If you're thinking about studying in Birmingham, there is no better time than now! The Commonwealth Games are coming to the heart of the UK in 2022, which means that students starting university in Birmingham between 2019 and 2021 will have unparalleled opportunities to get involved with this global sporting event.
Despite the games being over three years away, if you're looking to study a degree between now and 2022 then this event will no doubt have a positive impact on your student experience - so what better time to start thinking about it?
Here's how the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games could provide opportunities for you...
Relevant work experience
The games will bring a range of unique opportunities that our students will have access to tap into and use to develop employability skills - who wouldn't want being a part of the Commonwealth Games on their CV?!
Sports students may have the opportunity to support athletes in the run up, during, and after the games, depending on their specialism and experience. And beyond sport, there will be plenty of other opportunities for students across the university to get involved with; the Commonwealth Games will need 10,000 volunteers to support the Games, from constructing the city to host the Games, media coverage, increased healthcare and support services to aid spectators, visitors and locals - the list is endless!
Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer, Richard Handyside worked as a Performance Analysis with The English Institute of Sport and England Netball at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, so if you're thinking of studying Sport here, Richard is a great example of the experience and expertise you'll have access to! Richard comments,
“The opportunities the 2022 Commonwealth Games will create for our students will act as a springboard for their future careers. Be it internships, work placements or simply in a volunteering capacity, the Games will boost the CVs, pushing BCU Sport and Exercise graduates to the front of the queue for employment.
The six weeks I spent on the Gold Coast as Performance Analysis during the 2018 Commonwealth Games were the best of my professional career. I learned, grew, forged new relationships and had a ball – coming back with a gold medal wasn’t bad either! I am thrilled to continue to pass on my experiences to our Sport and Exercise students, and couldn’t be more excited for them as Birmingham 2022 approaches."
Be part of history
Having this global event on our doorstep is a huge advantage for locals and students in the area to get involved with. Happening only once every four years, and the last one was on the other side of the world on the Gold Coast - what are the chances these opportunities that this will bring will always be so accessible?
Sport course leader, Irfan Khawaja said:
"Bring on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games! This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for students at BCU, particularly those studying within the PE and School Sport degree, and those studying other within other disciplines. As the Commonwealth Games come right into the heart of the country, we are incredibly fortunate to have it land on our doorstep.
The opportunities for our students are endless, and I look forward to encouraging and accompanying students working within the different venues, assisting athletes, providing extra support within management teams, and the event organisers managing the practical day to day running of an international event. Our students will have an opportunity to gain hands on experience where they can apply key principles taught in lectures and seminars, into real life sporting practice. It doesn’t get any bigger, or better than this!"
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