Mashal Janood

• Year of study: One
• Length of course: Three years

I chose the University of Northampton as it’s close to my home and I wanted to be able to commute to my studies.

My aspiration is to work as a sport psychologist, or to coach team sports. My studies will help me achieve this when I graduate as the course is enabling me to build a solid foundation to my career. I feel that all the skills and knowledge I’m gaining from my degree will be useful – from data handling to practical theory workshops, concepts like group dynamics, and performance enhancement. I’m also able to apply my learning from lectures and workshops to my current job as a qualified swimming teacher.

Aside from my studies, I participate in horse riding and rock climbing. Engaging in these sports-related activities will broaden my horizons within different athletic environments.

I also volunteer outside of the University as a sports and fitness teacher for the Muslim Ahmaddiya Community. I’ve organised, trained, and coached teams and individuals to the national-scale tournaments that were held within our community.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be to get yourself organised. Come to university with a learning mindset so you don’t get distracted or fall behind. Turn up, work hard and give everything a go.