Lessons for Sport Science Prac students — BASC

Take home message

University practical placements and work experience are the first step in your career. treat them preciously.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email this week from a student who had been doing their university practicum with me at hockey when COVID struck and our training was suspended. It seems university practicums are being reignited which is great news for students seeking critical industry experience before graduation. I have had the privilege of supporting practicum students for the past six years at hockey, and many years at the Western Force before that. It a rewarding endeavor and one of which I am completely supportive. Like a lot of my colleagues, I can easily connect the dots between my current role and my university practicum placement. The meeting with my wonderful and tireless university site coordinator is still a strong memory, even 24 years later!

My first practicum was at a junior football team where I was responsible for the fitness program and was able to design and implement the training. The learning curve was steep. I still had my uni classes, part-time job and now the prac to schedule. I received constant feedback from the coach and players and learnt so much. It was the high level of practical experience that made me the preferred candidate at a WAFL colts team role the following year. The rest is history. So, whilst it may not seem it at the time, in my opinion, practicum placement selection is a very important decision and I’ve a few tips that I would consider:

Tip #1 - Choose your practicum carefully.

It might be easy to see prac as a burden, something to tick off in the final year of study. However, it is the opportunity to see the application of the lectures and labs in the real setting. It is very likely your first interaction with ‘clients’ (meaning, not your fellow students) who are not your own age. There are a range of communication skills required. There will be the experiences in the way you may have been taught at uni and how to apply it in the real world. It may be your first job interview. In most cases whilst you think you are entering the big world, it is actually smaller than you realise and it is likely that your prac supervisor knows your future employer. They will very likely be a reference for your next role, so you want to make sure they are going to have something good to say. And don’t just select the highest profile position. Consider the skills and experiences you may develop that complement what you already have.

Tip #2 - Be referable.

As important as the skills you learn on prac, it is also likely integral to your first employment. Now that you have identified a prac, you have to be worthy of that referral. In my experience, referable students don’t have to be the most knowledgeable, because the reality is that you are inexperienced - that is why you are on prac! What is referable is hard work, punctuality, professionalism, a desire to learn, asking questions, deliberate reflection, a willingness to help your supervisor and make a positive difference. There is nothing worse than the student who is just there to tick off hours. That results in an unfavourable referral.

Tip #3 - Be deliberate.

It is easy to turn up and be swept along in the busy nature of prac, and university and life commitments. Furthermore, there seems nowadays a layer of administrative burden on students to ensure they achieve accreditation with their national governing body. Unfortunately, I add to the burden by suggesting they keep a journal of their prac. This is not a diary of what happened, but a journal of reflection. It’s a shock to go from the classroom to the real world and I sense it is initially overwhelming. A journal is a great way for students record important moments of a session and purposely document planning and development opportunities.

University prac can help establish a range of professional skills and provide an experience that can shape your career. Hopefully these will help you maximise this important career experience.