Becoming a physical activity professional Chapter 11 Becoming a physical activity professional Shirl J. Hoffman

Chapter Objectives Acquaint you with what it means to be a professional and, more specifically, a physical activity professional. Explain the types of knowledge and skills essential for performing professional work. Discuss what you need to do during your undergraduate years in order to gain entry into and succeed in your chosen professional field. Help you determine whether you are suited for a career in a physical activity profession.

What Career Will You Pursue? The purpose of this chapter is to help you explore your options, help you make decisions about what profession might suit you best, and help prepare you to become a physical activity professional. Note: Your profession may change several times in your career; this is nothing to fear.

Physical Activity Professions Health and fitness (chapter 12) Therapeutic exercise (chapter 13) Teaching physical education (chapter 14) Coaching and sport instruction (chapter 15) Sport management (chapter 16)

Characteristics of Professionals Master complex skills (grounded and guided by systematic theory and research) Possess cognitive, perceptual, and interpersonal skills Perform services for others (clients or patients) Are granted a monopoly by the community to supply certain services Are guided by ethical codes (formal and informal; preserve health and well-being of clients) Meet expectations and standards prescribed by their professional subcultures

Figure 11.1

Physical Activity Professionals Should Know What a profession is The type of work professionals do How one gains entry to and acceptance in a profession The obligations of professionals The most important factors to consider in preparing for a career in the physical activity professions

Professionals Have Mastered Complex Skills Grounded in Theory They draw on a complex body of knowledge and theory that is developed through systematic research. They are gifted thinkers and are also gifted doers (practitioners), able to bring about predetermined outcomes efficiently and effectively, usually on behalf of others. They are skilled experts with the cognitive, perceptual, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in their profession.

Figure 11.2

How Do Our Values Shape Our Professional Conduct? Mechanical, market-driven professionalism These practitioners value the profession, profit, personal prestige, and status over the rights and needs of clients. Social trustee, civic professionalism These practitioners value clients and the social good more than themselves or their profession. The personal values you bring to your work will determine your goals and method of operation as a professional.

How Does Your Personality Match Up With Your Career? Read the sidebar titled, “How Does Your Personality Match Up With Your Career?” Which personality best describes you? What career(s) in kinesiology sound most interesting to you? Is it a good match with your personality selection?

How Are Physical Activity Professionals Educated for the Workforce? Course work in liberal arts and sciences Course work in physical activity knowledge Course work in theoretical kinesiology Course work in professional practice knowledge and professional skills Internships

Figure 11.3

Are You Suited for a Career in the Physical Activity Professions? Do my attitudes, values, and goals match those of professionals? Am I interested—really interested—in physical activity? Do my attitudes, interests, and talents lend themselves to a specific physical activity profession? Will my college or university program prepare me well? If your answer to these questions ever becomes “No,” don’t be afraid to consider a career change.

How Committed Am I to Preparing to Be the Best Professional Possible? Excellence in academic work Early identification with the professional field Engagement in college or university life Participation in volunteer services Attending graduate school

What Are Your Perceived Strengths and Weaknesses? Complete the “What Are Your Perceived Strengths and Weaknesses?” sidebar in your book. What did you learn in this exercise, especially comparing your own responses to those of other students?