College Park, MD – The University of Maryland Athletics has made a significant move by partnering with the Robert H. Smith School of Business to launch a pioneering NIL program designed to empower Terrapin student-athletes.
The NIL x Strategic Design Fellows Program
This groundbreaking initiative, set to begin this semester, taps into the unparalleled expertise of Strategic Design Fellows (SDF) from the Smith School of Business. These accomplished marketing students will collaborate closely with student-athletes from various sports to craft customized brand development strategies and impactful social media presence.
Objectives and Benefits
By integrating the knowledge and skills of the SDFs, the program aims to:
- Provide student-athletes with hands-on experience in brand development.
- Offer personalized coaching, workshops, and one-on-one collaboration sessions.
- Leverage the strategic and analytical strengths of the SDFs.
- Engage the expertise of Smith School faculty, focusing on crucial skills such as financial literacy, social media management, and contract negotiation.
Clinical Professor of Marketing at the Smith School, Mary Beth Furst, highlighted the significance of this partnership. According to her, the initiative benefits both the student-athletes and the SDFs, offering real-world experience in crucial fields like sports marketing and digital media.
Program Structure
The program structure includes:
- Guidance from experienced marketing professionals.
- Customized training sessions tailored to each student-athlete’s needs.
- Resources for financial literacy, branding, and contract negotiation.
By participating in the NIL initiative, the student-athletes gain access to invaluable resources and guidance from both the Smith Strategic Fellows and the faculty.
Commitment to Excellence
Omari DeBerry, Director of NIL Services at Maryland Athletics, expressed the university’s dedication to providing comprehensive support for its student-athletes. Empowering student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field is a priority for Maryland Athletics, and the NIL x Strategic Design Fellows program exemplifies this commitment.
Pilot Program and Future Expansions
Initiated as a pilot program, the NIL x Strategic Design Fellows program will run this semester, collecting valuable feedback for future iterations. Maryland Athletics envisions expanding this initiative to create an even more robust support system for student-athletes navigating the NIL era.
Conclusion
This partnership between the Robert H. Smith School of Business and Maryland Athletics marks a significant step forward in empowering student-athletes to capitalize on their NIL opportunities. With tailored coaching, world-class resources, and access to faculty expertise, the program equips student-athletes with the tools they need to build and grow their brands successfully.
We can only anticipate the exciting outcomes of this innovative program and its potential impact on the future of NIL and student-athlete development.
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