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Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Interview with

Sharon O’Brien | graduate 2020

What is your current professional activity? And your involvement in sport?
Competitions and Registration Manager – Trinidad and Tobago Football Association.  I am also local and CFU Match Commissioner and a General Coordinator for CONCACAF and CFU
 
Why did you choose to study the FIFA/CIES Programme in Sport Management at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus?
To enhance and gain new ideas on becoming a good Sport Administrator.
 
What were your expectations before the start of the course? And… were they met?
I expected to gain the fundamental knowledge in the management of sport to strengthen my knowledge in the field.
 
What would you say are the key strengths of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management?
The ability of the chosen modules to connect with real life situations we encounter in the sporting world.  This gave me the opportunity to better understand the topics given.  The Professionalism of the lecturers and the Programme Coordinator.
 
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
Networking with other professionals in the field of sport.  Additionally, the programme strengthened my time management skill and the realization that I was on track on becoming a good sport administrator.
 
How have the courses offered by the programme aided in developing your knowledge, competencies, and skills?
The courses offered aided me greatly.  Law was a new skill gained as it gave me a huge understanding on the legal side of sport and how to go about it.  The other courses strengthened my competencies and skills in management.  I also gained greater knowledge in how the Finance side of the sport organization works.
 
How has the programme contributed to your professional growth and employability?
This programme has strengthened my professional growth, as I am already employed in the sporting industry, more specifically football. It gave me the confidence to prove to my seniors, that I can assist in the development of the sport at present.  It has also made me more marketable to other organizations locally and regionally.  
 
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
The new friendships formed, teamwork that was developed as we worked on papers and presentations.  The role play in debates for the Law class.
 
Would you recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management? Why?
Of course, I would, and I did recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management programme.  The programme is great for anyone involved or want to get involve in Sport Management.  It gives real time experiences to the sporting world.  You get to visit Sport Facilities, do interviews, role play to better understand both sides of the law in sport, debates, presentation.  It was a lot of hard work, time management but very enjoyable and knowledgeable. It gave me a lot more confidence to operate as a sport administrator in my organization.