May 6, 2010 11:29:51 AM

The NCAA will host more than 400 student-athletes and coaches at the inaugural NCAA Career in Sports Forum on May 11-14 at the Indianapolis Marriott.

The Forum will provide student-athletes with the opportunity to learn more about careers in sports, particularly in intercollegiate athletics.

Participants will examine the key functions of coaches and administrators within college sports, with an emphasis on communication, networking, recruiting, managing culture, transitioning and budgeting. The event is meant to help student-athletes consider how their personal values intersect with opportunities in sports and teach them how behavioral styles impact effectiveness. Each student-athlete will develop a plan for growth and career development and will have the opportunity to network.

The Forum will paint a realistic picture of careers in athletics and help student-athletes consider whether such a career is the right fit for them.

Student-athletes participate in the Forum in two-year rotation  by sport, with the first Forum open to student-athletes in baseball, basketball, bowling, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. Student-athletes must choose an administrator or coaching track. Those who choose the administrator track will be educated in the areas of academics, compliance, facilities, life skills, marketing and promotions, and sports information.