Inside Story - Health and Lifestyle Consultant



Bianca

Age Range
18-25

Countries of Work
UK

Study and Career History
I have been through the educational system all the way to graduating from University. I took on part time/casual employment to support my studies at College and University. My study and work was focused mainly in Leisure, Health and Fitness. So they complemented one another. I sat the 11+, GCSE's, completed a C&G in Sport and Recreation, a BTEC in Sport Science and a BSc (Hons) Sport Science and Human Nutrition. During my time at College I also became a Sports Coach and leader, a Lifeguard and a Preliminary First Aider. I chose to attend night school and sit the RSA Word Processing Exams in order to broaden my personal skills and to ensure that I was employable in a range of arenas. My first part time job was in retail and the rest, bar a few, all related to what I was studying and gave me the foundation to what I do now - included the work placement jobs that I took on. During my time at University I decided to take on a number of different jobs. I was nominated and elected the Student Union Sports Officer. I started working for the company that currently employs me whilst at University.

How long have you been doing the job?
2yrs 9months

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
I fell into studying a C&G in Sports and Recreation on completion of my GCSE's - It was suggested to me that I gain more GCSE's before continuing with my education. With this course and the work experience placement I took at a Hotel (working as a Lifestyle Consultant), I decided that I'd love to combine the study of Sport Science and Nutrition in order to eventually practice as a Lifestyle Consultant. I got a taste of this whilst I was doing a BTEC in Sport Science and decided to do the joint degree at University.

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
Close to the end of my 3rd year at University I saw an advert posted on my Faculty Sports Board for Graduates to apply to the company I currently work for. Obviously I was not a Graduate but decided to apply anyway as the opportunities available in terms of personal development and the pay seemed good plus I felt I had sufficient experience, drive and theoretical background to offer. I was fortunate enough to be contacted by the Recruitment Director of the company and a week later was interviewed and offered a Locum position. This was suitable for me as I continued to study for another year and a half at Uni and I thought it a good way to see more of London. Soon after I completed my degree I saw a permanent position advertised within the company based in the City. It was a position that required the applicant to be able to swim as the site was one of very few that had a swimming pool. I liked the idea of having access to a pool everyday, and the opportunities available for water activities, so I applied for it. And here I am!

What does the job involve?
Supervision of the gym and attendants Client Consultations Exercise Prescription Programme Reviews Nutrition Consultations Diet Analysis GP Referral related Programmes Reception & Admin Duties Personal Training Teaching Classes Gym maintenance and cleaning.

Describe a typical day at work.
Open the facility including the Member Tracking System & e-mail on the computers. Greet and deal with members Clean the equipment Keep appointments (consult. & gym) throughout the shift Answer the phone and take bookings/cancellations for squash courts, classes and client/instructor appointments May take a class Bring the client and club admin up to date Close down the facility.

What do you like most about the job?
The fact that I can wear comfy clothes to work and the relaxed, yet professional atmosphere in this environment.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
The long periods of inactivity between our peak usage times.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
Definitely... families, friends and schooling all played a part in my learning and applying skills to varying situations. From a young age I learned about interdependency, relationship building, structural reflection, self awareness and the spirit of enterprise. Obviously I was more able to identify with my personal development of these skills and was able to use them in a manner relevant to my chosen career when I took on community based learning. During Secondary School, College and University I had mandatory 'Work Experience' modules where you are expected to learn about your chosen career aspirations through community involvement. Of course I didn't quite appreciate this at school however I did take a placement in a public Leisure Facility not too far from my school and loved it! As I mentioned above, the Work Placement I took at College was the most influential as I took a position that I thoroughly enjoyed and knew from that time on that I was going to be a Lifestyle Consultant. The courses I took at College seemed as though they were designed for me to learn, and I did. The BTEC in Sport Science was also very vocational. Again, while I was at University I took a work placement. However I put a little spin on it and decided to look into working in Health Promotion which had always been an interest, and followed really well with the work I was already doing as a Locum Lifestyle Consultant. Through the company I was already working for (the same company I am with now), I got a Placement with a team who wanted another person to help in the coordination of a Health Promotion Programme and to facilitate it and, to work on a Health Roadshow. I jumped at the chance and loved the meetings, research and work we put into it.

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
I left Secondary School at 16, College at 19 and Uni at 24 I took the 11+ in junior school and don't recall my grades but they were sufficient to get me into my secondary school. I did 9 GCSE's at 16 and did not achieve what was expected of me nor what I felt I was capable of but that was my time of rebellion (at least I got it all out early), and I had a great time. I made up for this little hiccup during my first year at College by sitting some more courses/exams including the C&G Sport and Rec. My following two years at College were the best two educational years for me. I achieved so much, learned through practice and thoroughly enjoyed it as I was ready to apply myself. I left with top grades. I was pleased & relieved to graduate from University, it was quite a long haul. My grades reflected my effort.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
No, no regrets except that I think I may have preferred studying for my degree elsewhere - the grass is always greener hey! What I studied at College, (the C&G and the BTEC) prepared me well for the jobs I applied for during my teen years and early 20s, and kept me on the path for my chosen career. I'm aware that I could have left school at 16 and begun working in a gym and worked my way up to this position on completion of some job related courses and exams.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
I attended University and read for a BSc (Hons) Sport Science and Human Nutrition. I chose to take further qualifications as I was under the impression that a degree will get you a good/better job than not having one. In some industries this may be true. I also wanted to experience the Uni culture, move out of home and have total independence. I would recommend it to anyone, even if just for the experience!

What was your first job?
My first Work Placement (unpaid) at the age of 15 was in a Leisure Centre working as a Recreational Assistant. My first job with a wage was in a Sports Clothing section in a well known Department Store.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
One of my most challenging placement jobs was working as a Stable Hand. The job itself was not difficult as I was young and fit and loved that I could go out riding every day. However I had severe heyfever breakouts over the working period which caused me to become exhausted by the end of the day making it rather physically & mentally challenging. Also I found muscles I never knew existed!

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
I would love to be a Consultant or Personal Trainer for the London Fire Brigade.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Know what you want and work towards it with everything that you do. Stay focused but don't lose sight of the bigger picture - self fulfilment and enjoyment.

Any comments?


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