RUNNING DOWN A DREAM...

Morning runs on the Washington DC Mall. Taken by PKSenagore October 17, 2016. all rights reserved.

HAVE YOU DREAMED ABOUT WORKING at a running-related business job? A song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers provides insight that approximates the truth, in my experience. More on that later…
 
Stephanie Smith wrote an article for ACTIVE.com that addressed the issue of finding work in the fitness industry in general. “10 Fitness Careers Guaranteed To Be Your Dream Job” identifies jobs that might traditionally be associated with directly providing fitness-related expertise to help customers/clients. Included are physical therapist, physical education teacher, nutritionist, health and wellness coach, and certified strength and conditioning specialist.  
 
Also, not surprising to find on the article’s list, are people who study the physiology and biomechanics of exercise, like kinesiologists. Experience and knowledge in this university-based area of academic study can translate into employment opportunities in public sector businesses as well.
 
More surprising, for those who don’t wish to study exercise or get physical at work, are careers that support the fitness and sports industries. Apparel and textile engineers and designers are integral to the clothing industry that serve athletics.  Not mentioned in the article are materials science engineers who are vital to the creation of sports equipment and safety devices. Writers, editors, and workers in television are needed.  Turf experts serve sports!
 
Sports medicine providers like orthopedic surgeons and family medicine specialists advise and treat athletes at various levels from recreation-minded individuals to professional teams. Massage therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, and occupational therapists can also specialize in delivering care to athletes at all levels. These professionals have need of ASSISTANTS AND AIDES, for whom education and training is less extensive and expensive.
 
Business management, administration, and finance expertise is valuable to fitness companies, sports organizations, and product manufacturers/distributors.
 
If you are interested in turning a passion for exercise activity, like running, into a job activity, there are the obvious careers that require specific training. The SECRET IN PLAIN SIGHT is that very many more types of workers support the fitness and broader sports industry. These positions aren’t ready-made and often require job seekers to take personal initiative to gain specific experience and training. Volunteering to work for small local events, companies, or groups may allow ground-level entry opportunities when others are not available.
 
A new organization aimed at helping women students and professionals succeed in the “sports business industry”, [FAB] Females in Athletic Business, is based at Michigan State University.  It’s a place to start for this gender. Check it out. The group offers free activities and conferences. 

To get back to what Tom Petty sings about that pertains to this topic. The lyrics of “Runnin’ Down a Dream” agree that FINDING the dream job isn’t always realistic (“Yeah runnin' down a dream, That never would come to me…") A more realistic strategy will involve actively PURSUING what you dream about, even if you don’t exactly know what job it will be. (“Workin' on a mystery, goin' wherever it leads, Runnin' down a dream”)*
 
RUN HAPPY!
 
http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/10-fitness-careers-guaranteed-to-be-your-dream-job
 
http://fabsportsorg.wixsite.com/faborg
 
https://play.google.com/music/preview/Tiawumpv5xfuovscnuliuktctre?lyrics=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=lyrics&pcampaignid=kp-lyrics
 
*Written by Jeff Lynne, Michael Campbell, Tom Petty • Copyright © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc