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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;
physical education/sports related courses;
recreation/tourism management;
environmental studies;
geography.

Postgraduate qualifications are available in outdoor education and recreation management. A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) specialising in outdoor education is available at the University of Wales, Bangor. Teaching qualifications are an advantage as opportunities are often in local authority centres.

A strong interest, along with skills and experience, in at least one outdoor activity is usually sought - the more activity skills you can offer, the better. You will almost certainly need experience of working as an instructor, along with a formal instructor's qualification from the appropriate national governing body 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 governing body (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 Sports Council Wales .

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

outstanding leadership skills, a willingness to lead by example and the ability to motivate and inspire others;
the ability to establish a rapport with a wide range of people;
a friendly and diplomatic nature;
a responsible and mature attitude;
decision-making skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult, even dangerous situations;
a positive outlook;
financial skills such as being able to manage a budget;
report-writing skills, especially if applying to grant-awarding bodies for funding;
energy, stamina, good health and physical strength;
excellent communication skills - speech must be clear and articulate, and pitched at the appropriate level.

In addition, it is important to be interested 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.

An appropriate first aid qualification of at least two days' duration will be essential. If you plan to be involved in water sports, you will also need a life saving qualification. 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 Officers Training Corps (UOTC) , university societies, sports teams and expeditions.

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.

Competition for management posts can be stiff. Maturity can be an advantage in this career, because of the responsibility involved and the need to have acquired relevant experience. For many, this will be a second career after school teaching, the armed forces, youth work or coaching.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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