Senior Sports Rehabilitator,
Active Choice
Bsc Sports Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention, 2011
What made you choose Middlesex University?
It was one of only two places that had my degree course in London. For me the location was really convenient.
What attracted you to your course and made you apply?
I already worked in fitness but I was looking for a professional qualification in order to help with career progression.
What aspects of your course did you enjoy most?
I really enjoyed the clinical assessment and clinical reasoning modules.
What is your fondest memory of life at Middlesex?
I was already working and quite a mature student so I didn't get too involved in student life. I tended to turn up and study, then fit in my work as a personal trainer around my studies. I would therefore say my fondest memory is course-related and would have to be the advanced rehabilitation practical sessions.
What one piece of advice would you give to a prospective student interested in studying at Middlesex?
Make sure you go to the Open Day and talk to your prospective tutors. It's really important to find out whether you think you will get along as the relationships you develop with your tutors are important.
I would say my piece of advice for when you get to university would be sit at the front in lectures. It might sound nerdy but you will find it easier to engage and learn more!
How did your course and time at Middlesex help you to get where you are professionally today?
I couldn't do my current job without my degree, so for me the decision to go to university is one of the best decisions I have made. My degree has enabled me to work clinically which is something I couldn't have done before as a personal trainer. I run my own clinic now and get a huge amount of job satisfaction. The course gave me a good grounding in the skills required to run a private practice.
Why did you choose the career you studied for?
I did a lot of sport and I was told when I had various injuries that these couldn't be resolved. I went to a Sports Rehabilitation expert who had studied the same course that I ended up studying and he fixed me. I realised the potential of sports rehabilitation as it helps enable people to do things that they often think they won't be able to do again.
What are the pros and cons of working within your professional field?
The pros are you can make a real difference to the quality of people's lives and help them to do things again that they thought they couldn't. It also pays quite well. I would say the biggest con is the fact it is not recognised by the HPC so you can't work with private insurance companies.
How did you get your foot on the career ladder post university?
I was already working as a personal trainer but I started working for another former Middlesex University student in their clinic a couple of days a week. Working in someone else's clinic to begin with gave me the confidence to set up my own clinic.
What has been your defining career break or highlight to date?
I would say my biggest career break to date has been being able to secure great facilities for my clinical practice at a reasonable price at the gym where I work. The manager and I get on well so he was kind enough to give me a good rate when I was setting up.
What does the future hold for you?
I want to continue to expand my business. I'd like to take someone on and train them so they can help with client work. I would also like to roll out further clinics and start running experiential away weekends focussing on health and nutrition in Wales.
What are the top three career tips you would give to current students and recent graduates?
Choose your clinical placement wisely – really think about where you want to work. Your placement can provide you with an opportunity to build your network of contacts in the area you would like to go into.
Be careful about internships as many clubs rely on interns to keep running and tend to rotate interns rather than offer employment.
Make sure you have good exercise knowledge. You really need to understand exercise and movement – this is what separates you from a physiotherapist.