SAN DIEGO -- Aztecs Going Pro is proud and deeply grateful to announce the inaugural Student-Athlete Internship & Career Expo, made possible through an exciting collaboration with SDSU Career Services, the Jeffrey M. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service, and WWE. This landmark event marks the first time SDSU Athletics has hosted a career and internship expo exclusively designed for student-athletes, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, exploration, and student success.
The expo will take place Monday, February 16, 2026, in person at the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center on the San Diego State University campus. Student-athletes from every SDSU sport program are expected to attend, representing a diverse range of academic majors including Business, Engineering, Marketing, Communications, Kinesiology, Health Sciences, and the Sciences.
For many student-athletes, particularly sophomores and juniors, this represents a pivotal moment in their collegiate journey. With fewer than 2 percent of NCAA student-athletes ultimately competing in their sport at the professional level, the vast majority will transition directly into the workforce, making early and intentional career exploration essential (NCAA, 2023). At the same time, research shows that a strong majority of former student-athletes, roughly 82 percent, are employed at their desired level after college, outperforming many of their non-athlete peers (Gallup & NCAA, 2020). This underscores how intentional career exploration and networking can make all the difference when it comes to discovering and refining potential career pathways.
Designed to foster intentional, high-impact conversations, the Student-Athlete Internship & Career Expo connects student-athletes with employers recruiting for internships, part-time roles, and early-career opportunities, while also welcoming organizations interested in exploring NIL-compliant partnerships. AGP is especially excited to partner with WWE, which has expressed strong interest in SDSU student-athletes and is actively looking to identify talent to become the next generation of WWE Superstars.
This event highlights the power of collaboration across campus and industry. With the expertise of SDSU Career Services, the leadership development mission of the Jeffrey M. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service, and the global reach and inspiration of WWE, AGP is honored to bring together partners who believe in the potential of student-athletes far beyond competition. Together, these organizations are creating a unique experience that emphasizes workforce readiness, career development, leadership, and professional identity — the core pillars of the Aztecs Going Pro program.
Due to venue capacity and strong employer interest, space is limited, and registrations will be reviewed on a first-come basis. Organizations interested in securing a table are encouraged to register early through the Handshake registration link.
This first-ever expo is powered by Aztecs Going Pro in partnership with SDSU Athletics, SDSU Career Services, and the SDSU Alumni Association, underscoring a campus-wide commitment to supporting student-athletes as they prepare for meaningful careers and life after sport.
Sources:
National Collegiate Athletic Association. (2023). NCAA recruiting fact sheet (Recruiting Fact Sheet). NCAA. Retrieved from https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/compliance/recruiting/NCAA_RecruitingFactSheet.pdf
Gallup & National Collegiate Athletic Association. (2020). Undergraduate experiences and post-college outcomes of NCAA student-athletes: 2020 report. NCAA. Retrieved from https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2016/5/3/gallup-study-undergraduate-experiences-and-post-college-outcomes-of-ncaa-student-athletes.aspx
About Aztecs Going Pro (AGP)
Aztecs Going Pro is SDSU Athletics’ student-athlete development program focused on personal growth, career readiness, and civic engagement. Through innovative programming and strategic partnerships, AGP equips student-athletes with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to succeed beyond sport.
Follow Aztecs Going Pro on social media:
Instagram: @AztecsGoingPro
LinkedIn: Aztecs Going Pro – SDSU Athletics
About the Jeffrey M. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service
The Jeffrey M. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service at San Diego State University empowers students to become engaged leaders through leadership development, community service, and civic engagement. By providing hands-on learning experiences, workshops, and community partnerships, the Glazer Center helps students develop the skills, confidence, and purpose needed to lead positive change on campus and beyond.
Website: https://leadership.sdsu.edu
Instagram: @sdsuleadership
LinkedIn: SDSU Leadership & Service
About SDSU Career Services
SDSU Career Services supports San Diego State University students and alumni in exploring career paths, gaining professional experience, and preparing for the workforce. Through career coaching, employer engagement, experiential learning opportunities, and career readiness programming, SDSU Career Services equips students with the tools and resources needed for successful transitions from college to career.
Website: https://career.sdsu.edu
Instagram: @sdsucareers
LinkedIn: SDSU Career Services
About WWE
WWE, a global leader in sports entertainment, creates and delivers original content across television, live events, digital media, and social platforms, reaching audiences worldwide. WWE is committed to developing world-class talent and providing opportunities for athletes and professionals to translate performance, discipline, and personal branding into careers both in and out of the ring.
Website: https://www.wwe.com
Instagram: @wwe
LinkedIn: WWE
X (Twitter): @WWE
Aztecs Going Pro Launches First-Ever Student-Athlete Internship & Career Expo
Aztecs Going Pro Launches First-Ever Student-Athlete Internship & Career Expo with WWE, SDSU Career Services, and the Jeffrey M. Glazer Center for Leadership & Service.
