| Options |
| ||
|
As the title indicates, I am exploring some Division I Volunteer positions and have some opportunities on the table. My question is for those who have gone this route before. How did you handle your finances? I am assuming you worked (but what jobs, how many hours a week, etc.)? Basically I am interested in hearing people's experiences as a Volunteer Assistant (how they got by, where they lived, etc.) and what their next step was. How long did you volunteer at the D1 level? What was your progression from there? Any advice / experience sharing would be greatly appreciated. |
| random a hole |
| ||
|
Was this you fallback opportunity because the Flagpole internship got filled? |
| KevinM |
| ||
|
I worked for one year as a volunteer about 10 years ago. Finances were handled entirely through a part time job, 20-30 hours per week at a running store. I lived in an apartment off campus for next to nothing, and lived on PB&J, and other cheap made-at-home options. I volunteered anywhere from 45-60 additional hours a week, so there was little time to spend money. I made enough connections that first year that I could have had some full-time jobs at the very low DI or maybe DII/Juco levels, but no where that remotely appealed to me. I ended up with a GA position that I converted into a roughly 25K job at a mid-level DI program (i.e., took the tuition credit as salary). I'm no longer coaching, but the volunter year was very educational and provided great connections. Depending on your career goals, I would try to start at a school with as high a profile as possible, even if it means you are doing extreme grunt work. |
| Point - Counter Point |
| ||
|
I would suggest it should either be a "Major school" or a very successful "Mid-major school". Doing volunteer work at a low level school is very high risk. You will incur debt and probably be doing full-time work for zero pay. I was a substitute teacher while I voluteered. But we won the Big 10 meet at the school I was at, so there was a payoff. But if you are at a big school or a conference champion mid level school you'll have a better opportunity to make the contacts and have the success you need to get a better paid position. |
| Options |
| ||
|
Thanks for the few responses so far. It is with a high-level program, so that is why I'm contemplating it. I have ambitions of obviously getting into DI Coaching. What is normally the next jump after a Volunteer position with a big program? How many seasons does one spend at the Volunteer position before they "normally" pick up a full-time position? What is the normal "full-time" position that one gets after Volunteering? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to hear others' experiences. |
| KevinM |
| ||
|
I don't really think there's any standard progression. Some folks have amazing opportunities open up and grab full asst. jobs after a year, others bounce around a bit in lower levels, and others decide that 70+ hours, low pay, and a fairly transient lifestyle aren't for them. My advice would be to expect grunt work (think lots of recruit pick-ups at the airport, folding letters for mass mailings, replying to emails, etc.) do it happily, and never act like you're a volunteer. The more the coaches see you're willing to work, the more likely they are to talk you up to other coaches. If you're an affable and not socially awkward guy, you will be another step ahead. Dress and act the part of a coach, try to keep the athletes on the team at arm's length socially (especially women, obviously), and fake your way into it. Also, try to learn some other events, even if your ultimate ugoal is to be a distance coach. |
| EmployeeZ |
| ||
|
I am currently a major D1 volunteer and it works out fine for me because I am also a teacher. I teach during the day and then get to practice right after school. |
| RGIII |
| ||
|
Bump |
| Same Situation |
| ||
|
I am also considering an offer from a school to be a volunteer, but it would take quitting my full time job and relocating. Can anyone else fill me in on how they managed to volunteer and stay afloat with finances (loans, rent, etc.) and have enough time to volunteer and travel for meets? |
| two bills |
| ||
Save all your money now, learn to live cheaply, and pick up a side job for hours your not needed with the school. It's not rocket appliances. If you have't budgeted your money wisely enough, or can't problem solve on the fly, then your not ready. The guy that throws themselves 100% into the position will move up faster than the guy that appears when he can, after taking care of other jobs/obligations. I also agree the progression is dependent on your situation, contacts, and if the right position opens up. Since you're in a volunteer position, you'll still have some holes in your resume as far as recruiting and team management that will place you behind other assistants. I would say plan at least 2 years before you get a paying job (maybe not even full-time and benefits) or you it could take 5+ years. A lot depends on what level you're willing to coach, the contacts you make, and how much you impress the coach you work for. This is already highly competitive field with a very limited number of jobs that open up each year...and as you limit it to a specific divisions or level of program you're considering, your job opportunities become smaller and smaller. |