Careers in Kinesiology | Career Development Events | Kinesiology Job & Volunteer Opportunities What Can I do with a Degree in Kinesiology? Kinesiology is an old word with a new face. Once an obscure descriptor of an undergraduate Physical Education course in biomechanics of human movement, kinesiology has come to represent the study of the art and science of human movement from the basic cellular level to its cultural place in society. The work of kinesiologists benfits all those who move, including high performance athletes, people suffering from chronic injury or disease and those wanting to improve overall health. The Canadian Council for Description of Occupations describes a kinesiologist as someone who evaluates physical activity related matters and recommends solutions in: Health Sports Industry Business Education Rehabilitation Social Settings You may not find internet job postings under the key word "kinesiology" yet, however, you will find kinesiologists working as: Athletic Therapists Coaches, Trainers Community Recreation and Leisure Professionals Dance Educators Entrepreneurs Ergonomics Consultants Fitness Consultants Leaders of Community Wellness Programs ( eg. therapeutic recreation, outdoor pursuits, physical activity and fitness programming) Occupational Health Consultants Physical Education Teachers (elementary, junior and senior high school) Post-degree Learners (eg. firefighters, police officers, nutritionists, nurses, physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists) Professors/Instructors in Post-secondary Institutions Program Leaders (people with disabilities, seniors) Researchers (private industry, community organizations, private health clubs) Sport Facility Administrators, Managers, Designers Sport or Marketing Managers (working with elite athletes, amateur/professional teams, sport governing bodies) Sport Scientists The secret to success with this degree lies in the degree holder’s ability to build on it, because the degree is not always a “stand alone” item. Many positions in the fields listed above require additional training and experience that is not always part of the formal undergraduate degree program. Most entry positions in the fitness, exercise and health industry require certification in Instruction and/or Assessment and Exercise Prescription, as an example. Many graduates use their kinesiology degree as a stepping stone to further study and subsequent careers in chiropractic, physiotherapy, medicine and business management. Some pursue careers with city police, fire and emergency medical services following additional training in pre-hospital care programs such as Emergency Medical Responder and Emergency Medical Technician (programs which are available through Faculty of Kinesiology’s Campus Recreation). Within the walls of the Kinesiology Complex at the University of Calgary, several hundred people are working in the fields of: sport medicine, high performance sport training and administration, facility and event management, sport marketing, fund development, program administration in fitness, outdoor programs, pre-hospital care programming, leadership certification, education, sport and recreation administration, and research. There are doctors, teachers, accountants, physiotherapists, coaches, administrators, facility management specialists, marketing and promotion specialists, personal trainers, information technology specialists, researchers, and more. To succeed with a kinesiology degree, graduates need to be flexible and think beyond labels. They need to look for connections and learn creative job search techniques. Only 10 to 15 years ago, the kinesiology and kinesiologist labels did not exist. Graduates can combine an interest and passion in the study of human movement with other passions, talents and interests. Kinesiology can be viewed from a business, arts, science, hi-tech and engineering angle in order for graduates to navigate the career waters. The Faculty of Kinesiology has an on-going partnership with University of Calgary Career Services to encourage the development of our students’ creative job search skills. For more information, please contact: Kinesiology Information Faculty of Kinesiology Email knesinfo@ucalgary.ca Back to top Career Development Events In an attempt to meet the Career Planning needs of our students and alumni, we have developed an ongoing partnership with University of Calgary Career Services. Workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, hidden job market strategies and general job search strategies are offered throughout the year. Panel nights featuring graduates’ career paths and sessions on specific topics such as Certification are organized on a recurring basis. Career Services offers one on one counseling sessions for Kinesiology students (Wednesdays 1330-1630h; please call 220 –3696 to make an appointment). Back to top

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