Find out about Samuel Williams BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Psychology student on placement as Performance Analyst at Harlequins RFC
What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?
Succeeding in a career in sport is so hard these days, a placement in elite sport can be such a boost as shown by people before me and is valued so highly by employees in the field. I also wanted to prepare myself.
How many placement applications did you make?
I became an absolute badger on LinkedIn and grew my connections vastly whilst also using Apollo to send out emails to every elite sporting club I knew off within range of where I lived. I grew to over 700 connections in the fields of sport psychology and analysis, contacting many of those to ask of any opportunities. Over this period, I gained many mentors and influential figures that helped to guide me to the right people and paths.
I applied for roughly 25 actual placement openings but over 50 teams.
What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?
Make sure you get all your work done first from uni then devote as much time as possible into emailing placement providers and mentors. My uni tutor also helped me to juggle this by doing his own research into finding me work.
If you want a good placement, you have to dedicate a good chunk to researching and finding placements so make sure you balance it well with uni work.
What were your main concerns about taking a placement year?
Pay was a concern. I made sure to apply for the placement year loan which has helped and made sure I had expenses paid by my placement. I also managed to make time to work every so often in other fields to gain extra money on the side.
I was also concerned of getting into a placement but realise I didn’t enjoy it. I made sure I did my research into performance analysis and whether it was something I’d enjoy. I also asked staff from Harlequins about the environment to make sure I’d fit in and be welcomed.
Any challenges have you faced during your placement, and how have you overcome them?
The speed of getting things done at a premiership level is rapid, with people asking for rapid turnarounds for the best efficiency of work. This has taken a few months to acclimatise to but with experience, comes ease.
Switching off - I have had to set certain days where I turn off my work phone and laptop to shut myself off and prioritise my wellbeing and detox from the work environment through sport, walking the dog and relaxing.
What has been the most rewarding part of your placement so far?
Seeing the team win games. This makes all the effort over the leading weeks so worth it. Seeing the boys celebrate wins in the changing rooms through songs and celebrations makes it all worth it. Especially as a boyhood quins fan, seeing them win upclose is so rewarding.
Also meeting my childhood idols up close and having such casual conversations with them is so cool and makes me have to pinch myself from time to time.
I also had one of the coaches (Nick Evans) mention me work on live TV and how it helped us with the game which was super cool!
Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path or field of study?
It has basically strengthened my desire to work in elite sport whether that be in psychology or my new found expertise in analysis.
The environment that surrounds elite sports is so unique, especially at harlequins, and would do anything to come back after uni. I would recommend it to anyone of strong character to get to this level.
Would you recommend the placement year to other students?
Massively, working under the best of the best is the most amazing experience and so unique and valuable for people wanting to work in elite sports analysis. Learning the ins and outs whilst watching elite athletes around you is an experience one would never forget.
I would say to be yourself and boast any desirable characteristics you have to the max to ensure you are seen. Go looking and show yourself to people. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and put yourself forward. Most people will always welcome students who want to learn from what they do.
Get your network growing and push as hard as you can for what you want.