JOB ACTIVITIES AND EMPLOYMENT IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

Introduction to Career Exploration

ARE YOU SUITED FOR A CAREER IN ES? ES is a diverse field with many potential career

opportunities which seem to be continually expanding

a goal of this class is to begin exploring possibilities so you can determine the best fit for your interests, skills, and abilities

begin by asking some questions…

ARE YOU SUITED FOR A CAREER IN ES? Do my attitudes, values, and goals match those of a

professional? interest in helping others focus on financial success interest in administrative duties and management interest in continued education work ethic communication skills

no

don’t know

yes

consider another type of work

talk with faculty or experienced professional

continue…

ANSW

ER

ARE YOU SUITED FOR A CAREER IN ES? Do I really enjoy and am I really interested in

physical activity? self-test (Figure 13.7) score of 22-30 indicates interest is appropriate score of 16-21 indicates interest may be appropriate score of <16 indicates might want to reconsider

no

don’t know

yes

consider alternative profession

enroll in an activity course and a core course and

reconsidercontinue…

ANSW

ER

ARE YOU SUITED FOR A CAREER IN ES? Do my attitudes, interests, and talents match those

essential in a specific ES profession? job compatibility activity (see next slide) class and particularly observation assignment designed to

help you identify level of compatibility continue to look for match throughout program

no

don’t know

yes

consider alternative profession

seek out volunteer opportunities to determine

continue…

ANSW

ER

JOB COMPATIBILITY ACTIVITY

Job Characteristics

and Responsibilitie

s

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Perceived Pro

Perceived Con

Current and/or Future

Degree of Match?

List Job Title:

JOB COMPATIBILITY ACTIVITY

Job Characteristics

and Responsibilitie

s

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Perceived Pro

Perceived Con

Current and/or Future

Degree of Match?

1. Work with Students

Ability to Communicate

Like to talk to others

Yes

Patience Often get Annoyed Maybe

Interest in Helping Others

Fulfilling to Help Others

Yes

2. Teaching Ability to Talk in Front of Group

Get Nervous No

List Job Title: University Professor – Sport Psych.

ARE YOU SUITED FOR A CAREER IN ES? Am I in a professional program that will prepare me for

my chosen career? consider career requirements (be proactive!) explore options for meeting through ES major coursework,

cognate hours, and internship experiences consider getting a minor or dual major

no

don’t know

yes

enroll in more appropriate curriculum

talk with faculty member in ES

continue…

ANSW

ER

ARE YOU SUITED FOR A CAREER IN ES? How committed am I to preparing myself to be the

best professional possible? excellence in academic work early identification with the professional field becoming engaged in college/university life participation in volunteer services attending graduate school

not very committed

don’t know

very committed

select an alternative career

select an alternative career

You are on the right track!

ANSW

ER

DO I ENJOY SCIENCE? This major is science based Evidence-based decision making is crucial

Do I accept what others tell me without investigating their evidence?

Do I accept explanations/practices because someone else used them in the past?

Do I rely on non-scientific sources of information (e.g., media, Joe at the gym, friends, Muscle and Fitness…)?

Am I superstitious?

TIPS ON CHOOSING A CAREER (BROWN, 2011) Develop a career plan, including interests and areas

of expertise. Talk to other professionals in the area, attend

conferences, go to association meetings, and network with colleagues (e.g., join and be active in the Exercise Science Club).

Consider all of your career options early in your educational process.

Make sure you prepare yourself with the correct academic courses.

Be flexible and ready to accept new challenges: ES is growing rapidly, and many new and exciting opportunities are available.