Career Advice from The Wisdom Group

In Spring 2020, not long after the Covid 19 pandemic altered the college athletics landscape, a group of BOSCA alums got together on a Zoom call to check in on one another. Each of our campuses had been shut down and we all found ourselves challenged by the same uncertainties.

A smaller group of BOSCA alums, led by Matt Donovan from the University of Indianapolis, kept meeting every week…and still does on Friday mornings. I should note that Matt is a born mentor and is the leader of this gang that has come to be known as the Wisdom Group. Each week they spend an hour chewing the fat, checking out Seth Dutton’s cowboy boots, and exchanging ideas. Mostly they support one another.

The photo above is from a recent meeting of the Wisdom Group. Recently, I asked Matt to approach the group for some ideas/advice that they might share with others in our profession. Following is what the group shared.

No matter what area of collegiate athletics you find yourself in, there are a few skills that will help your career, wherever that career path takes you. These aren’t technical skills. They’re soft skills; how to read situations and work with people.

One of those skills is knowing when you need help, and knowing who to ask for help. I haven’t always been good at that, but it’s something I’ve made a priority and something the Wisdom Group has helped with immeasurably. We’re always open to new members, so if you don’t know who/where to reach out, this is a pretty damn good place to start.

The other soft skill I’ve leaned on a lot is helping people dream a little bit. We’re all faced with the same cliché conversation that goes something like ‘This is the way its always been done’ or ‘We can’t do that because of XYZ’. In that situation, I like to ask ‘if XYZ wasn’t an issue, how would you envision this working?’ I’ve found that people will be very honest in that situation. From there, if you can find the path between where you’re at and where they want to be, you can have a lot of success. It’s a strategy I was taught while working with donors, but it works wonders in other areas as well.

And make sure to dream a little bit yourself. Have a vision for where you want to go. Know that it won’t always be easy or necessarily a straight path, but keep working and don’t be afraid to lean on those around you for some help.

Greg Weis, Assistant AD- Development & Revenue Generation, Minnesota State University- Mankato

In 1989 I packed up my things and moved to West Lafayette, IN. I was a young lad trying to figure it out at Purdue University. Then one day, John DeCamp, the legendary radio voice for Purdue Athletics, introduces himself and extends an invitation for me to join he and his wife for dinner that evening. Now why would an icon like John feel it be necessary to provide an opportunity as such? Me being quick on the trigger - I accepted immediately. As I thanked John and his wife for his kindness that evening, he mentioned a statement to me I have always remembered…”challenging as life can be, everyone needs someone to count on and rely on for help.” Needless to say, besides my parents, John became that person I called on often for guidance, counsel and support. 

We have all heard the statement ”pay it forward.” I like to think that’s what I have done since that moment in 1989. But be certain, even today, there are a number of people I call upon often to be the voice of support and reassurance. Let’s be honest, all of us want a host of friends as well :)

In closing, as told to me once by my dad...“Never believe you have all the answers. The day you think you do have all the answers….retire!” This message continues to drive me to inquire, study and learn. My hope is this message encourages you to do the same. 

Matt Donovan, Sr. Associate Athletic Director for Development - University of Indianapolis

13 years ago as I was looking for a full time job after I graduated from college, I was told "to make connections" and "it is all about who you know". Just wanting a job and trying to start my life I overlooked those pieces of advice. Three years later out of the blue, I received a call from the President of my Alma Mater who I had gotten to know prior to my graduation, he asked me if I would be interested in a job that had just come open, he remembered my work and my desire to work in the position that was open. Three weeks later, I was in his office where he handed me a contract and as I signed that contract, I quickly remembered those pieces of advice. The connections you make will be those individuals that you can call and ask for industry advice, provide you with a fresh set of eyes on a project and more importantly provide a sense of calm when times get tough. Who you know may not only provide you with your next job or opportunity but will allow you the chance to grow, learn and be the best version of you that you need to be successful.    

Michael Feuling, Development Officer – Linn Benton Community College

A few tidbits that I have found helpful

• There is no such thing as a dumb question

• Continue to learn each day. This can be different for everyone. This doesn’t mean you have to read five books a week.  

• Do your current job extraordinarily well. Good things happen to good people. Make your boss look good and limit the surprise factor.  

• Lean on your mentors and don’t be afraid to reach out to others to get better. Never be afraid to pick up the phone or send an email.  

• Pay it forward. Yes indeed. Make time for others.  

• Pay attention to your industry and the world outside your industry and at all levels. So many things no matter the level can work for you at where you are at. Don’t get bogged down by the numbers, size, etc. Make it work for you.  

• Be a good person. Smile. Laugh.  

• No one has all the answers

• Rome wasn’t built in a day. This comes from way back but more so from Matt Donovan.  

Brian Sisson, Athletic Director – St. Mary’s University (MN)

One of the hardest things in life is to be vulnerable and admit it. Starting new, we all want to prove ourselves and there’s an unfortunate perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Don’t concern yourself with being right, instead focus on learning and getting it right. It’s perfectly acceptable to admit that you need help, but make sure you then go ask for it. 

The people in this industry will help you and provide mentorship no matter what the challenge is. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Ask for the help that you need. 

Brock Wissmiller, Sr. Associate AD for Development – Upper Iowa University

College athletics fundraising and external relations is where I got my start, and after moving over to the central advancement side on campus I realize how vital those skills learned through athletics are to any career. No matter what the job description is, I think relationship building is the key to success. Especially in the world of fundraising or building a brand it’s so important that your constituents “like” those building it. As they peek behind the curtain be authentic, trustworthy, honest, and “real” with those you’re working with internally and externally. I believe that vulnerability will pay dividends where you are and where you will go!

Taylor Phelps, Sr. Director of Principal Giving – Texas A&M University – Commerce

I’m grateful for the advice that the Wisdom Group shared. More than anything I’m reminded how important it is to have peers that you can call on and who become more than just professional acquaintances…they become friends. I encourage you to create your own “Wisdom Group,” or come join ours!