Hey guys,

I'm currently an assistant (volunteer) strength coach at the university I attend. This is my second year holding this position, and I'm about to graduate. I want to go somewhere in the US (I'm Canadian) that specializes in sports performance/strength and conditioning. elietfts™ has a very large selection of brilliant minds when it comes to the field, and I'd like to learn from those who have lived under the bar.

So, my question is, does anyone out there have/know a quality facility located anywhere in the US that takes on interns/assistants regularly? I'm searching myself but figured you guys/girls would be an excellent resource. I'm young and raw with only two years experience, and I would like to continue to learn the way it should be done... which is not the way it seems to always be done.

Thanks guys!

-James

James,

Most training centers use interns all the time. At TPS, we have an intern program, but we do not accept a lot of people. Our program is primarily for our business, and you will find that most places operate like that. (e.g., an SAQ center would focus on that, a high school place that churns out kids would focus on their program, get it). Good advice would be to find a training center that you like and see if they have any openings.

Good luck,

Murph

Hey Guys,

I am coming up on my final year for my degree in Sport Science. I am thinking of taking a year off to get some experience working with athletes, members of the public, bodybuilders, or who ever I can.

I am based in the United Kingdom but wanted to ask anyone if they would consider letting me come to his/her facility to learn some new skills and get a feel of what life is like as a coach? It would only be for a few weeks, as I wouldn't want to get in the way.

Any help or advice would also be welcomed.

Thank you,

David

David,

I'm just going to throw this out there!

David's email for anyone who wants to contact him: davidcroberts@hotmail.co.uk

- Steve Pulcinella

 

Once you've landed your dream internship:

As an intern, try to outwork everyone. This will separate you from the rest because there’s a very good chance that the majority of head strength coaches today were once that intern who was also filled with will and dedication to be the best. So stay late, come in early, and end the day with the question, “Is there anything else I can do?”

As an intern, you should aim to attend as many clinics and visit as many schools as possible. Take those opportunities to share your views, build relationships, and ask the right kind of questions.

If you want an internship, make it happen. Also, if you get turned down the first time, keep coming back until you’ve convinced them that you’re the perfect candidate or until they hire you so that they can get you to stop bugging them!

In other words:

  • Work your butt off and pay your dues
  • Network
  • Don’t be lazy
  • Restlessly pursue your goal

- Excerpts from Jennifer Petrosino's article, Interns and Impact, Part One: The Impression You Make on the Coaching Staff