Owen Smith

I believe it will help me when applying for volunteer roles in a performance landscape. Before university, I have had many volunteer experiences but they lack the performance climate necessary to progress my skills. This programme allowed me to develop skills meaning I will be a better practitioner and will have a better chance of succeeding in interview processes.

Soft skills are just as important as knowledge when working with athletes. Also, in this industry, there are no big shortcuts. The main thing that will help secure volunteer placements/a job as a practitioner is commitment and effort.

Currently, I am interested in nutrition and strength and conditioning, however this programme has shown to me the variety of roles available, and also that getting volunteer work in a different area of sport science may still have benefits to the area I want to pursue. For example, developing soft skills or trying a new area may change my view on the future.

Take time with the application process as it is a competitive course. Also I would recommend to any student who is interested in a practitioner role now or in the future, as this course has provided me with insights that only a small number of students have had access to which will help me during application processes in the future.