Duke Expands Career Development Program to All Student-Athletes

The Duke Future Initiative, a program designed to provide career development and mentorship to student-athletes, is now expanding beyond football to support all of Duke’s athletic programs. Originally launched in 2022 by Terrell Smith, the initiative’s goal has always been to leverage the Duke alumni network to provide practical career experience and emphasize the university’s commitment to its students’ success on and off the field.

To date, the program has placed over 50 student-athletes in internships across the East Coast. Now, with Dorian Jackson taking the lead as the new director, the initiative will broaden its scope to offer resources and opportunities to a wider range of athletes. Jackson, a former college football player himself, understands the value of such a program firsthand. His mission is to grow the initiative’s advisory group to include alumni from various sports, strengthening the network that connects current and former student-athletes.

Jackson is also working closely with Dawn Kane, the director of student-athlete development, to integrate the new program with existing career services. According to Kane, the Future Initiative is a “game-changer” that provides valuable hands-on experience to complement existing services like resume writing and interview preparation. The program not only helps student-athletes explore different career paths but also gives alumni a chance to reconnect with the university.

With its expanded reach and a new director at the helm, the Duke Future Initiative reinforces the university’s “40-Year Commitment” to its students, ensuring they are prepared for a lifetime of success after graduation.

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