From the Locker Room to the Workforce
For many student-athletes, stepping away from competitive sports can bring uncertainty about what comes next. The gap between athletics and the professional world is what led to the creation of NxtSzn.
NxtSzn is a career development platform designed around the student-athlete experience, connecting athletes with alumni mentors from their universities while creating opportunities to engage with businesses and corporate partners. Through these relationships, NxtSzn is helping create a clearer path from athletics to life beyond the playing field.
Concept to Company
Since its launch, NxtSzn has grown from an initial concept into a platform with regional business partnerships and plans to expand to additional universities. What sets NxtSzn apart is its ability to adapt to the needs of each university, creating a more personalized experience for athletes, alumni, and business partners.
As the platform continues to develop, its team is focused on listening to those communities and refining the experience to make it as practical and effective as possible.
CFI’s Impact
For NxtSzn, participating in the UND Center for Innovation’s Runway Accelerator provided valuable support while the company was taking shape. “The program gave me access to professional coaching, valuable community connections, and guidance as questions came up throughout the process,” said Jett Sutton, founder of NxtSzn.
The experience gave Sutton a stronger understanding of the planning, relationship-building, and business processes needed to grow a company, while also providing an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. As a first-time student entrepreneur, those lessons have helped him approach NxtSzn with greater confidence in how to build and operate a business effectively.
Beyond the program itself, the relationships and opportunities gained through CFI have continued to help move NxtSzn forward.
Looking Ahead
As NxtSzn continues to grow, its vision remains centered on helping student-athletes prepare for their careers after athletics. With college athletics continuing to evolve, the need for meaningful career connections and support is becoming increasingly important.
NxtSzn aims to be part of that transition, giving athletes the tools and relationships to confidently take their next steps beyond collegiate sports.
Learn More
Interested in learning more about NxtSzn? Explore the company at https://nxtszn.net/