NATA 2026: Your Career Starts Here
Whether searching for your next opportunity, looking to hire or simply hoping to grow your professional network, Career Center Live offers resources and connections that can benefit every attendee of the 77th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo in Philadelphia.
A staple of the NATA convention, Career Center Live brings the NATA job platform to life from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29-July 1 and 8 a.m. to noon July 2. From perusing the in-person job board and having your résumé expertly reviewed to meeting with employers actively hiring, Career Center Live provides in-person attendees a career-advancing experience no matter their career stage.
“Even if you’re not looking for a job right now, we all need to broaden our networks,” said NATA Human Resources Manager Kathy Stucker, who oversees Career Center Live. “You never know, in six months, you might need to hire an AT or you might decide to switch settings.”
Keep reading for insight into what Career Center Live is offering this year – including new ways to network and grow along your career path.
Career Resources for Every Stage
Career Center Live is designed to be a comprehensive hub for professional growth, offering support that extends beyond traditional job searching. From students exploring career possibilities to experienced ATs considering their next step, the space brings together a wide range of resources for long-term career growth.
A cornerstone of Career Center Live is the résumé review, part of the Career Compass offering. Attendees can receive personalized feedback to strengthen their résumé and better highlight their clinical and professional experience. To participate, email your résumé to the NATA Career Compass email address. You will then be contacted to schedule a 15-minute meeting with the volunteer reviewing your résumé.
“Take advantage of meeting with someone for 15 minutes to talk through your career path – what's next for you, where you're going, what you’re looking to accomplish,” Stucker said.
On-site job boards serve as an evolving resource, highlighting current openings and new opportunities as they become available.
“Come visit Career Center Live daily,” said Cassie Hodgin, MS, LAT, ATC, who is serving as a Career Center Live volunteer for her second year. “We update the job board constantly with information about new postings as well as jobs that have a company representative on-site, so there’s often new information available for those looking for a job or just interested in what’s currently open.”
If an employer is on-site, employer tables will be available so job seekers can have a direct conversation with hiring organizations.
“If you are currently looking for a new job or even considering a new job, stop by regularly so we can connect you with employers who are offering interviews on-site and are wanting to meet you at the conference,” said Tara Peterson, EdD, LAT, ATC, who began volunteering with the Career Center in 2016.
If an employer isn’t present, NATA will help interested job seekers connect to them.
“We’ll send the employer an email to let them know this person is interested in their job and ask if they want to talk to them,” Stucker said. “We’re happy to assist with setting that up.”
Another popular offering returning in 2026 is the Headshot Lounge, where attendees can receive a free professional headshot for use on their LinkedIn profiles and other professional platforms. This year, the Headshot Lounge will be located in AT Central, which will also feature a Career Center booth for attendees who have questions or are seeking additional information.
What's New
Career Center Live is introducing several new offerings this year, giving attendees even more ways to engage, connect and grow.
Attendees can take part in a new scavenger hunt that encourages them to visit Career Center Live locations and participate in activities throughout the convention. Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a prize drawing.
Students will also find expanded opportunities tailored to their interests. For the first time, the in-person job board will feature clinical immersion opportunities, allowing students to explore hands-on experiences in a variety of settings. In addition, the NATA Student Leadership Committee Career Roundtables will take place in Career Center Live from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. July 1, creating a convenient space for students and professionals to connect and discuss job settings, professional goals and experiences across the profession.
Along with résumé reviews, Career Compass will offer LinkedIn profile reviews, a first for Career Center Live.
“We’ve worked hard to expand the on-site offerings to convention attendees,” Hodgin said. “This year, we’ve added LinkedIn profile reviews, which I’m really excited for as there are so many AT jobs that are being posted through LinkedIn, so offering advice on how to utilize LinkedIn feels very applicable.”
Networking will also take center stage with Connect at Career Center Live from 3 to 4 p.m. June 30. Peterson described the event as a reception dedicated to connecting job seekers with employers and students with potential preceptors.
“It’s also for those just thinking about what their future careers look like and want a chance to meet with athletic trainers from a variety of settings,” she said.
Whether you’re looking to grow your network or find your next employer, all convention attendees are encouraged to attend Connect at Career Center Live.
“Creating a space where job seekers and employers can connect in real time truly captures what the convention is all about,” said Natasha Drukarova Denmark, EdD, ATC, who started volunteering with the Career Center 10 years ago.
Making Meaningful Connections
Perhaps the most important resource offered by Career Center Live is the opportunity to meet other ATs, employers and students.
“My biggest tip is to take advantage of the social opportunities – special interest meetings, volunteer opportunities, the evening socials and more,” Denmark said. “The lectures are valuable for educational and clinical growth, but the connections made at social gatherings can help guide your next professional move.”
No matter if you're seeking advice, exploring career possibilities or simply expanding your professional network, the connections you make at convention and Career Center Live can have a lasting impact long after you’ve returned home.
If you haven’t already done so, there’s still time to register for NATA 2026.
