What do you like most about Sport and Exercise Science?  

The industry is multidisciplinary and this means that you are constantly collaborating with other practitioners from different disciplines. It is an area that is developing rapidly with new research constantly being produced. From a performance perspective, there is so much more to understand about athletes and health throughout the nation with current high rates of obesity and health conditions. 

What is great about Sport and Exercise Science is its versatility and application to the world. Whether it is about elite sport or public participation, research into Sport and Exercise Science applies to everyone. My personal favourite area is physiology because understanding the body’s mechanisms during exercise is fascinating. 

Outside of the course teaching, what other opportunities did you get involved with during your time at university?

From a young age, I volunteered for British Athletics and since studying at Birmingham City University, I have interviewed British Sprinter Danny Talbot for a British Athletics advertisement about the importance of volunteers in athletics. 

I have been really fortunate to work alongside staff at my university in a range of areas. I delivered Sport and Exercise Science testing for Kidderminster Harriers Football Club and Warwickshire County Cricket Club, skinfold measurement for testing at Moseley Rugby Club and performance analysis for a women’s hockey team in the National League Conference Division. 

As a Student Ambassador at university, I presented at Open Days to parents and prospective students. I also assisted with staff research projects. I collected data such as finger-prick blood samples to measure variables such as lactase, creatine, kinase and blood glucose levels. 

Last year, I completed a placement year where I worked as an Assistant Technician for my university’s Department of Sport Science. This was a great opportunity to gain a more extensive understanding of the logistics and technical setup of practical sessions across specialist facilities. Alongside a panel of students, I was also involved in the recruitment process for academic staff. 

I am currently tutoring GCSE and A-Level Physical Education students from underprivileged backgrounds, as I am passionate about not letting your background dictate your future success. 

What are your greatest achievements so far?   

My greatest achievement so far is being selected to represent students on the British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. Having the opportunity to work collaboratively on a newly set-up committee with professionals from a range of disciplines within Sport and Exercise Science is fantastic. 

We are all working hard to ensure that everyone has the opportunity for success irrespective of circumstances.  Working with these professionals has given me a greater depth of knowledge and appreciation of the Sport and Exercise industry, and it has certainly solidified my aspirations for the future. 

What advice would you give to prospective students who aspire to a career in Sport and Exercise Science?

I would recommend volunteering across as many settings as possible and I know many sports organisations offer voluntary roles on their websites. Volunteering roles really give you an appreciation of the world of sport aside from just watching it and an appreciation of how health and sport are so impactful to all of us. 

Try not to narrow down your experience to just one sport or just one area because as a new student, you do not know how much it out there. You need to explore a variety of specialisms before you really know what you enjoy. 

I was once incredibly shy and can really empathise with new students. Put yourself forward for as many opportunities as you can. You don’t need to do everything perfectly the first time, it’s about getting things wrong and reflecting afterward to carry your learnings on to the next opportunity. Experience is about much more than your degree. All experiences you gain are great additions to your CV, so get involved!

Why do you feel it is important to have a diverse Sport and Exercise Science industry?   

Diversity in Sport and Exercise Science means that we can all walk into a room and sit among people from a variety of ethnic groups, ages, disabilities, religions and sexual orientations etc. Diversity goes beyond advertising and pictures of diverse groups of people, it’s about creating an environment where we can appreciate and respect each other. 

It is important that we all feel a sense of belonging and that we encourage diversity and representation for our clients and those we work with. This allows a greater understanding and celebration of those around us.  

Sadly, so many people feel that they cannot reach their potential, possibly due to lack of people looking like them or having similar life experiences, and I have felt like that at times. 

I hope that off the back of many pioneering figures across many industries and job titles that everyone feels like they can achieve their potential. A diverse industry will inspire so many young people. Perfect examples in my lifetime are Barack Obama and Kamala Harris: just because you might be the first or one of a few, that should never stop you from aiming to achieve. 

Broaden your horizons.