Temple University Athletics
A “Verified” Success: Temple Athletics Career Development Prepares Student-Athletes for Professional Life
9.10.18 | General
There are over 500 student-athletes that attend Temple University during a given year, and as the old NCAA television advertisement stated accurately "almost all of them will be going pro is something other than sports."
Temple University Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft knows that all too well. A former football player at Indiana University, Kraft took full advantage of his undergraduate degree while playing for the Hoosiers and then went on to earn his master's and doctorate at the University while also working professionally in the sports arena.
"I talk to our student-athletes all the time about getting the most out of their education as that is what will define them in the future," said Kraft, who is in his sixth year at Temple and fourth as the head of the department. "We have a tremendous academic support staff led by Justin Miller which offers a wealth of resources to our young men and women.
"Now, with the addition of a career services area and the creation and implementation of the Verified Program, we are truly providing our student-athletes with all the tools and resources to succeed once their playing careers are complete."
Verified is the brainchild of Miller, Temple's Senior Associate AD/Academics & Career Services, who is in his ninth year overseeing the Nancy and Donald Resnick Center for Student-Athletes. An innovator in the academic services industry, Miller does not just provide advisors and tutors for the Owls' student-athletes, but looks for ways to enhance their entire academic experience at the University.
"In talking with representatives from the University's Career Center and staff within our office, it really became an idea to make something exciting, to create a brand around career development," said Miller. "We also wanted to create something that students would be enthusiastic and somewhat exclusive to them.
"We also wanted something where students would apply to in order to create a level of agreement and participation with the students. It was not just something that stands alone, they had to opt in. We then jointly came up with the term Verified. It really resonated with our student-athletes and gave us something to jump off from."
So how do Temple student-athletes become Verified?
There are five steps that Temple student-athletes need to take in order to be "Verified"
"I believe my role as a career coach is to enable students to develop skills to choose a career and create job tools that build confidence not just to land their first job after college, but for every job they strive for until retirement," states Demmler.
"Since the Verified program began, through our satellite hours at the Resnick Center alone, we have seen over 200 students which doesn't include the coaching appointments at the Career Center," she added. "Every year the number of satellite appointments have shown a 25% increase so good news travels fast among the student-athletes."
Another addition to Temple Athletics staff was the hiring of former volleyball player and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Alyssa Drachslin as its first full-time career development staffer. Drachslin, who truly showed her leadership skills while at Temple, joined the staff in February of 2018 as the Resnick Center's Coordinator for Leadership and Professional Development.
A former NCAA SAAC representative, Drachslin, who earned her bachelor's ('15) and master's ('16) at Temple, relishes her new role at her alma mater.
"What we are really looking to do is to develop the holistic student-athlete," Drachslin explains. "We have coaches to develop the athletic side. We have academic support to develop the academic side, while this position develops leadership and career skills. We are helping our student-athletes take that extra step which is so very important.
"To be able to offer this type of support goes above and beyond what most schools are doing. It is starting to trend now, however, but it is good that Temple was among the first to move in this direction."
Malia Hee, a junior on the Temple fencing team and the 2018 NCAA Elite 90 Award recipient for excellence in her sport, truly understands the importance of career development.
"I believe that career development is an essential part of the student-athlete experience," said the advertising major from Vancouver, Wash. "The career development department at the Resnick Center does an amazing job of preparing us, whether it's through resume and cover letter workshops or through networking events. The advisors and career staff ensure a smooth and successful transition."
What are the benefits of being Verified?
The obvious benefit for Temple student-athletes that become Verified is enhancing their chances of landing a professional career upon graduation. Besides that, Verified student-athletes receive these perks with their status.
Redshirt sophomore Grace Gober, a member of the Owls field hockey team, raves about the value of the program.
"What makes the Verified Program so special is that this program allows us, student athletes, to have a spot on the playing field (or the job market)," the Wyoming, Pa. native and risk management major said. "By being able to go through the program, it helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses, while also preparing me for the job industry I would like to go into."
Kraft, who has emphasized the student-athlete experience since his arrival at Temple in 2015, is a firm believer in making sure everyone leaves Temple with not just a diploma, but the opportunity for continued success in life.
"I challenge myself, and my staff, every day," he states. "How can we be better as a department? How can we improve the success of our programs, on and off the field? Winning on the field is important, but helping mold our young men and women into future leaders, and providing them the tools to succeed in life – that is paramount."
Temple University Director of Athletics Dr. Patrick Kraft knows that all too well. A former football player at Indiana University, Kraft took full advantage of his undergraduate degree while playing for the Hoosiers and then went on to earn his master's and doctorate at the University while also working professionally in the sports arena.
"I talk to our student-athletes all the time about getting the most out of their education as that is what will define them in the future," said Kraft, who is in his sixth year at Temple and fourth as the head of the department. "We have a tremendous academic support staff led by Justin Miller which offers a wealth of resources to our young men and women.
