Getting, keeping and excelling in a strength and conditioning role in pro sport with Des Ryan, Dave Slemen and Chris Bishop

We have something slightly different on this week’s Pacey Performance Podcast – not one, not two, but three guests as part of a Careers Roundtable special aimed at anyone in education or job hunting for a strength and conditioning role. First up, we have Des Ryan. He’s Director of Coaching & Performance at Setanta College having previously being Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development at Arsenal's academy. In the business since 1998, he’s also held roles at Connacht Rugby and the IRFU.

Next up is Chris Bishop. He’s Director of Postgraduate Programmes in Sport, at Middlesex University. Last but certainly not least is David Slemen, founding partner of Elite Performance Partners. His organisation helps recruit performance staff and senior leaders into team sport, namely football and rugby across the world.

Our trio are here to talk about recruitment, education, job hunting and internships within strength and conditioning. This includes advice on finding that elusive first job, the qualifications and accreditations valued by employers, advice on networking and building connections within the industry, and making the most of internships at all levels. There’s also good advice on CVs and cover letters when applying for S&C positions, plus much more. For all this invaluable advice for anyone trying to break into sport and the coaching industry, hit play now.

This week’s topics:

• Finding a job in sport following a master’s degree
• Coaching qualifications in S&C that employers value
• The issue of recruitment diversity within football
• How and where prospective S&C practitioners can gain experience
• How employers will narrow down job applicants for S&C positions
• Advice on networking, including how to build a network
• Accreditations and why they are valued by employers
• Whether it is better to have brief experience in several sports, or much experience in one
• Is there a stigma in football about recruiting S&C coaches from other sports?
• Making the most of an intern position
• Are there too many coaches and not enough jobs?
• Hints and tips on CVs and cover letters for S&C applicants