From Campus Tour to Career (Part II)
For many prospective NCAA Division III student athletes, NIL opportunities can feel out of reach compared to the headlines around Division I deals. But here is the truth: NIL at the DIII level is less about million-dollar contracts and more about career development, personal branding, and preparing for life beyond sports.
That is why one of the smartest steps you can take during the recruiting process is to ask each college how its Career Services department supports student athletes. If this is your first time visiting our blog, please see our previous post for more information.
NIL and Career Readiness Go Hand-in-Hand
NIL provides more than just endorsement opportunities. It allows you to:
Build a personal brand
Gain real-world business and marketing experience
Develop financial literacy
Create professional networks that extend beyond athletics
Whether through small partnerships, social media content, or local sponsorships, you are building entrepreneurial skills, brand management experience, negotiation abilities, and financial responsibility. These are exactly the same skills employers look for and the ones Career Services can help you strengthen and articulate.
What to Look For in Career Services During College Visits
When you are on a campus tour or meeting with coaches, make it a point to visit Career Services. Ask how they:
Help student athletes translate teamwork, discipline, and leadership into career-ready skills
Support students in finding internships, networking opportunities, and alumni connections
Integrate career readiness into the overall student experience, not just as an add-on
Partner with faculty, coaches, and employers to keep career pathways aligned with today’s job market
The schools that take career development seriously will stand out, and those are the ones that will help you maximize your NIL opportunities too.
NIL Questions to Ask on Visits
Here are a few powerful, NIL-aligned questions to bring up during your recruiting process:
How does your school help student athletes use NIL as a platform for future careers in business, media, or other fields?
What opportunities exist for student athletes to learn about branding, marketing, and financial literacy?
How early can student athletes connect with alumni networks, career mentors, or internship programs?
What partnerships does the school have with local businesses that might benefit student athletes?
These questions show coaches and admissions counselors that you are not just focused on playing time. You are focused on building your future. Don’t panic if you get a sense that the school isn’t “there yet” in regards to navigating the NIL space. Utilize this as an opportunity to be at the forefront of their NIL movement and leverage your independent resources to create opportunities for yourself moving forward.
The Role of Career Services in NIL Success
At POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting, we encourage every student athlete to think of Career Services as their off-the-field coaching staff. Just like your athletic coaches help you grow as a player, Career Services can help you grow as a professional. Together, they create the foundation for:
Personalized support tailored to your goals
Long-term career readiness
A smooth transition from athletics into your professional life
For Division III athletes, this is where NIL truly shines. It is not about chasing the biggest deal. It is about creating a launchpad for lifelong growth and achievement.As you visit campuses and talk with coaches, make Career Services a central part of your evaluation. A college that invests in your career readiness will also empower you to use NIL in meaningful and lasting ways.
Because at the end of the day, NIL is about who you are becoming and the future you are building.