Cincinnati Holds Annual Bearcats Go Pro Event

The University of Cincinnati Athletics held its 12th-annual Bearcats Go Pro event this week.

A cornerstone of the Student-Athlete Development Academy's mission: "Bearcats Go Pro: in sports, workforce, and professional or graduate school," this event is designed to forge lasting connections between UC student-athletes, former peers, national partners and local professionals from the dynamic Cincinnati community, all while equipping student-athletes with the tools necessary to thrive in their post-collegiate careers.

Bearcats Go Pro serves as an evening of professional development, giving student-athletes the opportunity to explore various career paths, identify their interests, and network with leading industry professionals. Attendees included representatives from major local and national organizations such as Total Quality Logistics, Cintas, Fidelity Investments, PepsiCo/Frito Lay, Enterprise Mobility, David J. Joseph, Medpace, FedEx, Cincinnati Reds, Fifth Third Bank, City of Cincinnati, Western & Southern, ESPN, PNC Bank, Federated Insurance, Zimmer Biomet, Indeed and more.

New this year, Bearcats Go Pro featured a collaboration with UC's NIL IMPACT program, creating unique opportunities for student-athletes and employers through brand activations and live engagement at the event. This innovative approach reflects the growing emphasis on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, providing attendees with direct access to valuable partnerships beyond sports.

"Bearcats Go Pro continues to be an instrumental platform for our student-athletes, helping them successfully transition into professional careers, graduate school, or professional programs," said Chad Allen, Associate AD Career Advancement and Leadership. "We are committed to expanding these opportunities, creating intentional and impactful experiences that go beyond the playing field."

Bearcats Go Pro stands as a diverse and enthusiastic gathering of student-athletes and professionals, offering a night of networking and exchanging industry insights. This annual event remains essential in guiding UC student-athletes toward success in whatever path they choose after their time at UC.