What is your current professional activity? And your involvement in sport?
I am a Zonal Coordinator at the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB). The TTCB in its operations separates itself into zones; I coordinate the activities of the North Zone region as well as act as liaison between the management of the TTCB and the North Zone council.
I am also a football referee attached the Trinidad & Tobago Football Referees Association.
Why did you choose to study the FIFA/CIES Programme in Sport Management at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus?
After completing my Bachelors in sport management at UWI I started to search for the next step to best assist me in my development as a budding sport administrator. This programme aligned with my aspirations and seemed to be the right fit for me.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? And… were they met?
My expectations were exceeded. I went into the programme expecting a high standard having spoken to past alumni. However I was pleasantly surprised with the delivery of the material and more so how applicable and contemporary the information was.
What would you say are the key strengths of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management?
The lecturers were excellent. They were all professional and relatable which made the course easy to get through. Also the blended learning experience was great as my work life was not affected. It was comforting to know that I could connect to classes anywhere I was.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
The course has made me more marketable in the sport industry both locally and internationally. Also I now have the opportunity to move on to higher studies in sport management knowing that I have a solid foundation. In my current job I am able to be confident in my ideas, strategies and execution.
How have the courses offered by the programme aided in developing your knowledge, competencies, and skills?
The courses were very practical and used real time data and information. They helped me understand the sporting world in a more rounded way. The courses have fine-tuned me in a way that I could not expect.
How has the programme contributed to your professional growth and employability?
This program and the network attached to it is invaluable. We were able to link with international students and lecturers who are all part of the CIES network. My classmates were professional athletes, sport directors, seasoned administrators and more. This course has opened doors that would have been difficult to open before and now I have the competence and confidence in myself to perform well professionally. I can say that my sporting career has truly started after completing this programme.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
I will always remember the comradery and banter of the class and lecturers. Yes there were times when it was difficult but in the end we always stuck together and were able to achieve our goals. The people I met in the course will always be remembered fondly and I am glad that I am still connected to most of them. I also enjoyed the CIES lecturers/seminars. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet and hear international sport professionals speak about different aspects of the industry.
Would you recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management? Why?
Yes I would and I have already. The course is only beneficial. You will definitely leave this programme having learnt something new. The international and local network that you will develop will prove to be invaluable. The courses will have its difficult moments but they will be able to get you prepared for the current world of sport. This course gives you a foundation that you can launch off of and will definitely add value to your personal and professional life.