Outdoor pursuits manager : Entry requirements

A degree or HND is not absolutely essential, although it will greatly boost your chances of securing a management role.

Although this career is open to graduates and diplomates from a variety of disciplines, a degree/foundation degree/HND in the following subject areas would offer a particularly useful background:

• outdoor education/leadership/recreation;
• physical education/sports-related courses;
• business management.

A postgraduate degree is not necessary for entry to the profession. Postgraduate qualifications are available in outdoor education and recreation management. Search Find a Masters  for courses. Teaching qualifications can be an advantage as opportunities are often in local authority centres.

For many people, the first step into this career is working as a seasonal instructor at an outdoor centre or on an activity holiday followed by a move up the ladder to a full-time instructor, a senior instructor and, finally, managing an entire centre.

Skills and experience in at least one outdoor activity are sought by employers - the more activity skills you can offer, the better. You will need experience of working as an instructor, along with a formal instructor's qualification from the appropriate national governing body (NGB) in at least one main activity. If these qualifications are not offered as part of your degree course or through the clubs you are involved in, contact the national NGB for your sport(s) for details of courses and qualifications. You can find details of NGBs on Sport England , Sport Northern Ireland , Sport Scotland  and Sport Wales .

Finding a work placement or doing voluntary work, in an outdoor activities centre, for example, is a valuable way of gaining experience.

It is also important to participate in extracurricular activities. A community sports leader's award will be an advantage, as will involvement in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award , Explorer Scouts (see Scout Association ), the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) , university societies, sports teams and expeditions.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• outstanding leadership and management skills, with a willingness to lead by example;
• teamworking skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others;
• group facilitation skills, allowing even those with a limited range of technical outdoors skills to work with groups;
• excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to establish a rapport with a wide range of people;
• customer service skills;
• decision-making skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult, even dangerous situations;
• planning and organisational skills;
• financial skills such as being able to manage a budget;
• commercial awareness and a flair for marketing;
• an imaginative and innovative approach to work;
• flexibility in order to meet business and client needs;
• energy, stamina, good health and physical strength.

An appropriate first aid qualification of at least two days' duration is essential. If you plan to be involved in water sports, you will also need a life saving qualification.

It is also useful to learn how to drive a minibus and tow a trailer so that you can transport clients and equipment to the activity site.

In addition, it is important to have an interest in other aspects of the outdoors, such as the geography, geology and natural, social and industrial history of the region in which you want to work. You should also have a commitment to the conservation and protection of the natural environment.

Competition for management posts can be fierce. Applicants need to have relevant experience and the necessary qualities to handle the responsibility involved. For some, this will be a second career after school teaching, the armed forces, youth work or coaching.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.