The Next Level

You'll hear that buzz-phrase throughout the college bowl games: "the Next Level".



For a standout collegate athlete the question of lengthening their athletic career inevitably comes up. While the NCAA will be running commercials this bowl season pointing to the academic achievements of student athletes (as well they should), the commentators and fans will be talking about which stars are ready to go pro.

How and when a young athlete decides to make the jump is a lesson in "Supply and Demand Economics"; if no one is shopping for candidates in your position, better to stay in school; but for the guy who's in demand, it is a much better financial decission to enter the draft and finish school later.

I do admire those that are dedicated to finishing their scholastic careers, but with the possibility of injuries (particularly in football) and today's economic uncertainty, I say strike while the gridiron's hot!

San Francisco 49'er Steve Young finished his Law Degree in-between NFL seasons. While I'm sure that wasn't easy, the point is that it can be done. Don't enter college expecting to go pro, but don't pass up professional football money expecting to do well as a high school coach. Some opportunities don't knock twice, a pro career is one of those, a college education is not.

Those of us who will be safely left out of the draft this year can still think about going to "the next level". Whatever our chosen profession, regardless of our age or current qualifications, we can always improve our stature and standing by continuing our education long after we've graduated.

Get a new certification, learn that new system, read books written by experts in your field. The best way to keep your job secure is to become the Most Valuable Player on the team.