Feature: Interview with St Mary's Gold Medal Intern

BSc Strength and Conditioning Science students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham have been developing skills and work experience with world-class sports clubs and governing bodies through the University’s Gold Medal Internship (GMI) programme. St Mary’s GMI programme aims to give the best students the best opportunity to become the best applied practitioners by inviting them to apply for, and undertake, professional sports club internships while developing their academic and applied knowledge, and building contacts within professional sport. Final year student Colm Keenan, who has worked with London Irish Rugby Club for two years as part of the GMI programme has been offered a full time job as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach at the club, has shared his experience of the internship with us. Why did you decide to take part in the GMI programme? “It was an excellent opportunity to get experience in professional sport. I wanted to pursue a career in professional sport and getting this experience was a crucial part of that. When I started my BSc in Strength and Conditioning Science, my goal was to work in Rugby Union and I applied for the GMI internship at London Irish RFC to learn about the industry.” What did the programme involve? “I assisted in every way I could in the running of the strength and conditioning programme at London Irish, for both the first team and the academy players. This involved assisting with both gym based and field based training sessions. I also had the opportunity to work with the squad on match days.” How did the programme benefit you? “The GMI gave me the practical experience which is necessary to become a strength and conditioning practitioner. Working in a practical setting, I learned how to effectively apply the information I attained over the course of my degree.” How do you feel about securing a job from the internship? “When I came to St Mary’s, my goal was to get a job in professional rugby and now I’ve achieved it! To have gotten a job at a club as prestigious as London Irish RFC is a dream come true.” Would you recommend the programme to other students? “Yes, absolutely. From day one on the programme, the lecturers encourage us to gain practical experience. It took until my third (FYI: Colm split his 3^rd year into 2 parts) year for me to do this and from the moment I began the GMI I realised how important gaining this experience is. I’d advise other students to gain as much experience as possible and as soon as GMI presents itself, apply and put everything you can into it. You will learn so much.” What has been your favourite thing about being Part Of It at St Mary’s? “The professionalism and respect with fellow students and the academic staff. As an undergraduate student I felt part of a community and now since completing my studies and becoming an employed strength and conditioning coach, I feel part of a professional network here at St Mary’s.