Why did youchoose to study in the sport and leisure field?
I always wanted to become a physiotherapist and knew that this was a pathwayinto the career. I did not pursue physio in the end, as I found a decent job inthe sports science field. I always enjoyed sports when I was younger and knew Iwanted to do something like this — hands-on but also theory based.What wasthe best thing about your course?
The course involved a lot of lab testing, which I really enjoyed, especiallywhen we were able to perform tests used to measure the performance of eliteathletes on each other. My favourite was the VO2 max test, which calculates theamount of oxygen used by athletes as they perform. As far as university goes,the best thing would definitely have to be the social life and meeting newpeople, including the lunchtime social events, playing footy, lazing around onthe grass, hanging out with friends before and after classes, and the partiesand pub crawls. What wasthe worst thing about your course?
Some subjects focused on the cultural side of sport and involved quite a bit ofessay writing and theoretical study, which is something that I didn’t expectwhen I applied for the course. Another thing would have to be those late nightsfinishing up assignments or studying, or those damn prac reports. And I’m sureeveryone who has been to uni has had one of those classmates who didn’t shut upduring lectures — but now that I look back they were rather entertaining. Have youfound work in your field?
Yes, I found a great job working for an exercise physiology company thatspecialises in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, injury management and chronicdisease management. I will admit it was very had to find work straight out ofuni — I had to trial a few interviews before I got the hang of it and found ajob. Students should be aware that the most appealing jobs, such as workingwith elite athletes, can be hard to find and break into. What advicewould you give to students considering studying sport and leisure?
If I were to do things over I would make sure I got my foot in the doorstraight away. When I say this, I mean getting a job in the field from the getgo — even while you’re studying. There is so much to be learnt in the fieldthat cannot be taught at university. And you will be surprised how these randomskills come together to help you find a job when you graduate. Lastly, try to participate ineverything at uni — if you get the chance to study abroad, take it. I passed onthis and regretted it.
