ISU professor pens sports career book used at prestigious schools around the country
January 14, 2016
When Howard Gauthier penned “Getting Hired in College Sports” in 2009, he had no idea it would become a must-read in sports management classes at colleges and universities around the country.
āI never thought in a million years that Iād be selling books to Harvard, Stanford, Florida State, Nebraska or University of Oklahoma,ā said Gauthier, an associate professor in Ā鶹“«Ć½AVās sports science and physical education department. Heās taught at ISU-Meridian the past eight years.
The 264-page book consists of a five-step process to assist students, sports managers, coaches and administrators to land their dream jobs. Gauthier shares stories and case studies, illustrating strategic methods to conduct a successful job searchāfrom developing a personal brand to creating an effective resume, preparing for interview questions and the proper way to follow up after an interview.
āIāve even sold to people who need help with career development outside of the sports world. Itās the same process, just focused on a different industry,ā said Gauthier, who spent five years researching the book.
Last semester, University of Nebraska used āGetting Hired in College Sportsā in sports management classes, and Western Kentucky University is using the book this spring. The book is on library shelves at Stanford University, UCLA, the NCAA, University of Massachusetts, Ā鶹“«Ć½AV and a host of smaller colleges.
But the icing on the cake came a few weeks ago when Harvard University athletics placed an order. āI just smiled and thought āthis is pretty cool.ā Harvard should have a copy. I believe itās the best career development book in sports,ā Gauthier said.
Heās not the only one. A check of Amazon.com shows āGetting Hired in College Sportsā has a five-star rating.
Connecting the dots
What sets it apart from other career development books is the depth of research, much of it drawn from Gauthierās 25-year career in athletic administration and coaching at the collegiate level. Accompanying the book is a 66- page workbook, a website, and a weekly blog and newsletter.
āAthletics is a tough and competitive industry. I wanted to be able to help people,ā said Gauthier, a former athletic director at ISU, California State University and Southwest Minnesota State University.
A quick tip from Gauthier? Connect the dots. In other words, play to your strengths, keep an ear to the ground for the good jobs and build strong relationships within an industry. āPeople like to hire people they know or who come highly recommended from people they trust,ā said Gauthier, who holds a Ph.D. in education from Southern Illinois University.
āGetting Hired in College Sports,ā published by Sports Leadership Publishing Company,ā is available online at and Amazon.com.