Grinnell Soccer Network

From the Pitch to Partner: The Journey of Maria Flores '02

When Maria Flores graduated with a degree in Political Science, she knew her experience as a team captain was valuable, but wasn't sure how to translate it. "Soccer taught me how to lead under pressure and how to build consensus with a diverse group of people," she says. "Those skills are more valuable than anything I learned in a textbook."

Today, as a partner at a leading law firm, Maria credits her athletic background for her rapid rise. In this interview, she shares three key lessons for student-athletes on leveraging their unique experience to build a successful career, including the art of the "post-game analysis" for professional projects and the importance of building a "team" of mentors.

Read the Full Story on the Hub

The Art of the Follow-Up: Winning the Second Ball in Networking

In soccer, the second ball is often more important than the first. The same is true in networking. The initial meeting is just the first touch; the follow-up is where you win possession of a new relationship. Whether it's a thoughtful email, a LinkedIn connection with a personalized note, or a relevant article you share, the follow-up shows you were engaged and are serious about building a connection.