For Emory student-athletes Geoffrey Halpern and Lillian Ware, the Deloitte Student-Athlete Experience offered more than career development—it reinforced the value of the leadership, resilience, and adaptability they have built through collegiate athletics. The experience took place on June 17-19, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, including 100 student-athletes, ranging from D1 to D3, who attended from schools all over the country.
The immersive program brought together student-athletes from across the country to connect with Deloitte professionals, hear from former collegiate athletes who have successfully transitioned into the workforce, and develop practical skills for life after graduation. While Halpern and Ware entered the experience with different career aspirations, both left with greater confidence in how their athletic experiences can translate into professional success.
As a goalkeeper for the Emory Men's Soccer team, Halpern's biggest takeaway was learning how to communicate the value of being a student-athlete in a professional setting. Through workshops and conversations with Deloitte employees and former athletes, he developed a stronger understanding of how experiences such as competing under pressure, leading teammates, and overcoming challenges can become meaningful examples during interviews and networking opportunities. He also appreciated the opportunity to expand his professional network by connecting with peers from universities across the country.
Ware, a standout player on the Emory Softball team, found similar value in recognizing that student-athletes already possess many of the skills employers are looking for. She said the experience helped her realize that situations athletes encounter every day—receiving feedback, navigating difficult conversations, working with different personalities, and adapting to change—are all directly applicable in the workplace. More importantly, she learned that success often comes down to effectively communicating those experiences.
The program's emphasis on personal connections also stood out to both students.
For Halpern, one of the most memorable aspects was how quickly meaningful relationships developed among participants from different schools, sports, and backgrounds. Despite arriving as strangers, the shared experiences of collegiate athletics created an immediate sense of trust and camaraderie. "It reminded me that the qualities athletics instill in us don't stay confined to the field or court," Halpern said. "They shape how we connect with others and how quickly we can build trust in new environments."
Ware pointed to the candid conversations with alumni and professionals as the most impactful part of the experience. Hearing successful leaders openly discuss career uncertainty, setbacks, and the importance of seeking mentorship helped reinforce that career paths are rarely linear. Their willingness to share those experiences encouraged attendees to embrace feedback, remain open to new opportunities, and recognize that growth often comes through challenges.
The experience also aligned with each student's future goals in different ways.
For Halpern, who is still exploring his post-graduation plans, the program provided reassurance that uncertainty is a normal part of the transition from athletics. Learning from former student-athletes who had faced similar questions helped him view the future with greater confidence, knowing the discipline and adaptability developed through sports will serve him regardless of the career path he ultimately chooses.
Ware, who plans to pursue a career in law, said the experience broadened her perspective on professional opportunities while increasing her confidence in interview preparation and career readiness. As someone outside the business school, she initially questioned whether she had the same level of preparation as other participants. Instead, she "left with a better understanding of the wide range of opportunities available at companies like Deloitte" and a renewed confidence that the skills she has developed as a student-athlete will translate across industries.
Although Halpern and Ware entered the Deloitte Student-Athlete Experience from different starting points, they shared a common takeaway: the lessons learned through collegiate athletics extend far beyond competition. Whether through leadership, resilience, teamwork, or adaptability, both students came away with a stronger appreciation for the value of their athletic experiences and the confidence to carry those skills into whatever comes next.
