Sports Trainers

Most trainers, like other professionals who work with athletes, were first drawn to sports as participants. High school and college students can gain valuable experience by actively participating in a sport. Such experience lends a prospective trainer added insight into the injuries typical of a given sport, as well as the compassion and empathy necessary to comfort an injured athlete who is forced to sit out a game. Most teams need help with everything from equipment to statistics, so plenty of opportunities exist to explore a variety of sports-related positions. Good experience can be gained by working with and learning beside a trainer or team physician. This type of experience is a helpful foundation for a future internship or job; successful candidates are usually those with the most experience and on-the-job training.