Even in the "dead" of summer, the pressure on major college football programs is just starting up. Some coaches are playing for their livelihoods this fall. The athletic director is also attached to a college program's top teams, from Division I to non-scholarship programs.

The job of an athletic director is high risk and high reward. Plenty of criticism follows a program, with so much aimed at the AD position. Our latest About.com article focuses on what makes a successful athletic director and how to get on the career path for this rewarding, competitive and also very stressful position.

If you are looking to build your career through college sports, you may never find a more rewarding place to do it. From the enjoyment of helping young and talented student-athletes to a mission of trying to be the best, opportunities are out there to succeed.

Our latest About.com article will serve as a meeting point and an overview for college athletics, including the differences between NCAA Divisions, what Title IX really means and the positions within an athletic department.

This is all important information to keep in the back of your mind if you want to start a career in college sports.