"Now, with the addition of a career services area and the creation and implementation of the Verified Program, we are truly providing our student-athletes with all the tools and resources to succeed once their playing careers are complete."
Verified is the brainchild of Miller, Temple's Senior Associate AD/Academics & Career Services, who is in his ninth year overseeing the Nancy and Donald Resnick Center for Student-Athletes. An innovator in the academic services industry, Miller does not just provide advisors and tutors for the Owls' student-athletes, but looks for ways to enhance their entire academic experience at the University.
"In talking with representatives from the University's Career Center and staff within our office, it really became an idea to make something exciting, to create a brand around career development," said Miller. "We also wanted to create something that students would be enthusiastic and somewhat exclusive to them.
"We also wanted something where students would apply to in order to create a level of agreement and participation with the students. It was not just something that stands alone, they had to opt in. We then jointly came up with the term Verified. It really resonated with our student-athletes and gave us something to jump off from."
There are five steps that Temple student-athletes need to take in order to be "Verified"
- Start a profile on Handshake, an exclusive job portal for Temple students, and select a relevant career opportunity
- Choose one posting from Handshake and create a resume and cover letter.
- Create a LinkedIn profile that includes a professional head shot, summary, at least 10 connections and five professional groups.
- Complete a mock interview with interview stream or a career coach.
- Attend at least two networking events.
"I believe my role as a career coach is to enable students to develop skills to choose a career and create job tools that build confidence not just to land their first job after college, but for every job they strive for until retirement," states Demmler.
"Since the Verified program began, through our satellite hours at the Resnick Center alone, we have seen over 200 students which doesn't include the coaching appointments at the Career Center," she added. "Every year the number of satellite appointments have shown a 25% increase so good news travels fast among the student-athletes."
Another addition to Temple Athletics staff was the hiring of former volleyball player and Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President Alyssa Drachslin as its first full-time career development staffer. Drachslin, who truly showed her leadership skills while at Temple, joined the staff in February of 2018 as the Resnick Center's Coordinator for Leadership and Professional Development.
A former NCAA SAAC representative, Drachslin, who earned her bachelor's ('15) and master's ('16) at Temple, relishes her new role at her alma mater.
"What we are really looking to do is to develop the holistic student-athlete," Drachslin explains. "We have coaches to develop the athletic side. We have academic support to develop the academic side, while this position develops leadership and career skills. We are helping our student-athletes take that extra step which is so very important.
"To be able to offer this type of support goes above and beyond what most schools are doing. It is starting to trend now, however, but it is good that Temple was among the first to move in this direction."
Malia Hee, a junior on the Temple fencing team and the 2018 NCAA Elite 90 Award recipient for excellence in her sport, truly understands the importance of career development.
"I believe that career development is an essential part of the student-athlete experience," said the advertising major from Vancouver, Wash. "The career development department at the Resnick Center does an amazing job of preparing us, whether it's through resume and cover letter workshops or through networking events. The advisors and career staff ensure a smooth and successful transition."
What are the benefits of being Verified?
The obvious benefit for Temple student-athletes that become Verified is enhancing their chances of landing a professional career upon graduation. Besides that, Verified student-athletes receive these perks with their status.
- Ability to attend invitation only campus employer/alumni networking events, which may also include employer open houses in the Philadelphia area.
- Travel to exclusive "Owl" events which are typically outside the Philadelphia region to meet with employers. In the past year, Verified student-athletes have traveled to Washington, D.C. and New York City for "Owl" events.
- Inclusion in Temple Athletics "Pro Owl" social media campaign.
- Receive a professional business kit containing a recognition pin, padfolio, business card holder and pen which signifies to potential employers that you are one of our professional best.
- V.I.P. access to employers before events with opportunities for exclusive introductions.
Redshirt sophomore Grace Gober, a member of the Owls field hockey team, raves about the value of the program.
"What makes the Verified Program so special is that this program allows us, student athletes, to have a spot on the playing field (or the job market)," the Wyoming, Pa. native and risk management major said. "By being able to go through the program, it helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses, while also preparing me for the job industry I would like to go into."
Kraft, who has emphasized the student-athlete experience since his arrival at Temple in 2015, is a firm believer in making sure everyone leaves Temple with not just a diploma, but the opportunity for continued success in life.
"I challenge myself, and my staff, every day," he states. "How can we be better as a department? How can we improve the success of our programs, on and off the field? Winning on the field is important, but helping mold our young men and women into future leaders, and providing them the tools to succeed in life – that is paramount."
Ep. 13: Head Field Hockey Coach Michelle Vittese
Friday, October 17
American Conference Tipoff - ESPN+
Tuesday, October 14
Ep. 12: Homecoming Recap; Women's Soccer's Tamsin Bynoe
Tuesday, October 14
Ep. 11: American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti
Monday, October 13
