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Find out about Filip Wisniewski BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science student on placement as a Biomechanics Researcher at the University of Portsmouth
What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?
The opportunity to stand out, gain practical experience and develop my network, whilst exploring my passion for sport through a biomechanics placement.
How many placement applications did you make?
In my second year of university I was made aware of many placement opportunities, these ranged from sport scientist placements, coaching, strength and conditioning and many more. I applied to multiple sports clubs or other companies and many declined my application due to the highly competitive nature of this industry, but that did not stop me.
What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?
I would not neglect university studies to focus on placement applications. Many skills and knowledge acquired from your studies will most likely be applied in the placement so it is beneficial to keep focusing on your studies and apply to placements that sound interesting and relevant to you in your spare time.
What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?
A concern I had was whether I would make friends within the placement year as I would not be in contact as much with current friends. However I very quickly realised that other placement students are in the same situation as me and really quickly became friends.
Any challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?
Some of the tasks required good time management skills due to tight deadlines and high work volume, however learning to work as a team effectively helped me meet the deadlines.
What has been the most rewarding part of your placement so far?
The most rewarding part of the placement is the opportunity to work with a variety of athletes from different disciplines such as hockey and pentathlon athletes and collect various data on them in order to analyse strengths and weaknesses of their performance. Involvement with elite level athletes has so far been an amazing experience.
Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?
The placement definitely allowed me to realise the many avenues my course can take me down as well as giving me time to reflect on my own project for my course allowing me to plan ahead and produce a piece of work at the highest quality.
Would you recommend the placement year to other students?
I would highly recommend students to do a placement year because it allows not only a time of reflection about possible future paths but also an opportunity to meet new people and gain practical experience.
Disclaimer
Please note we no longer promote or approve unpaid placements at the University of Portsmouth.