The New York Red Bulls used their head in a different way last week. It wasn’t to head home a goal or head away a cross out of danger. In fact, it was something far more meaningful.
Instead, the front office collectively put their heads together to help 70 individuals, all from the New York City area, who are underserved and looking for vocational skills. In conjunction with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), an educational partner of MLS, the Red Bulls hosted a vocational day at Red Bull Arena.
The day focused on tangible skills and training, ranging from resume building and an interview workshop to educational opportunities and even a workshop on how to utilize LinkedIn.
It was the team’s second-ever vocational day.
“Our entire organization is extremely proud to partner with the Southern New Hampshire University family to hopefully make a significant difference in the lives of these people and their families,” said the affable Joe Stetson, vice president of marketing and communications with the Red Bulls.
“Over 70 people were in attendance to take part in important professional workshops that included resume building, mock job interviews, multimedia/video education, LinkedIn training, sales/marketing workshops and more. Following last year’s inaugural Vocational Day, our club hired multiple participants that took part in the workshops and they have been tremendous assets to our organization. We look forward to having similar success stories and continuing to help our community achieve their career goals.”
The partnership with SNHU is a unique twist for the Red Bulls. While many teams in leagues around the country host a vocational day or something similar, few offer an education partner on-site to provide guidance.
Interestingly enough, Red Bulls general manager Marc de Grandpre is an SNHU alum. So too is Tyler Adams, the team’s 18-year old midfielder who graduated this past June.
Adams is currently with the United States national team for Wednesday’s friendly with Portugal. He boasts a 4.0 G.P.A. and hopes to become a sports psychologist when his playing career is through.
He takes all of his courses online while balancing a career as not just an MLS starter but now will also have to find time to represent the United States on the international level.
“Southern New Hampshire University is thrilled to be partnering with the Red Bulls on our second Vocational Day event,” said Steve Thiel, senior director of strategic partnerships with SNHU. “We hope that the workshops focusing on resume building, mock interviews, professional social media and the other career-oriented skills learned today will benefit these men and women in both their immediate and long-term careers.”
