With the support of the Academy, every Bearcat is empowered to Go Pro—no matter where their journey leads them.

Bearcats Go Pro – Student-Athlete Career Expo

An annual highlight of the Academy’s programming is our signature event, Bearcats Go Pro: a dynamic career and networking expo, exclusively for UC student-athletes.

BGP is not your typical career fair. This event connects student-athletes with professionals, employers, and graduate programs, offering them direct opportunities to explore career options, build connections, and gain insights into life after UC.

Whether networking with alumni, industry leaders, or potential employers, the event helps student-athletes take meaningful steps toward their future success.

BGP Career Fair
The Career Fair is a cornerstone of the event, bringing together over 40 companies and organizations from a wide range of industries. This is a unique opportunity for student-athletes to explore potential career paths, engage with recruiters, and discover internships, entry-level positions, and long-term career opportunities.

Professional Networking Roundtables
In addition to the career fair, the BGP professional networking roundtables offer a more personal and interactive experience. Through small group discussions with professionals from various fields, student-athletes gain valuable insights and advice to help guide their professional journeys. These roundtables also include resources and representatives from graduate school programs, providing guidance on advanced education opportunities.

Young Professionals Panel
The Young Professionals Panel offers a candid look at life after college sports. Panelists include former UC student-athletes who have transitioned into successful careers and current student-athletes who are preparing to make that transition. Panelists share their personal experiences, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with moving from athletics to the professional world.

NIL Insights & Networking Mixer
The NIL Mixer creates a unique opportunity to explore the evolving world of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The event features discussions with businesses eager to engage with athletes, a panel of companies sharing insights on branding & marketing best practices, and live activations showcasing real-world NIL partnerships. This dynamic environment blends education with professional development, giving student-athletes the tools and connections they need to maximize their NIL potential.

On-Site Career Services
To make sure that every Bearcat in attendance is ready to Go Pro, the Academy has teamed up with the Bearcat Promise Career Studio to provide on-the-spot career services and support during BGP. These include:

• Professional headshots to ensure your image makes a strong first impression
• Resume and cover letter reviews to fine-tune your application materials
• LinkedIn profile reviews to elevate your online presence and networking potential