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Many Faces of Sport and Exercise Sciences
Explore our Sport and Exercise Sciences community
From world-class coaches to elite athletes, meet our Many Faces of Sport and Exercise Sciences.
We are celebrating the achievements of talented people in sport and exercise sciences, some of whom are alumni from Manchester Met.
Delve into the individual journeys below, including what kickstarted their careers, ongoing motivations and what diversity means to them.
Many Faces of Sport and Exercise Sciences
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Actively seek out opportunities in whichever area interests you and keep an up-to-date CV. You can find opportunities through networking, attending conferences and career events. Work experience in a field you are interested in also plays a vital role in opening more doors for you.
Sallu Dawo
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science alumni, Medical Student, Warwick Medical School
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There were lots of extracurricular opportunities at University. I helped staff monitor the performance of British Junior Orienteers and participated in research projects. The experience helped me understand how to translate our course content into practice.
Dr Declan Ryan
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science and PhD alumni, Exercise Physiology Lecturer, University of Northampton
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Immerse yourself in your subject as much as you can. Be proactive in seeking opportunities to gain experience, whether it’s volunteering in research studies or assisting with lab data collection on elite athletes.
Dr Georgina Stebbings
BSc, MSc and PhD alumni, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology and Programme Lead for BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning)
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There are a wide range of career opportunities out there. This makes Sport and Exercise Science a unique subject to study.
Dr Gladys Pearson
Reader in Human Physiology, Director of the Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Sciences and Sport Medicine, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Attend your course sessions, follow advice that staff give you on coursework, and gain work experience or volunteer throughout your degree with opportunities such as summer placements.
Dr Petra Kolic
Lecturer in Sports Coaching, Manchester Metropolitan University
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My undergraduate degree is where I gained crucial knowledge across many disciplines. At a postgraduate level, I was able to specialise in strength and conditioning and truly apply theory to 'real-world' environments.
Dr Thomas Dos'Santos
Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning/Sports Biomechanics, Manchester Metropolitan University
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You need to be motivated, but also know that tutors and other students are willing to help if you need extra support or clarity. Utilise all the help and resources available to you and be organised and committed.
Esme Morgan
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) student, Footballer, Manchester City WFC
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I love the impact that Sport and Exercise Science has on sports today. I have seen first hand how interventions underpinned by science can be game-changing in the world of sport.
Helen Scott
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Distance Learning) student, Sprint Tandem Pilot, GB Cycling Team
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Like most people in this industry, I love to win. But I also love to learn and help others to do the same. Sport and Exercise Science is an industry where there is potential to achieve both simultaneously.
Hugh Ferguson
BSc (Hons) Manchester City Community Football Coaching student
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Sport and Exercise Science is a great industry to work in, providing health, fitness, fulfillment and enjoyment for all. The opportunities are limitless, whether you're self-employed, working full or part-time or a volunteer.
Ian Richards
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) student
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I found that the theories I learnt during my degree, like how to structure nutrition for individuals, are really useful in my current role. If you want to work in Sport and Exercise Sciences, research your interests and get involved with as much as possible!
Jordan Fagbola
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Sport Nutrition alumni, Head of Nutrition at Real Life Health and Fitness Online
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I enjoy the diversity of Sport and Exercise Science. There is a wealth of knowledge about using different techniques to benefit athletes. Collaborating with athletes from different sporting backgrounds is a great opportunity to gain experience of working with people with a range of requirements.
Medha Shashidharan
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science (Distance Learning) student, Elite Badminton Player for India
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I have volunteered with City and the Community where I assisted in running a football tournament for children with disabilities. I’m now on an internship with Manchester Met as a Research Assistant. I am learning every day what it’s like in this field of work.
Mia Claydon
BSc (Hons) Manchester City Community Football Coaching student
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Work hard and work well! They are not the same thing. Many work hard, but only a few work well. Network and meet decision makers in your chosen field. Who you know will yield opportunity, what you know will allow you to flourish!
Paul Butler
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science alumni, Assistant Head Coach at ADO Den Haag The Netherlands
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Do not put limits on yourself, work hard and most importantly be yourself. Actively work to develop yourself and build your network of contacts.
Rebecca Sawiuk
MSc Sports Coaching and Development alumni, PhD researcher and Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching, University of Hertfordshire
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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!
Savannah Sturridge
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member, The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences
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Don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown. Speak to everyone you come across, whether they’re a coach or a guest speaker. Networking is valuable, grab every opportunity that comes your way, put the work in and it will pay off in the end.
Zahrah Malik
BSc (Hons) Manchester City Community Football Coaching student, Manchester Metropolitan University