Sport and exercise psychologist : Career development

This is a relatively new field of psychology and is still expanding. Opportunities for advancement exist both within professional practice and also through research within an academic environment.

Within the field of sport psychology, you may find the opportunity to advance to a private practice as a consultant or to move to senior positions within a professional club, with individual athletes or a governing body. Elite athletes work for many years to reach that level and expect the same level of expertise from their support staff. It can take several years for a sport psychologist to work with clients at a professional level.

Within the field of exercise psychology, there may be opportunities for advancement to a consultancy role or involvement in GP referral schemes. There is an increasing role for professional staff within the area of health promotion. The role of health psychology within the NHS may also present opportunities for qualified exercise psychologists.

If you are interested to investigate other branches of psychology, the British Psychological Society (BPS)  provides further information on its website.

UK sport and the health of the nation have become a focal point, with issues like the smoking ban and events like the London Olympics in 2012 and Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 raising awareness and attracting funding. This may result in a rise in the number of vacancies for health professionals as well as support staff to work with athletes in preparation for these events.