"Peer2Peer helps give you the tools to be able to manage small groups and take on responsibilities that you may have never thought of or been given the opportunity."
James Arnopp from Cork is a past pupil from Bandon Grammar School in Co Cork. James is currently studying sports coaching and performance in SETU and is a mentor as part of the Peer2Peer programme with the Student Life and Learning team.
I wanted to study BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance at SETU because:
It was my first and really only course that I was interested in and had a passion for. I knew that I wanted to work in sport so this course showed me so many different doors regarding the areas of sport there are to choose from like coaching, performance analysis and strength and conditioning. The course is so diverse that it gives you a feel for most things you can think of regarding sport. If you have a passion for sport and want to make a career in it then this is a perfect course for you.
Some of the highlights of my college experience at SETU include:
- In my third year I was able to go abroad on my placement and work with Hibernian Football Club in Edinburgh, Scotland and it was the best and most eye opening experience.
- The contacts that I have made over my four years at the college whether it's from my own classmates, other students from other sports courses and lecturers.
Peer2Peer participation benefited my college experience in the following way:
Peer2Peer helps give you the tools to be able to manage small groups and take on responsibilities that you may have never thought of or been given the opportunity.
As I had been part of the Peer2Peer programme over the 3 years as I was a mentor I managed to enhance a lot of key skills which will pay off in the long run such as my communication skills, leadership skills, and organizational skills.
It also gives you a platform to enhance skills that you might struggle such as speaking in front of a small crowd or time management.
Why I would recommend studying in Waterford/WIT:
The classes are for the most part quite small so you get to know all your classmates and your lecturers on a more personal level rather than just a student-lecture level. Waterford is a nice place to live in. The student accommodation is only 15-20minutes walk away from the college which is handy. There's always a good buzz around the place and all the staff are very easily approachable if you've any questions. The sporting facilities are of an elite level and cater for a lot of student's sporting needs.
My advice for anyone considering the BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching and Performance course is:
Be open to the modules that you may have little interest in as they aren't as bad as they may see on the surface.
Communicate with as many people and staff that are both in your class and in other sports courses as it could help down the line when finding work.
Enjoy it because before you know it the 4 years you had are gone and you’re not getting them back so make the most of time you have.