What do I want to be when I grow up and how do I get there

1
What do I want to be when I grow up and how do I
get there?
2
How do you know whether a career in this
profession is for you?

• Do you participate in and enjoy exercise?
• Have you enjoyed classes such as physical
  fitness, biology, health, nutrition?
• Do you enjoy reading health wellness magazines
  / journals
• Do you enjoy helping and working with people?
• Do you get excited about the possibility of
  working in sports medicine/exercise settings?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

3
Professional OpportunitiesChapter 5

• Health and Fitness
• Fitness Industry, Corporate Wellness, Wellness
  Programs, Spa Fitness, Personal Training,
  Strength Conditioning
• Health Rehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic
  Training, Clinical Ex Phys (CP Rehab), Dietetics
• Teaching and Higher Education
• K-12, coaching, university PA/service classes,
  academics
• Fitness Specialties
• Chiropractic health, exercise equipment design,
  exercise science software development, fitness
  and nutrition center manager/owner, fitness
  product marketing and sales, fitness writing and
  publishing, military fitness, pharmaceutical
  sales

4
Where can I get a job with an exercise science
major?

• Clinical (Hospital)
• Member of rehab staff working with step-down
  programs
• Cardiopulmonary
• Physical therapy
• Fitness/wellness center staff
• Dietitian
• Community outreach programs

5
Where can I get a job with an exercise science
major?

• Commercial/Community Fitness Center
• Aerobics instructor/coordinator
• Aquatics director/assistant
• Health educator
• Personal trainer
• Strength Conditioning Specialist
• Recreation/programming director
• Management
• Memberships/sales
• Marketing and public relations
• Corporate

6
Where can I get a job with an exercise science
major?

• Government
• Community health dept.
• Fitness
• Health education
• Dietitian
• Grant funded program/coordinator
• Information Technology
• Software development

7
Where can I get a job with an exercise science
major?

• Magazine/Publishing Company
• Fitness columnist
• Military installation recreation center
• Non-profit health organizations
• Health educator
• Sales
• Commercial fitness equipment
• Fitness software
• Testing equipment and supplies

8
Where can I get a job with an exercise science
major?

• Self-employed
• Personal trainer
• Presenter / consultant
• University
• Strength Conditioning Coach
• Aerobics Coordinator
• Fitness Director
• Related AP staff positions
• Wellness Coordinator
• Recreation Specialist
  (Intramurals/Club Sports)
• Sports Nutritionist
• Part-time instructor

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What starting salary can I expect?

• Undergraduate degree no experience - 25,000 -
  35,000 range
• Varied because of the following factors
• Experience
• Geographic location
• Employment setting
• Market demand
• Advanced degrees
• Professional licensure
• Certification
• Speak with professionals who currently work in
  your field of interest

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Core skills

• Risk stratification
• Biometrics and exercise testing
• Behavior management
• Human relations
• Exercise leadership
• Exercise supervision
• Written communication

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Core attributes

• Strong organizational skills, attention to
  detail, ability to multi-task
• Self motivated, ability to work independently and
  problem solve
• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude, flexible
• Professionalism

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QUALITIES OF AN EXERCISE LEADER TASK-RELATED
SKILLS

• Interpretation of GXT
• Explanation of physiological responses of
  physical activity
• Design of an appropriate exercise program
• Ability to modify FITT to meet patient needs
• Explanation of precautions, safety, and injury
  prevention
• Decision-making skills
• Knowledge of emergency procedures

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QUALITIES OF AN EXERCISE LEADER
RELATIONSHIP-ORIENTED SKILLS

• Leadership style
• Rapport and empathy with clients
• Communication skills
• Educational skills
• Honesty, tactfulness, and consistency
• Active listening
• Motivational skills
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude about what you
  are doing

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Most common advertised skills in fitness

• Aerobics or Group Exercise
• ACE, AFAA, YMCA
• Strong communication skills
• Written, verbal, and public speaking
• Strong computer skills
• Data management, desktop publishing, and web
  design
• Exercise programming
• ACSM and NSCA-CSCS
• Managerial/supervisory experience
• Marketing

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Critical characteristics

• 1-3 years experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Flexible, positive attitude
• Self-motivated
• Ability to work individually or as part of a team
  
• Ability to multi-task effectively
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Most Marketable students
• 2 national certifications
• Management, coaching, health, or computer science
  minor

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How can I plan now for my first job search?

• Start evaluating jobs and job settings early!
• Career Services
• Job shadowing and interviews
• Evaluation of job descriptions
• Carefully select classes and take them in the
  correct sequence choose electives wisely
• Get diverse experiences through volunteerism,
  fieldwork and internships
• Develop a working portfolio file
• Plan to take certifications prior to graduation
• Network

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Best web sites for fitness wellness job search

• www.acsm.org
• www.afaa.org
• www.exercisejobs.com
• www.exercisecareers.com
• www.hpcareer.net
• www.nirsa.org
• www.wellnessconnection.com