International internship leads to PhD success

During the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in a ten-week internship at the Inspire Institute of Sport in India. This experience, supported by the Turing Programme, allowed me to work with Olympic athletes and gain invaluable hands-on experience in the field of exercise physiology.

Gaining practical experience with elite athletes

At the Inspire Institute of Sport, I worked closely with elite athletes who were preparing for the Olympics. I had the chance to apply the knowledge I’d gained from my MSc in Exercise Physiology at LJMU in a real-world, high-performance setting. My tasks included assisting with fitness assessments such as VO2 max tests, lactate threshold tests, and flexibility tests, all of which helped athletes optimise their training programmes. 

This practical experience was crucial in building my confidence as an exercise physiologist and deepening my understanding of the profession. 

Contributing to research in sports science

While at the Institute, I was also involved in research projects. One of the most interesting was studying the anthropometric characteristics of Kabaddi players, a traditional Indian sport. Through this project, I gained valuable research experience and contributed to a publication on the topic. 

This opportunity allowed me to connect with professionals working in similar fields, and it was a great way to immerse myself in the research process. 

Working with Bengaluru FC

A highlight of my time at the Institute was working with Bengaluru FC, one of India's top football clubs. I had the chance to work with players like Sunil Chhetri, one of the all-time top goal scorers in international football. It was an incredible experience that gave me insights into football-specific fitness testing and the demands of professional football. 

Preparing for future career opportunities

The combination of my academic studies at LJMU and the practical experience I gained in India has been pivotal in my career development. This internship not only gave me a deeper understanding of the global sports landscape but also helped me secure a PhD position in Australia, starting later this year. 

The experience also helped me adapt to working in a different cultural and professional environment, which will be invaluable as I continue my career in sports science. 

Reflecting on the experience

Looking back, my time at the Inspire Institute of Sport was an essential part of my journey. The hands-on experience and research opportunities I gained have enhanced both my academic and professional growth. As I prepare for my PhD in Australia, I feel confident and well-equipped to take on future challenges in the field of exercise physiology. 

Find out more about studying MSc Sport Physiology and Performance (formerly MSc Exercise Physiology) at LJMU.