What is your current professional activity? And your involvement in sport?
I am a self-employed Attorney-at-Law. I work exclusively in the sports sector, representing the interests of various athletes and National Sporting Organizations.
Why did you choose to study the FIFA/CIES Programme in Sport Management at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus?
As an avid sports fan, I wanted to gain a working knowledge of how sporting events are actually put together and to understand how sport is currently administered. This programme offered by UWI covered the ideal range of topics for my needs at an affordable cost. The fact that this programme was accredited by FIFA and CIES was the last bit of motivation I needed to register.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? And… were they met?
My expectations before the start of this course were high. I chose this programme due to the interesting range of courses covered. The eight courses were able to give me a complete understanding of the inner workings of sport. My expectations for the course were indeed met. I accomplished my objectives and gained much more along the way.
What would you say are the key strengths of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management?
The biggest strength of this programme is the personnel. My lecturers were nothing short of excellence. The administrative support offered by Ms. Calisia was equally impressive and much appreciated. Another strength would have to be the way the programme was organised. As a student, I was given all of the materials I would need for each course at the beginning of the semester. Our class and assignment schedules were clearly laid out. I therefore knew exactly what was required of me and I was able to excel because of it.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
On a personal level, I really appreciated the knowledge of my classmates and especially my groupmates. I thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie among us, and I finally understood the benefits of group work. The academia was excellent and did not disappoint in any way. From a professional point of view, I was able to refine the way I speak, write, and collaborate with others. I experienced great personal and professional growth by the end of this programme.
How have the courses offered by the programme aided in developing your knowledge, competencies, and skills?
It was only after I completed the programme did I understand the level of care which went into the creation of this programme. Courses in the first semester were both interesting and broad. This managed to grab the attention of myself and my classmates which academically introduced us to the world of sport. My lecturers were also excellent in this regard as they really did help us to understand the topics from a practical viewpoint. Courses in semester two and three were more focused and detail oriented. Assignments were not burdensome at all and the markings were quite fair. By the end of the course, I was able to understand and appreciate how all the courses meshed and how it created a holistic understanding of sport for the students.
How has the programme contributed to your professional growth and employability?
Prior to enrolling in this programme, I was a graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School. I had little interest in traditional litigation but a lot of interest in Sport. This programme was the catalyst in my decision to focus on Sports Law as a potential career. If I am being honest, I would say that the programme has contributed positively to my professional growth and employability. Shortly after completing the programme, I began a working relationship alongside a prominent Sport Lawyer in Trinidad and Tobago. I was also recently selected as a Co-Developer by the UWI Open Campus to develop the Sport Law course in their upcoming B.Sc. in Sport Leadership and Management. I now harbour ambitions of working with the UWI on a full-time basis as I continue to further my education and grow my working experience.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
There were many. One of them was the class party we had following the end of our Sports Marketing course. Getting to know my classmates and lecturer on a more personal level meant a lot to me. There were many laughs and even more sports banter. It was brilliant! Secondly, I really enjoyed my groupmates. The three of us worked together on a multiple of group projects, but we also tried to assist each other with personal assignments when necessary. I honestly do not know how I would have gotten through the year without them. We all relied on each other at different times, and we were all able to adequately support each other during those tough times. Our grades throughout the semester were always at the top. This was accomplished through strong leadership, a great work ethic, and the willingness to help each other through thick and thin. Today, we are more than group mates, we are now friends.
Would you recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management? Why?
I would definitely recommend this programme to anyone interested in a deeper understanding of the sports industry. I recommend it due to the practical approach used in educating the students. Nothing in the programme will make you feel as though you wasted your time. Whether you are new to sport academia or not, this programme will give you a great foundation on which to build on. I have been a tertiary level student for the past eight (8) years, and this has been in my opinion, the best programme I've enrolled in. Thank you.