Joining the commute….
One week after finishing year 2 at University and I was straight into starting my year long work placement at Join In UK, the London 2012 Olympic Legacy charity based in Farringdon, Central London.
I have been to London many times before, but this was my first time as a commuter. However, the 40 minute over ground train ride, and 30 minutes squashed on a tube is very different to chugging up Bathwick Hill on the U18 bus.
Whilst the numerous tube strikes over the summer has caused stress and complications to many workers, I managed to discover a walking route from Waterloo to work. This has meant I have traded stuffy, cramped conditions for fresh air, standing and being squashed in a carriage for a 60 minute walk, and most importantly swapping dark tunnels for the scenic views of London.
Walk to work!
Something new…
One of the main reasons I chose to do a placement year was to work in an area of the sports industry I had not yet got experience in. Most commonly sports degrees lead to coaching or teaching, however this particular placement focuses on sports management, policy and events.
Join In is a charity that was set up after London 2012 and is focussed on getting more people involved in sport. Just as I was beginning my placement, Join In had sealed a partnership with BBC Get Inspired to get 10,000 people volunteering in sport in the run up to Sports Personality of the Year in November 2015. This meant that I was instantly part of the busyness of the campaign launch. Having the chance to sit in on meetings with NGB’s such as England Athletics, British Gymnastics and the LTA was a fantastic insight into the behind the scenes side of sport.
Join In UK
Beyond the office...
As a naturally on the go person, it is perfect that this placement has got the balance between admin work and being involved in sports events outside of the office and at well known venues! These have included attending; a NCVIS conference at the Houses of Parliament, where I got to engage with young people about their career aspirations and volunteering experiences. A London NGB conference held at the Kia Oval, which involved listening to talks from NGB’s about increasing sports participation. The London Anniversary Games, where Join In hosted hospitality lounge at the Olympic Park to thank over 70 volunteers for their contribution to sport. A host of past and current Olympic and Paralympic athletes gave inspiring speeches, such as Christian Malcolm, Lin Davies, Ben Rowlings and Hannah Cockcroft.
Anniversary Games 2015 at the Olympic Park
One of the standout weeks of placement so far has been volunteering at the European Modern Pentathlon Championships, held in August, back in Bath! I had the role of Workforce coordinator, along with someone else; we were in charge of 100 volunteers! It was one of the most exciting, entertaining and exhausting weeks! Meeting and working with a range of people (from the retired to young aspiring students) has enhanced my people skills, time management and ability to think on the spot immensely! I also learnt a lot about the Modern Pentathlon, a sport which I had little knowledge of before.
The European Modern Pentathlon Championships held at University of Bath
September rain…
As the summer comes to an end and whilst many are just starting their placements I am already 3 and a ½ months into mine! I am amazed by how much I have learnt and experienced so far in a short space of time and I am excited to see what the next 9 months have to offer!
Louise Rose
( Sports and Social Sciences, Department of Health)