University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pursuing a Career in Sports: Burton, Semaia Reflect on Forum
6/12/2020 11:50:00 AM | General, Women's Gymnastics
Forever Panthers Represent Pitt at NCAA Career in Sports Forum
INDIANAPOLIS – Gymnast Michaela Burton and senior administrator Penny Semaia recently represented the University of Pittsburgh Department of Athletics when attending the virtual 2020 NCAA Career in Sports forum, held May 27-29.
Burton, a recent graduate, attended the three-day forum to get a better understanding of a career and life after sports. The forum is geared toward junior and senior student-athletes who want to continue to work in and around sports even after their athletic career comes to an end.
"Being an athlete, I have always wanted to stay around sports," Burton said. "I have always had a passion for coaching, but after the forum I have learned about so many other possible jobs in the sports world."
Although held virtually, Burton stated that the forum ran very smoothly, and she felt there was no disconnect between the students and those running the workshops. Being online made it easier to give the main speaker full attention and ask questions with mediators.
"The cons were of course not getting to meet all of the incredible people part of this in person and not getting to tour the NCAA facilities," she said. "I'm excited that this event was still able to go on because I learned so much and have found a new passion for sports since recently retiring from mine."
For other student-athletes who want to stay active in the sports world, Semaia and Burton's advice was to ask questions and be curious. There are so many different fields within the world of sports, and even more people willing to help these students to continue to achieve their goals.
"I would tell other athletes if they want to stay around sports when they retire to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes," Burton said. "If you know what goes on behind the scenes and ask questions to people in every department, you can prepare yourself for your next steps after graduation."
Semaia, Pitt's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Life, was the emcee on the second day of the event. As the emcee, Semaia began the day with the athletes, helped with transitions and introductions, and made closing remarks about the day. While he has been involved with the forum before, this was his first experience being virtually involved.
"Having 400 student-athletes on a virtual call has its challenges," Semaia said. "I think that the NCAA, specifically their Leadership Development Division, did a fabulous job. They incorporated breakout sessions, where the student-athletes could network and engage with each other, and they provided the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the speakers."
The forum is not only beneficial to the student-athletes, but those who run it as well. As Pitt's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Life, Semaia spends a lot of time interacting with students and trying to gain perspective on how to create a positive environment for them.
"I believe being engaged and hearing from a huge population of student-athletes provides me with a wider lens of questions, topics, and insight into the overall student-athlete experience," Semaia said. "It allows me to engage with our student-athletes in a deeper way to help ensure we are providing the right resources and support for them."
While held virtually, the 2020 NCAA Career in Sports Forum was still a resounding success for student-athletes and mentors alike. It was successful in providing a diverse lineup of people to educate young student-athletes on the possibilities after leaving their athletic career.
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Burton, a recent graduate, attended the three-day forum to get a better understanding of a career and life after sports. The forum is geared toward junior and senior student-athletes who want to continue to work in and around sports even after their athletic career comes to an end.
"Being an athlete, I have always wanted to stay around sports," Burton said. "I have always had a passion for coaching, but after the forum I have learned about so many other possible jobs in the sports world."
Although held virtually, Burton stated that the forum ran very smoothly, and she felt there was no disconnect between the students and those running the workshops. Being online made it easier to give the main speaker full attention and ask questions with mediators.
"The cons were of course not getting to meet all of the incredible people part of this in person and not getting to tour the NCAA facilities," she said. "I'm excited that this event was still able to go on because I learned so much and have found a new passion for sports since recently retiring from mine."
For other student-athletes who want to stay active in the sports world, Semaia and Burton's advice was to ask questions and be curious. There are so many different fields within the world of sports, and even more people willing to help these students to continue to achieve their goals.
"I would tell other athletes if they want to stay around sports when they retire to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes," Burton said. "If you know what goes on behind the scenes and ask questions to people in every department, you can prepare yourself for your next steps after graduation."
Semaia, Pitt's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Life, was the emcee on the second day of the event. As the emcee, Semaia began the day with the athletes, helped with transitions and introductions, and made closing remarks about the day. While he has been involved with the forum before, this was his first experience being virtually involved.
"Having 400 student-athletes on a virtual call has its challenges," Semaia said. "I think that the NCAA, specifically their Leadership Development Division, did a fabulous job. They incorporated breakout sessions, where the student-athletes could network and engage with each other, and they provided the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the speakers."
The forum is not only beneficial to the student-athletes, but those who run it as well. As Pitt's Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Life, Semaia spends a lot of time interacting with students and trying to gain perspective on how to create a positive environment for them.
"I believe being engaged and hearing from a huge population of student-athletes provides me with a wider lens of questions, topics, and insight into the overall student-athlete experience," Semaia said. "It allows me to engage with our student-athletes in a deeper way to help ensure we are providing the right resources and support for them."
While held virtually, the 2020 NCAA Career in Sports Forum was still a resounding success for student-athletes and mentors alike. It was successful in providing a diverse lineup of people to educate young student-athletes on the possibilities after leaving their athletic career.
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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