At the School of Kinesiology, we promote lifelong health and well-being by conducting innovative research and by delivering high-quality education. To continue our mission and find ways to improve and grow, it is important to reflect on our experiences to find new insight and understanding.

This month, we encourage our School of Kinesiology students to reflect on the wisdom and advice of our advisors.

Most common questions

“Can you help me plan out the rest of my college coursework in our advising meeting today? I feel like I’m “behind.” Will I be able to graduate on time? Students typically have an idea of what they may want to do in the future, but I am frequently asked, “If that does not work out, what (else) can I do with a bachelor’s degree (in Kinesiology)?” Where and how do I find an internship or start to gain experience for my future career?” – Colin Rogness

“I receive a lot of questions from my sport management students on how to go about getting internships and being involved in the industry. I also talk with students about study abroad experiences and how those experiences can play into their academic career pathways.” – Tracey Hammel

“Am I on track? How can I get help with chemistry, physics, etc.? What can I do with a KIN major?” – Anna Mraz

Advice to students

“Get involved, join a student group or organization, volunteer in the community, meet with those individuals who are in positions or professions that you may be interested in pursuing. Put yourself out there and ask questions. Be willing to try new or different things, and speak to new people. Be willing to go outside of your comfort zone and have conversations or experiences that may challenge you and the way that you understand the world.” – Colin Rogness

“Trust yourself, you know yourself best! Try things you aren’t familiar with. Reach out to folks in class that you don’t know and say hello.” – Tracey Hammel

“Check in with your advisor at least once a semester to make sure your academic plans align with your goals. Keep your pathways flexible and be open to new experiences.” – Anna Mraz

Reassurance that the School of Kinesiology is right for you

“The “right” path is different for each student. Your path may not necessarily follow a straight line, it may meander and it may likely involve starts and stops. Your path may even take you in a different direction than you had originally envisioned for yourself. That is okay. I encourage students to be flexible and open to the process. Be receptive to potentially adjusting plans as you have new experiences, develop new interests, and as new opportunities arise. I also encourage students to be reflective. Each step on their path provides you with more knowledge and hopefully more information about yourself and what you value in your educational pursuits and within your lives. And maybe most importantly, I encourage students to trust themselves.” – Colin Rogness

“It is ok to not have all the answers, and that if you change course that is also ok. And, there is no one ‘right path’! Your future does not rely on finding the one – and only! – way to be a happy, successful, contributing member of society. Think about how you want to make a contribution, what kind of environment you want to be in, and what sort of atmosphere suits you best.” – Tracey Hammel

“I help students identify what steps they are taking that are helping them reach both their academic and professional goals. Students are sometimes uncertain about their path, but often they are listening to their hearts and making choices that align with their desired outcomes.” – Anna Mraz

Recommended experiences

“Participate in a learning abroad experience or a cultural experience at home that challenges you to broaden your worldview. Second, to culminate your time here at the U of M and to celebrate your achievements, participate in the commencement ceremony and experience the feeling of crossing the stage and receiving your diploma (cover).” – Colin Rogness

“Study abroad, if it is feasible. Take a class in a totally new area. Eat breakfast at Al’s. And, slow down and explore campus to admire the beauty of the campus, the river and the landscaping, especially this time of year. And, go to St Paul campus! It’s really nice over there and they have ice cream!” – Tracey Hammel

“Go to the office hours of a faculty member that works in an area that really interests you and ask the faculty member about how they got to this point in their career.” – Anna Mraz

Helpful resources

“For sport management students the best resources you have are the people you engage with throughout the campus. That includes instructors, guest lecturers, peers, advisors, and career counselors. The more you get to know others and listen to the experiences and knowledge of others you are able to better navigate this process and reach your intended goals.” – Colin Rogness

“Generally speaking, your professors, instructors, supervisors, advisors, classmates, and the professionals that you come in contact with throughout your time in their program, are typically the best resources and tend to play a large role in assisting you in uncovering opportunities.” – Tracey Hammel

“Advisors! CEHD has a wonderful and talented Career Services staff. Meet with them early and often! Get to know your faculty and instructors, they are the experts in this field.” – Anna Mraz