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Work experience and placements are becoming increasingly important for
students as we attempt to develop our own skills and competencies. The
summer is not far away and is a great opportunity to find a placement
or a job to help you on your way to becoming a sport or exercise scientist.
Start researching opportunities now, that way you will have plenty of
time to look for possible placements and work experience. The SAG has
put together a guide for all students to help them get a really beneficial
placement for the summer.
1) What do you want to do? - It is important that you start thinking
about what you want to do after you graduate. If you are interested in
a particular aspect of sport science (psychology, physiology, biomechanics),
then ensure that some of your placement will help you develop this interest
and the skills and competencies you will need.
2) What groups of people do you want to work with? - If you want to work
in a specific sport (football, athletics etc.,), then get experience in
these sports, even if it is as a coach or volunteer. Having an understanding
of the sport and the type of athletes and individuals you might meet is
excellent experience, and will help you apply for jobs in the future.
3) Research future career options - If you have some jobs in mind for
the future, then try and research the kind of skills and experience that
employers are looking for by looking at job descriptions. For instance,
a physical activity promotion job might require experience as a fitness
instructor. Gaining this kind of experience will be invaluable and will
help you achieve that 'dream job'.
4) Be persistent and realistic - It may take a while to find the right
placement or job, so don't give up! Write lots of letters and make phone
calls as well. Chances are that your effort will impress someone and they
may be able to offer you some experience. It will be difficult to get
experience with elite athletes - so research junior teams and local clubs
that may be more open and interested in helping you.
5) Take your chance - when you do get it don't relax! Make sure you work
as hard as you can. While you are there make contacts, talk to individuals
doing the sort of jobs you are interested in, they will be a great source
of advice. Another good way to make the most of your time is to record
what you do in a diary, this will help you keep a record of what you have
done and help you reflect on your experience.
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A
Guide to Careers in Sport and Exercise Sciences
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