Leadership Notes

Bluefishjobs.com and your future

By Diane Sylofski, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, National Student Representative

Even though positions are usually available year-round, many campus recreation programs choose to wait until the Annual Conference to hire. Each year at this time, postings for graduate assistantships and professional positions are added to Bluefishjobs.com daily. What is Bluefishjobs.com, you might ask? It is a website devoted exclusively to recreational sports positions, used by both recruiters and job seekers. I encourage all of you to browse Bluefishjobs.com in order to be prepared for your future. Here's why:

Those seeking positions, of course, can use the site to learn about a position and the corresponding institution when going through the job application process. But those of you not seeking positions should also look through the postings in your areas of interest. Looking through jobs descriptions in your program areas can help you decide if you are qualified for a position and give you information about what skills and experiences you should pursue in order to be qualified for these jobs. In other words, be sure to check out positions that interest you, even if you are not looking for a job. And between now and the time when you do apply for positions, strive to complete as many professional development opportunities as possible that will prepare you for positions in your field.

Perhaps you plan on applying for a graduate assistantship in two years. The assistantships posted on Bluefishjobs will most likely be posted again when you are ready to apply. This not only lets you be more focused in what skills you should acquire, but it also gives you time to learn more about the particular program or school.

One of the best pieces of advice I have been given involves Bluefishjobs.com. When looking at a position announcement, read the requirements first. If you don't have all of the requirements, you probably will not be considered for the position. However, if you are very interested in a position, still apply if you meet many of the requirements. Based on university policies, you might be considered. After browsing the requirements, look at the preferred qualifications. Have you achieved these skills? If you are applying for a position and you do not have all of the listed preferred experience/education, can you acquire any of them in the next few months? If you are not applying, take note of those qualifications that you should pursue during the coming months or years. For more information, check out the recreation center's website or contact the professional in the announcement to learn more. By starting early, you can not only obtain the necessary and preferred qualifications, but also begin building a relationship with the professional who, at least for graduate assistantships, will most likely be hiring again. You can meet this professional through self-initiated contact or through networking.

Bluefishjobs.com serves as a place to find jobs, but it can also help you learn what skills are necessary to make you a qualified candidate. Check out the website, and give yourself the edge.