Scott Koenning graduated from Grinnell in 2010, having played linebacker and kicker while playing football for the Pioneers. After a few years working for some non-profits that assisted high school students with finding college opportunities. He is now heading to work for the NCAA in Indianapolis and these are his words:
In the spring of senior year at Grinnell, the school's Career Development Office sponsored a trip to a Selective Liberal Arts Consortium Recruiting Day in Chicago. There, I interviewed with several companies and organizations in a variety of fields. One of these organizations, the Schuler Scholar Program, ended up being the home of my first 'real job'. At Schuler, I provided academic support and leadership development programming to a caseload of talented high school students, managed the organization's website, and assisted with annual workshops for prospective college athletes. After two years with Schuler in the Chicago area, I headed to Boston where I currently work with Bottom Line, an organization that helps disadvantaged students gain access to college, graduate from college, and prepare for life after college. I serve over 80 students at three area colleges, providing support with challenges related to academics, financial aid, life issues, and career planning.
During my time with Schuler and Bottom Line, I developed a passion for student service. I realized I wanted to find a way to combine this kind of work with my interest in collegiate athletics. I expressed this interest to Coach Pedersen and Grinnell's Director of Athletics and Recreation, Greg Wallace, who were encouraging, engaged, and more than willing to help, as Grinnell faculty tend to be. This winter, I applied for the NCAA's Postgraduate Internship Program, a program the NCAA describes as providing "on-the-job learning experiences for college graduates who express an interest in pursuing a career in intercollegiate athletics administration". In June, I will enter the program interning in the NCAA's department of Inclusion and Leadership Development, where I will work on a variety of projects centered around student-athlete affairs and inclusion.
In the coming years, I hope to pursue a graduate degree and ultimately work in athletics administration at a selective college or university. My enjoyment of my time at Grinnell fostered my passion for athletics administration. I hope that in my work at the NCAA and beyond, I'm able to help student-athletes enjoy similarly challenging, nurturing, and diverse experiences.
