Monday, February 26, 2018

The 2018 GNAC Working In Sports seminar will take place on Saturday, March 3 at the Alaska Airlines Center on the campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Now in its fourth year, the Working In Sports seminar provides high school and college-aged students with an interest in a career in athletics a chance to hear from, and network with, professionals from all aspects of the athletics industry.

The seminar is limited to the first 100 registrants. To reserve your spot, visit GNACTickets.com.

This Working In Sports Spotlight profiles one of this year’s featured panelists.

Name: Michael Dhesse
Current Position: Assistant Athletic Trainer, University of Alaska Anchorage
Years In Current Position: 3

Colleges Attended: Northern Illinois University (Undergraduate, Athletic Training)

Primary Job Responsibilities: Oversee the health care for UAA hockey at home and on the road. Develop and implement injury prevention and rehabilitation programs aimed at meeting established treatment goals. Complete maintenance and set up of clinic and equipment used for travel, games, and daily use. Document medication administration, injuries, treatments, evaluations, and insurance claims. Continually communicate and coordinate with team physicians, EMS, visiting teams, and other referred health care clinicians.

Things You Enjoy Most About Your Job: Educating student-athletes about their health and answering questions about health-related subject matter they hear from the public. Being the one who helps the student-athlete by reassuring him or her that everything is okay or being the one to take care of them when it is not okay.

Why You Pursued A Professional Career In The Athletics Industry: Enjoy a fast-paced environment and love the health care field.

First Job In The Sports Industry: My current position.

A Key Mentor Who Helped You On Your Career Path: Dr. William Pitney.

Most Influential Person Your My Early Professional Development (And Why): My wife, Danielle. We went to school together and came to Alaska from Illinois together. She is the one who, even early on, validated my goals and forced/forces me to be accountable to myself and others. Without her, I cannot say I would be the clinician I am today.

Biggest Hurdle You Overcame Breaking Into The Sports Industry: Understanding the difference between "not getting the job" and "the job isn't right for you." Just because an organization doesn't hire you, doesn't mean you're not good at what you do. Sometimes it means the job just is not a good fit. This statement just means the "biggest hurdle" was not being defeated by rejection.

Key Attributes That Have Helped You To Be Successful: Diligence and integrity.

Looking Back, What Is One Thing You Would Do In College Or Early On To Help You Along Your Career Path: Get as many observation hours you can which in turn will help you make connections (i.e. networking).

Best Advice You Would Give To A Young Adult Wanting To Work In Sports: Practice being above reproach.

Favorite Sports Team: Chicago Blackhawks & Chicago Bears.

Favorite Athlete: Walter Payton

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Being a part of the 2013 Orange Bowl with Northern Illinois University.