Semaia (Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Student Life) who taught me the value of positively channeling my enthusiasm and passion for people. Mike Farabaugh (Director of Academic Support Services) gave me access to the resources that kept me on track academically and assisted me in achieving an advanced degree.Also Tony Salesi(Executive Associate Athletic Director, Coaches and Performance) who was an example of how far you can go if you put others needs before your own and use your expertise to build genuine relationships with people. Curtis Aiken who was instrumental in teaching me how to conduct myself in the business world, and the importance of giving back to young student-athletes who come after you. It truly takes a village to develop a student-athlete throughout a college journey and I was blessed enough to have dozens of mentors and friends who have helped and continue to help me along the way.
What advice do you have for current University of Pittsburgh student-athletes regarding their career and professional development?
While it is good to have strong relationships within the athletic department, it is important to have equally strong relationships with people outside of the athletic department. We have the best Life Skills Department in the country, be an active participant in every program they offer. Supplement what Life Skills offers you by making friends and having mentors outside of athletics because you never know the opportunities that can be presented to if you step out of your comfort zone and branch out. Go to community events, join clubs and organizations in the general student body, build relationships with professors, professionals, and alumni all over the city!
What is your current occupation(s)? What do you like most about your job(s)?
I am currently a Campus Recruiter at DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc. I build relationships with brilliant business students from around the country and show them how they can begin exciting and rewarding careers.
How did your experience as a Pitt student-athlete help in your career and professional development?
A Pitt experience is valuable because it immerses you into a city that is growing, developing, and thriving at a rapid pace. Pittsburgh is a close knit community that loves its athletes. If you take the time to build a network, you can build bonds and gain access to anything you want to accomplish.
Who had the biggest positive impact on your career and professional development while you were a student-athlete at Pitt? Why were they so impactful?
My head coach Jamie Dixon had the biggest impact on my career and professional development because he gave me the opportunity to be a part of the most premier basketball program in the country which built me a platform to network with the people that gave me my first internships, opportunities for educational advancement, and career opportunities.
Others who had positive impacts on my career and professional development were leaders like Penny Semaia (Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Student Life) who taught me the value of positively channeling my enthusiasm and passion for people. Mike Farabaugh (Director of Academic Support Services) gave me access to the resources that kept me on track academically and assisted me in achieving an advanced degree.Also Tony Salesi(Executive Associate Athletic Director, Coaches and Performance) who was an example of how far you can go if you put others needs before your own and use your expertise to build genuine relationships with people. Curtis Aiken who was instrumental in teaching me how to conduct myself in the business world, and the importance of giving back to young student-athletes who come after you. It truly takes a village to develop a student-athlete throughout a college journey and I was blessed enough to have dozens of mentors and friends who have helped and continue to help me along the way.
What advice do you have for current University of Pittsburgh student-athletes regarding their career and professional development?
While it is good to have strong relationships within the athletic department, it is important to have equally strong relationships with people outside of the athletic department. We have the best Life Skills Department in the country, be an active participant in every program they offer. Supplement what Life Skills offers you by making friends and having mentors outside of athletics because you never know the opportunities that can be presented to if you step out of your comfort zone and branch out. Go to community events, join clubs and organizations in the general student body, build relationships with professors, professionals, and alumni all over the city!
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