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CoSIDA.com/CoSIDA360 Magazine Archive
Note: This story appeared in the Winter 2021 February edition of CoSIDA 360 Magazine. To view the full magazine, click here.
Expanding Our Offersings
CoSIDA Job Seekers Committee aims to provide more value during a time of need for the membership.
by Shelby Hild – Illinois State University, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications / CoSIDA Job Seekers Committee Vice Chair
We know that for many of our members, life is really hard right now. You may have lost a job you thought you’d have forever, you may have been forced to take a furlough, you may have experienced none of this, but are anxious about the future. We hear you — and that’s where the Job Seekers Committee is ready to give back to our members during these uncertain times.
Historically, the Job Seekers Committee’s main objective has been centered on the CoSIDA annual convention. After the pandemic forced a cancellation of #CoSIDA2020, committee chair Matt McCollester (Richmond) and myself as vice chair realized that there was a much bigger void that our committee could help fill to better serve our members.
“The Job Seekers Committee has always been one of the most important committees in CoSIDA but in these uncertain times, it has taken on a bigger role in support of our membership,” McCollester said. “With so much fluidity in our field and collegiate athletics as a whole, we realized a definite need to support our members through a process that may not have been expected or has seen their professional world turn upside down. Our committee wanted to be a resource for our membership and provide as much assistance to our entire organization, but even more, we focused on those who have been impacted by all of the changes the pandemic created.”
During the 2020 convention, we offered prerecorded Zoom sessions on several different topics, such as the application process and job search, how to break into the profession and advance your career along with networking tips and tricks. Another area we touched on, thanks to committee members Justin Maskus and Travis Jarome, was resumé building.
As more and more people in our profession were taking hits to their careers, we felt called to work with our committee on launching a free resumé review program. Courtney Archer (Southland Conference), Dave Nelson (Texas), Marissa Avanzato (Texas A&M), Justin Maskus (Missouri Southern State) and Kraig Doremus (Mercer) graciously stepped up and volunteered to be on our working subcommittee by offering peer resumé review.
The Job Seekers Committee to date has reviewed over 50 resumés as part of the service provided. It has helped those in our profession that are not only new to the field but help revamp those who have been in the field for a while but needed their resumé to get a new and fresh look.
“I knew CoSIDA had something in the works for how they were going to help SIDs who were out of work, so I knew I had to take advantage of this right when I saw it,” free agent Alex Crook shared. “I had my resumé reviewed by Courtney Archer, Associate Commissioner for Communications at the Southland Conference, and the experience could not have been more beneficial. Not only did I land more interviews after the review than before, but Courtney was very thorough and detail-oriented about what would make my resumé stand out from the rest and why. She even helped me with my LinkedIn page. I’m really glad I took advantage of this service and I highly recommend it!”
“When I look at another SID’s resumé, I’m not trying to find mistakes,” shared committee member, Dave Nelson. “Instead, I ask how can I best refine this document to get my colleagues the job they desire. SIDs are accustomed to writing without bylines and we do a great job promoting our coaches and student-athletes. Our goal as a committee is to try and help our sisters and brothers promote themselves.”
Additionally, a freelance and help wanted database has been created through CoSIDA’s Career Center. Institutions may post help wanted opportunities, ranging from feature writing, to stats and PA assistance on game days, but must be paying dues to add a listing. Open to all, the freelance listings are organized by state in which the individual resides. Freelancers can list what types of services they can provide (i.e. writing, table crew, game day statistics, graphic design, etc.) and if they are willing to travel, along with contact information.
“The Freelance and Help Wanted Database idea sprung from listening to the concerns of our members during CoSIDA Coffee Shops,” said Beau White, CoSIDA staff liaison to the Job Seekers Committee. “I kept hearing that people were worried about how they were going to staff multiple events during the pandemic, and at the same time people were losing their jobs and needed opportunities to work. From there it was about coming up with the simplest solution to connect people. It felt like an easy service we could provide that could make a positive impact for a lot of people.”
To our members — keep persevering, keep advocating for yourself and trust the process! #SIDsMakeItHappen.
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