Your future starts now: Making the most of every opportunity in LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another year, you're probably focused on lectures, assessments and settling into university life. But there is another important question worth considering from day one: 

What will make you stand out when it comes to securing your dream job? 

For many students studying with us, you’re probably driven by a passion for understanding more about sport, exercise, health, nutrition, coaching or teaching. However, employers increasingly tell us that a graduate’s success in the workplace depends on much more than subject knowledge alone. Across the sport, exercise, health, and education sectors, employers consistently highlight qualities such as professionalism, communication, resilience, teamwork and the ability to adapt as the characteristics that separate exceptional graduates from the crowd.  

When we recently spoke with employers through our School's Employer Advisory Panel, a clear message emerged. While strong academic knowledge remains important, employers repeatedly told us that they value graduates who are proactive, curious, reliable and willing to learn. They want individuals who can communicate effectively, work with others and apply their knowledge to real-world situations, noting that these skills and attributes are often the biggest differentiators.

So how do we help you develop those qualities during your time studying in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences?

The School’s Employability, Development and Graduate Enhancement (EDGE) Group was established to bridge the gap between academic study and employment by creating an innovative and inclusive employability ecosystem embedded throughout the student experience. Its mission is simple: to empower every student to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to thrive in an evolving global workforce.

Rather than viewing employability as something to think about during your final semester, we believe career development should be part of your journey from the moment you arrive in the School through to graduation and beyond. Through close collaboration between academics, employers, Student Futures and professional services colleagues, the EDGE Group helps ensure that what you learn in the classroom and how you are assessed reflects the realities of today's workplace and prepares you for the world of work.

One of the ways this happens is through our Professional Practice modules, which run throughout all our undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes and are designed to help you gradually build your confidence and professional identity. Early in your degree you'll explore possible career pathways, identify your strengths and understand what employers are looking for. As you progress, you'll have opportunities to develop workplace skills, engage with employers, build professional networks and gain experience that strengthens your CV and graduate profile.

Our employer survey showed that work-related experiences are among the most valuable ways students can prepare for future employment. Therefore, in your final undergraduate year and as part of our taught MSc programmes, students are supported to take advantage of work-related learning opportunities. These include in situ placements, remote placements or work-related projects, which are designed with flexibility and inclusivity in mind.

By offering a range of experiences, we ensure that all students can gain relevant experience and develop professional skills, regardless of their readiness, confidence, ability, or personal commitments. These experiences allow students to apply their learning in authentic settings while developing the skills and attributes employers consistently tell us they value most.

As a School, we believe that employability is something you develop over time through experiences, reflection and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Our role is to provide an informed curriculum and a range of opportunities that enable you to feel supported in your professional development.

So, as you begin the new academic year in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, challenge yourself to make the most of the opportunities available to you. Attend that Industry Event or Employer Fair. Apply for that placement. Sign up for that professional development qualification. Volunteer for that project.

Contact a professional via LinkedIn to ask about their career. Listen to the School’s Alumni Journeys Podcast. Remember, the broader your experiences, the more you can develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers value and enhance your employability.