8 Ways Students Can Prepare for a Career in Player Development

25/07/2025 9 min

Listen "8 Ways Students Can Prepare for a Career in Player Development"

Episode Synopsis

If you're a student interested in working in player development, this episode is your playbook. Ed Jones II shares 8 practical ways to begin preparing for the field — from understanding the role to building your network and gaining experience right where you are. Whether you're in college or just getting started, this episode will show you how to take action now.-BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8SIGNED BOOK - Get a SIGNED copy here: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/the-player-development-guide Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/ Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginnersAbout Ed Jones IIFounder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development MovementEd Jones II is a globally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes: – The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting) – The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space) – The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly) – The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter) – Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development GuideWhat sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people: – Those who have connected with Ed Jones II. – And those who are about to.Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/-PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected] Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/ Follow:Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgramLet's Talk Player Development. Email me here: [email protected] Equipment used in the videoCamera: https://amzn.to/3P4AGbJCamera Tripod: https://amzn.to/4aL6s5AMic: https://amzn.to/43RF57PLighting: https://amzn.to/3SFmiaA

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