1. Chapter 12 Becoming a Physical Activity Professional
Shirl J. Hoffman

2. What Career Will you Pursue?
You may or may not have an answer for this question yet. The purpose of this chapter is to help you explore your options, help you make decisions about what profession might suit you best, and help you to take steps to prepare you to become a physical activity professional.
It is also important to note that your profession may change several times in your career and that this is nothing to fear.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

3. Physical Activity Professions
Health and fitness (chapter 13)
Therapeutic exercise (chapter 14)
Teaching physical education (chapter 15)
Coaching and sport instruction (chapter 16)
Sport management (chapter 17)
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

4. Figure 12.1
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

5. Figure 12.2
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

6. Characteristics of Professionals
Master complex skills (grounded and guided by systematic theory and research)
Perform services for others (clients or patients)
Are granted a monopoly by the community to supply certain services
Are guided by ethical codes (formal and informal; preserve health and well-being of clients)
Meet expectations and standards prescribed by their professional subcultures
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

7. Figure 12.3
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

8. Physical Activity Professionals Should Know…
what a profession is,
the type of work professionals do,
how one gains entry to and acceptance in a profession,
the obligations of professionals, and
the most important factors to consider in preparing for a career in the physical activity professions.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

9. Professionals Have Mastered Complex Skills Grounded in Theory
Draw on a complex body of knowledge and theory that is developed through systematic research
Are gifted thinkers and are also gifted doers (practitioners) able to bring about predetermined outcomes efficiently and effectively, usually on behalf of others
Are skilled experts
Cognitive skills: analysis, deduction, diagnosis, prescription, and high-level reasoning
Perceptual skills: identify and recognize problems that have occurred or are likely to occur
Interpersonal skills: listening, communicating, and motivating
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

10. Figure 12.4
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

11. What Do Professionals Do?
Perform services for clients in a variety of subcultures
Provide services that require complex skills and knowledge
Possess and maintain a monopoly on the delivery of specialized services
Work to maintain high standards of professional and ethical conduct

12. Types of Knowledge That Make Professionals Experts
Kinesiology theory
Professional practice knowledge
Workplace knowledge
As a result of their knowledge, professionals develop a range of cognitive, perceptual, and motor skills, anchored in theoretical, workplace, and practice knowledge, that enable them to achieve predetermined outcomes efficiently and effectively.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

13. Characteristics of Professionals
Professionals perform services for clients or patients.
Services are based on a commitment to others (often sacrificing one’s own needs for those of clients).
Services rendered are expert (require varying degrees of autonomy).
Services are based on clients’ needs and interests (clients may become dependent).
Professionals have a monopoly on the delivery of services.
Fill a community need
Have specific knowledge and training
Have well-developed skills
Certification
Licensure
(continued)
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

14. Characteristics of Professionals (continued)
Professionals collaborate with colleagues to ensure high standards and ethical practices.
Role of professional societies and conferences
Importance of codes of ethical conduct
Licensure and professionalism
Professionals adhere to standards of their professional subculture.
Socialized to workplace expectations
High standards
Very organized
Not “clock watchers”
Appropriate attire
Grooming and hygiene
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

15. A Job or a Profession Expectations “The clock”
Of you
By you
“The clock”
Your salary or hourly pay
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

16. How Do Our Values Shape Our Professional Conduct?
Mechanical, market-driven professionalism
Practitioners value the profession, profit, personal prestige, and status over the rights and needs of clients.
Social trustee, civic professionalism
Practitioners value clients and the social good more than themselves or their profession.
The personal values you bring to your work will determine your goals and method of operation as a professional.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

17. How Are Physical Activity Professionals Educated for the Workplace?
Academic areas:
Liberal arts and sciences
Course work in physical activity knowledge
Course work in theoretical kinesiology
Course work in professional practice knowledge and professional skills
Internships
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

18. Figure 12.5
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

19. Internships
A culminating educational and evaluative experience for preprofessionals that
teaches you how to apply the knowledge and skills that you have learned in your professional program to a real-life situation, and
tests your level of preparedness to enter professional practice.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

20. Are You Suited for a Career in the Physical Activity Professions?
Do my attitudes, values, and goals match those of professionals?
Am I interested—really interested—in physical activity?
Do my attitudes, interests, and talents lend themselves to a specific physical activity profession?
Will my college or university program prepare me well?
(continued)
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

21. Are You Suited for a Career in the Physical Activity Professions
Are You Suited for a Career in the Physical Activity Professions? (continued)
How committed am I to preparing to be the best professional possible?
Excellence in academic work
Early identification with the professional field
Engagement in college or university life
Participation in volunteer services
Attending graduate school
Complete the decision-making process outlined in Activity 12.5 in your online study guide to determine whether you are on your way to a successful physical activity career.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)

22. Are You Excited and Committed to Kinesiology and the Physical Activity Professions?
Just remember, if your answer to this question ever becomes “No,” don’t be afraid to consider a career change.
Chapter 12 - Hoffman (2005)