Tom Robertson

Hello everyone, I’m Tom and I did my placement year at Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club. I was an intern there from August 2022 to September 2023 and during this time I worked in a range of roles.

I started in a mainly data analyst role, learning how to practically apply coding languages (such as R, Python, SQL) and visual software (R studio, Matplotlib, Power Bi) in a performance sport environment. I also gained great experience with video capture and editing software, such a Sports-Code elite, Openfield Focus, Adobe Photoshop and Final-Cut Pro. I then transitioned into a more Strength and Conditioning role, focusing on the Senior Academy cohort (aged 18-23) at the Falcons, applying the teachings from my Sports and Exercise degree more directly. I learned skills I never knew existed and it was with these skills that I was successful in my application for the part-time Sports Scientist role at the Falcons, at the end of my placement, which I now work alongside my final year.

In the beginning it was a daunting prospect to enter such a demand driven environment, where you really sensed the impact winning and losing had on the mood of the work environment. This is exacerbated by the real feeling of imposter syndrome being the least qualified with limited prior experience; I’d already done around a year and a half of work experience across summers in various locations (GB Rowing, Tennis academies and Saracens RFC) but compared to my colleagues with over a decade of practical experience, it was hard to feel anything other than incompetence. However, through personal discipline in learning everything you can, only needing to hear things once, building a network within the workplace, and kindness from others to help you along, you soon feel part of the team.

The practical skills I learned during this time have been invaluable in my part-time role but also in my university studies, with four assessments already being centred around job situations I have been in. However, it was the personal enterprise skills I learned that are unquestionably more valuable. When faced with a challenge you’ve never faced before, whether this was a real job task or a personal challenge, how you learn to tackle this and the learnings you take from it provide an unrivalled sense of development. You really do feel you are better now because of that experience and your confidence is vastly increased.

I loved my placement year. Anyone who followed Newcastle Falcons over the last year will understand the complete rollercoaster working there has been. The confidence I feel now looking forward to my future and my self-efficacy to take on a role in elite sport has undoubtedly increased. I could not recommend more that you take on a placement year in your dream role or career area.