UK Athletics Employer Information and Engagement Guide
WHY SHOULD YOU PARTNER WITH US?
UK’s graduating class also has excelled in the arenas of competition in 2023-24. While at Kentucky, the graduates have been part of three team NCAA Championships, 11 conference regular-season championships and seven conference tournament championships. A total of 11 graduates have earned All-American honors while at Kentucky and 19 have gained all-conference recognition.
Student-athletes bring a unique, highly valued skillset to the workplace. They have developed resilience, possess excellent time management to balance their academic workload with a 20-hour/week rigorous athletic commitment, understand the value of teamwork, and are extremely coachable. Following our Kentucky Road programming, our students become well-rounded athletes, students, citizens, and future employees.
UK Student-Athlete Development provides a personable and highly customizable experience for employers seeking the best talent. We serve as the conduit between employers and all University of Kentucky student-athletes.
Our Wildcats are interested in a vast variety of career fields and are eager to meet with future employers.
Interested in getting involved? Check out the opportunities below!
To start the process, fill out this Employer Information Form.
How to Get Involved
Career Combine
Attend a Career Fair: The Career Combine is an annual career fair for student-athletes to pursue employer connections and career shadowing, internship, and full-time employment opportunities. In February, 2024, the Combine hosted 50 employers from a range of industries, with over 150 student-athletes in attendance.
Pro Career Institute
Provide a long-term internship: The PRO Career Institute (PCI) is a year-long program that allows student-athletes to acquire hands-on, professional experiences that will help propel them towards their desired pathway. Internships should be designed to provide student-athletes with 10-20 hours per week on site.
Curriculum-Focused Internships (For Credit)
Provide a short-term Internship: 15-week Internships that are geared toward athlete’s passions and further their academic careers by allowing them to receive university credit. Internships will occur during an academic session (fall, spring, or summer.) 124 courses include a practicum as a requirement for the major.
Full Time Recruiting
Please let our staff know of your full-time hiring needs! We have sophisticated data about our student-athletes that enables us to intentionally identify potential candidates based on the specific role. When we identify a potential/interested candidate(s), we will direct them to submit their application and will share their name, resume, and supporting details with you.
Job Shadow
Provide a job shadow: Experiential learning within desired field, not including any tasks for the student to complete. Should be less than 1 week.
Micro-Internships
Provide a Micro-Internship: A short-term project with the goal of academic learning and hands-on work experience, about 1-3 weeks in length. Can be paid or unpaid.
Informational Interviews
Provide an Informational Interview: Provide insights on your career journey, your company, and advice for entering industry/transitioning to professional world via phone, zoom, or in-person.
For additional information, read the Employer Engagement Guide linked below, or email us at thekentuckyroad@uky.edu.
Go Cats!