Sport and exercise psychologist : Employers and vacancy sources

Sport and exercise psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a diverse range of clients participating in recreational, amateur and elite levels of competition. Some opportunities exist to work as full-time psychologists, and these are constantly increasing. Most combine their consultancy work with teaching and research, employed within universities or colleges throughout the UK and abroad.

Many sport psychologists work as private consultants or hold full-time positions with professional sports teams or national governing bodies of sport. Some also work in other areas of psychology such as clinical and occupational domains. Often, psychologists can operate as freelance consultants and have a club or governing body as a major client, referring both young and experienced athletes.

Similarly, exercise psychologists tend to combine consultancy with teaching and research careers. Exercise psychologists' work might see them involved in GP exercise referral, cardiac rehabilitation schemes or work within the NHS or private healthcare providers. Some private and public sector employers also offer staff exercise or health programmes and may involve an exercise psychologist to consult on the content or to increase participation.

Sources of vacancies

• Psychologist Appointments
• Guardian Jobs
• NHS Jobs
• NHS Scotland Recruitment
• NHS Wales Careers
• Jobs.ac.uk
• UK Sport
• The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)

A large proportion of employment in this field can be gained via contacts or speculative approaches to employers, indicating a certain amount of 'hidden' vacancies. Vacancies that are advertised are often done so directly through the employing organisation.

The success of a consultant will very much depend on the skill and networking of the individual. Since many client referrals will be word-of-mouth or facilitated through contacts with GP surgeries or other health professionals, it is important for individuals looking for consultancy work to establish contacts and build networks even during Masters courses or supervised study.

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