Just a Degree or a life changing skill?

Jools degreeThis is something I never thought I would be able to do and yet, here it is! I never could have done it without the support from my family, friends and employer. There were times when I wanted to give up, get thrown out of the course or pay someone to do it for me (thoughts in the wee hours of the morning when you are struggling for the 100th time to get SPSS to crunch your numbers for you).

It was all worth it. Not for the simple reason of being able to put some letters at the end of my name, but because of the journey I went on. I met some wonderful people, was privileged to have some fascinating conversations, and most important of all, I now have a better understanding of how I learn. This new found skill will ensure I continue to develop throughout my life. I have confidence in my processes and a greater understanding of my weaknesses.

I’m not saying the only way to find this out is by doing a degree. I am suggesting that if there are any coaches out there who want to develop something that will be with them for the rest of their careers, then taking on some kind of project might be worth the time. It should expose you to critique, challenges your IT skills, bring you into contact with others and force you to review your opinions. Most important of all, it should have some kind of end point that allows you to summarise and reflect. This doesn’t need to be the final product, or the “all seeing all dancing” solution, it just needs to be an acknowledgement of where your current understanding sits and how you got there. By formalising the end product, it helps separate the wheat from the chaff and provides an opportunity for a brief moment of clarity.

 


 

 

Jools Murray 2Jools Murray is an accredited Strength & Conditioning coach from Canada and has worked with some of the World’s best athletes in the UK and her home country.  Currently working at the University of Toronto, (Canada) with a number of sport, Jools previously worked with the  English Institute of Sport whilst studying for her Masters in S&C, as well as coaching the U23 GB Ultimate Frisbee Team.  To find out more about Jools and to read our interview from June 2015 CLICK HERE