Flinders student Trent Larwood was still studying his Exercise Science degree when he managed to secure a position within the sport and health sector.
Undertaking the three-year Bachelor of Exercise Science program, Trent was offered an internship at the South Adelaide Football Club’s senior men’s team, leading the high-performance program for the development squad.
This would ultimately lead him to taking up the position of head strength and conditioning coach for South Adelaide’s SANFLW team as part of his role with Kinetic Balance Physiotherapy.
The accredited exercise scientist has the bachelor’s degree to his name, and is pursuing a Master of Clinical Physiology, expecting to graduate in 2021.
Trent is also passing on his skills to future exercise scientists as a Teaching Assistant to second and third-year exercise Science students at Flinders.
“My studies at Flinders have allowed me to meet a bunch of great people and make some lifelong friends,” he says.
“My studies at Flinders have allowed me to develop some industry connections that are invaluable, improve my communication and leadership skills and have the knowledge I need to work in a field I love.
“My greatest accomplishments so far have been acquiring graduate positions and also making it through my first pre-season as the strength and conditioning coach at South Adelaide SANFL women’s league.”
Looking back on his Flinders journey so far, Trent says the practical components of the exercise science program were among many highlights, including working alongside experienced lecturers.
“My favourite experience from Flinders was having the opportunity to use the top of the line equipment in our exercise science practicals such as the cardiometabolic carts,” he says.
“I was provided with lots of practical experience in the classroom, but also outside of classes in the form of internships and student ambassador roles, which I found extremely beneficial for building my confidence working with clients.”
Trent sees his future extending beyond his current boundaries.
“I would love to get a job working as an exercise physiologist maybe in a hospital that way I would get the opportunity to work with clients with a broad range of chronic conditions. I also like the idea of working in cardiac rehabilitation as well,” he says.
“My lecturer is always encouraging me to do a PhD as well so I guess at some stage down the track I will consider that.”
Trent is among the first student cohort to complete the Bachelor of Exercise Science at Flinders, with the program only being introduced in 2017.
“Being a Flinders alumnus makes me proud especially since I was lucky enough to be a part of the first cohort to complete the exercise science degree at flinders, that’s pretty special,” he adds.
For more information on studying Exercise Science and Physiology visit the Exercise Science web page, or the Clinical Exercise Physiology web page.