Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/42073
idea exchange Active Recruits Idea Recruit undergraduate student athletes for business programs Location Wake Forest University Schools of Business, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Why It Started The attributes shared by strong leaders—self-discipline, dedication, focus, ability to work in teams, love of competition—also apply to student athletes. Administrators at Wake Forest realized this when they saw how well former student athletes performed in the school's ten- month Master of Arts in Management (MA) program, compared to those from other disci- plines. Former athletes did especially well in the program's action-based team consulting proj- ects. If that's the case, they decided, why not specifically recruit this powerhouse demographic? Launched in 2005, the MA program is designed to help recent liberal arts, science, and engineering graduates explore career interests, develop acumen, and gain hands-on learn- ing experience in business. Athletes do well in the program because "they're used to being coached and working hard," says Matt Merrick, senior associate dean for students. "They're accustomed to taking and responding to criticism, to overcoming adversity. They're also used to losing and coming back the next day to try again." Considerations How It Works School recruiters reach out to collegiate athletic directors across the country to obtain their rec- ommendations; they also garner referrals from current students about their past teammates. The school sends prospective students details about the MBA program and holds information sessions at more than 30 colleges. Added Features The school has added elements to its programs to help all stu- dents feel welcome and maintain active lifestyles. For instance, the school sponsors intramural teams in sports such as softball, Ultimate Frisbee, and flag foot- ball. In addition, each Thursday morning it holds "Dawn with the Dean," which invites members of its community to meet dean Steve Reinemund at 6:30 a.m. for a three-mile run. A strong propo- nent of exercise, Reinemund also hosts a basketball tournament, "Backyard Ball with the Dean," at his home every October. 80 September/October 2011 BizEd Student athletes have a great work ethic, but they often don't know what they want to do after graduation. "As undergraduates, they were focused on two things—academics and sports. They didn't have much time to think about their careers," says Merrick. The MA program provides career coaches to work one-on-one with students and includes a career manage- ment class, so they can develop résumés, discover their passions, and deter- mine how those passions will translate into career opportunities. But while career coaching is a must, former athletes often need less attention than other students over time, says Merrick, because they take direction so well. Dean Steve Reinemund plays in Wake Forest's annual basketball tournament, "Backyard Ball with the Dean." Results About 10 percent of incoming students to the MA program are for- mer collegiate athletes who have competed in sports such as football, track, soccer, and hockey, and the school hopes that number will grow. "These students are among our top performers in academics and leadership," says Merrick.