Texas Tech Celebrates Suited for Success Participants

LUBBOCK, Texas – In its sixth year, the Suited for Success Career Series hit a new milestone this spring with 100 student-athletes participating in the intensive curriculum that covers professional and digital presence, resume development, dining etiquette, networking and interviewing.

As part of the series, student-athletes were afforded opportunities to learn about future careers in engineering, law, real estate, athletics, the medical field and several other selected industries through networking and interview sessions that could possibly lead to internship and job opportunities.

It wasn't only the student-athletes who benefited, though, as 65 volunteers from the Lubbock professional community took part in the various networking and interview sessions. The program is designed to provide the skills and confidence needed to step into the professional world.

Unique to the Suited for Success Career Series, student-athlete participants receive a fully-tailored, business professional suit upon completion of the series. This incentive is made possible through the partnerships with Jos. A Bank and Dillard's and the generous commitment from longtime donors of Texas Tech Athletics, the Cash family.

"We are excited about the tremendous growth of the Suited for Success Program," said Jessica Gray, Assistant Athletics Director for the J.T. and Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy. "It's a testament to the commitment of our outstanding student-athletes."

In addition to the 83 student-athletes who participated in their first year of the program this spring, a second-year curriculum was developed for any returning student-athletes beginning this year. The second-year program had 17 student-athletes participate in the expanded career development training, which included workshops that aligned with each state of securing a job. Of the 17 returners, 16 were graduating seniors who were able to be immersed in a full simulation of the job search, application and interviewing process.

Following the workshops, second-year participants were assigned homework, which included resume and cover letter submissions. They were also took part in interviews for real job descriptions in their career field with an experienced professional in that same field who served as their mention in the program.

The highlight of the second-year program was the professional mentors that assisted the student-athletes in their practice for securing a job in the near future. Mentorship meetings paralleled the workshops so that the mentor could provide further insight and development specific to their particular industry.

To wrap up two years of hard work and commitment to career development, the added mentorship component in Suited for Success provides one last resource that is sustainable to student-athletes even after graduation. The J.T. & Margaret Talkington Leadership Academy is thankful for the local professionals and partners that volunteered their time to the continued growth and professional success of our Texas Tech student-athletes.

"It has been extremely rewarding to watch this second-year program develop from day one of the Suited for Success Career Series in 2019 to now as they wrap up year two.," said Destini Dulin, an assistant director of career and student-athlete development. "I have complete confidence in this group, and I cannot wait to watch them graduate from Texas Tech University and begin to leave an impact on their communities as young professionals."

Second-year participants also received an extension to their business professional attire from the previous year with the addition of a custom, professional bag or briefcase to complete their professional attire.

The 2020 class of Suited for Success participants was met with unforeseen challenges as well due to COVID-19. Still, Texas Tech student-athletes faced the adversity head-on and pushed through to continue developing themselves and complete the Suited for Success program virtually. While the traditional Suited for Success Celebration Dinner could not be held this year, Texas Tech Athletics will not miss the opportunity to celebrate the 2020 class of Suited for Success.

An online celebration will be held for a week, beginning Tuesday. The Suited for Success Celebration Week will consist of video footage from this year's career series, pictures and quotes from student-athlete participants, and congratulations videos from head coaches and department leadership.

Texas Tech Celebrates Suited for Success Participants

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