1. Becoming a physical activity professional
Chapter 11
Becoming a physical activity professional
Shirl J. Hoffman

2. Chapter Objectives
Acquaint you with what it means to be a professional and, more specifically, a physical activity professional.
Explain the types of knowledge and skills essential for performing professional work.
Discuss what you need to do during your undergraduate years in order to gain entry into and succeed in your chosen professional field.
Help you determine whether you are suited for a career in a physical activity profession.

3. What Career Will You Pursue?
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 prepare you to become a physical activity professional.
Note: Your profession may change several times in your career; this is nothing to fear.

4. Physical Activity Professions
Health and fitness (chapter 12)
Therapeutic exercise (chapter 13)
Teaching physical education (chapter 14)
Coaching and sport instruction (chapter 15)
Sport management (chapter 16)

5. Characteristics of Professionals
Master complex skills (grounded and guided by systematic theory and research)
Possess cognitive, perceptual, and interpersonal skills
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

6. Figure 11.1

7. 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
The most important factors to consider in preparing for a career in the physical activity professions

8. Professionals Have Mastered Complex Skills Grounded in Theory
They draw on a complex body of knowledge and theory that is developed through systematic research.
They are gifted thinkers and are also gifted doers (practitioners), able to bring about predetermined outcomes efficiently and effectively, usually on behalf of others.
They are skilled experts with the cognitive, perceptual, and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in their profession.

9. Figure 11.2

10. How Do Our Values Shape Our Professional Conduct?
Mechanical, market-driven professionalism
These practitioners value the profession, profit, personal prestige, and status over the rights and needs of clients.
Social trustee, civic professionalism
These 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.

11. How Does Your Personality Match Up With Your Career?
Read the sidebar titled, “How Does Your Personality Match Up With Your Career?”
Which personality best describes you?
What career(s) in kinesiology sound most interesting to you? Is it a good match with your personality selection?

12. How Are Physical Activity Professionals Educated for the Workforce?
Course work in 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

13. Figure 11.3

14. 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?
If your answer to these questions ever becomes “No,” don’t be afraid to consider a career change.

15. 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

16. What Are Your Perceived Strengths and Weaknesses?
Complete the “What Are Your Perceived Strengths and Weaknesses?” sidebar in your book.
What did you learn in this exercise, especially comparing your own responses to those of other students?