What is your current professional activity? And your involvement in sport?
Track and Field Olympic Athlete, training for my fifth and final Olympic games; and I am currently reading for a Master’s Degree in Sports Management.
Why did you choose to study the FIFA/CIES Programme in Sport Management at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus?
I selected this program because as a long-time athlete I needed to better understand the role of a sport administrator, in preparation to work on the ‘side lines’ of sport. I did not want to be the athlete who believed she could coach, or work as an administrator because of athletic success.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? And… were they met?
I expected confirmation of my beliefs and they were not met! However, I discovered the world of sport is much more complex than anticipated and I had a lot to learn. The program was quite exhilarating because I quickly transferred theory to practical application.
What would you say are the key strengths of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management?
The staff within the program are outstanding, providing the support necessary for students to excel. The program is also tailored to include a local perspective, which is great as local is often overshadowed by international research and opinions.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
The course exposed me to great contacts in the sporting fraternity, as well as the confidence to move forward in this field.
How have the courses offered by the programme aided in developing your knowledge, competencies, and skills?
The courses offered expanded my knowledge, competencies and skill in their respective subject areas, it sparked interest for further study, be that in a formal or informal setting.
How has the programme contributed to your professional growth and employability?
Today athletes need more than on field experience, the program is proof that one has acted to be competent.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
Presenting final group projects during our events management class was my highlight of the course. This is because I had the opportunity to incorporate a lot of the concepts and skills learnt during the program into the project.
Would you recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management? Why?
I would recommend the program because it prepares students for the realities of sport administration. The combination of face to face and virtual classroom sessions was forward thinking and suited my schedule well. In addition, the content was really tailored to student needs, especially the facilities visits in our events management class.