Our 2023 Graduate Certificate in Strength & Conditioning students share their experiences and thoughts on the course.
Kelly comes from a Sports Science background, being a GPS analyst at several VFLM and VFLW programs. She currently balances working as a university tutor teaching sports science units including Research Methods and Exercise Metabolism, and work with the Western Bulldogs AFLW team as a GPS analyst.
Q: Why did you choose Victoria University, and the chance to study in partnership with Western Bulldogs?
I chose VU University as it has a great established partnership with the Western Bulldogs. The facilities at both VU and WB are well equipped for me and the other students to able to learn well in a fostering environment. I would highly recommend the VU x WB experience as it gives aspiring Strength & Conditioning coaches the knowledge and the opportunity to be able to practice professional skills tangibly.
Q: What was the best thing about your course?
I think the best thing about this course is it gives a deep understanding of the current strength and conditioning practices that take place in the industry, and to be able to learn about it (from VU Staff) and put that knowledge into practice in real time (through Western Bulldogs experiences) makes it easier to consolidate the learning objectives.
At first it did take a while to get used to the VU block model as this was the first exposure I had to this particular learning style. Having to start a new unit and hand in an assessment on the weekend of the first week was a new challenge but it allowed me to dedicate my studies to one unit at a time, allowing me to get a good grasp and understanding of the key learning components.
Q: What insights and experiences did being embedded within the Bulldogs offer?
The extra-curricular experiences with Western Bulldogs provided a unique perspective to me since this is the first time I have had placement in a club environment integrated in the course, rather than trying to seek out my own opportunties. It gives a great understanding of the day-to-day operations that occur so you can see how the program is created and achieved.
I completed shadow shifts with AFLM, VFLM and VFLW and it was great to see how each of the programs operated. The High Performance team staff were particularly very knowledgeable and approachable, making it easier to ask questions and actively engage. Since studying Data Management (in Block 3), I have been able to roll out data management practices in real life as I am using the same software program with the AFLW team, giving me invaluable insight into it’s the programs functions.
