FULLERTON, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton Athletics hosted the eighth annual Fullerton Athletics Career Expo (FACE) in what is an invaluable professional networking experience for the TItan Student-Athletes. FACE is designed to bring a career development experience to enhance the Student-Athletes professional networking, resume development, and career exploration.
FACE was split into two different sessions this year. They held an in-person event on March 1st that was required for seniors. On March 2nd, they held a virtual alumni panel. That session was required for all underclassmen. Each panelist hosted their own virtual rooms to answer questions from the students.
The Alumni Panel featured three different guest speakers. Dr. Sarah Lepe is the founder of Rebranded Athlete. Sarah Lepe (née Morrison) is a former Titans volleyball player from 2001-04. Jadie Acidera is the Director of Department Operations at Cope Health Scholars and a former Titans tennis player from 2017-2021. Yaphett King is an assistant basketball coach at Southern Methodist University and former Titan basketball player from 2004-05.
"For our 8th annual FACE we focused on improving the student-athlete experience to create an environment between students and employers that was more engaging for all parties involved, " said Assistant Director of Athletics Academic Service, Allyson Kelly. "Seniors and some juniors attended the in-person networking event to seek career and networking opportunities, terrific connections were made and we look forward to further developing the new model for FACE. "
"The Alumni panel gave our students an opportunity to hear from successful professionals who were once in their shoes. It allowed our students to hear the different journeys and career paths that Dr. Sara Lepe, Yaphett King, and Jadie Acera took to get to where they are today. Our alumni did an incredible job at relating to our current student-athletes and answered many questions to help guide them in their own individual journeys. The alumni panel encouraged our student-athletes to take risks now in order to grow and be better prepared for their future," said Allyson Kelly.
Fullerton student-athletes had the opportunity to visit with multiple companies and organizations. The expo provided the chance for our students to be able to visit with a vast array of potential employers and start to build relationships and connections that hopefully lead to obtaining full-time jobs and/or internships upon graduation. On the other hand, potential employers were able to see firsthand what sets Cal State Fullerton students above the rest.
In addition to standard booths, the expo featured different interactive stations. The stations gave Titan student-athletes a unique opportunity to interact together and master proper interview etiquette and technique. Students were able to receive constructive feedback from everything to mastering a 30 second pitch to taking a professional photo for their linkedin account.
"I am excited for the changes we are making regarding our career development for our student-athletes. This year was a success as we transitioned from a yield event, focused on matching employers and student-athletes with jobs/internships, to a developmental event, creating space for our student-athletes to practice the skills they need to land the next job and explore various career paths. We were able to increase student-athlete preparedness and employer satisfaction with our new model. I thought the addition of the alumni panel was fantastic. Our students truly enjoyed learning from people they could relate to. The alumni were engaging, and our students asked so many questions. I can't wait to bring back more alumni and continue to share their successes, instilling hope, and purpose in the lives of our current athletes.," said Life Skills Coordinator/Academic Advisor, Shakayla Collins.
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