Explaining what prompted her decision, she said: “I had originally thought that a career as a PE teacher would be the best way to combine my interests in sport and exercise. I was offered at place at university in England but turned it down as I wanted to stay in Northern Ireland.”
Sarah continued: “There are growing employment opportunities in sport and exercise but there isn’t a clear career pathway. I investigated my options and the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sports and Exercise Science ticked the boxes for me.”
The Level 3 Extended Diploma, which is an academic equivalent of three A levels, is a practical work-related course where student’s complete projects and assignments based on realistic workplace situations.
It is highly valued by employers and, as Sarah was to subsequently find out, an excellent stepping-stone to further study.
Sarah successfully completed the two-year full-time diploma and, during her time at the College, developed a particular interest in sport and injury rehabilitation.
“I have always been passionate about the sports I played, including hockey and athletics. Maybe it was the injuries I’d experienced myself that inspired me to want to help others who had similar experiences.
“While studying at the College, I discovered that my passion really lay with injury rehabilitation, anatomy and physiology. These were my favourite modules, and the College facilities were fantastic which made my learning very practical and ‘hands on’.
“I loved how I was given the opportunity to dig deeper into what I was interested in, as well as being able to expand upon my knowledge with the support of my lecturer, Greg McGovern.”
Having successfully completed the Extended Diploma, Sarah progressed to Ulster University to study Health Physiology, making the Dean’s List and graduating with a first-class honours degree.
She has since established her own business, SH Massage Therapy in Ballymoney and currently specialises in sports massage, cupping, dry needling, and myofascial release.
Looking ahead though, she has ambitious plans to offer an expanded range of services.
“My time at Northern Regional College taught me skills that have assisted me in setting up a successful business and instilled a curiosity which now encourages me to always develop my skills and expand what my business has to offer,” she said.
“Studying at the College developed my confidence and belief in my own ability the career support I received was incredible and encouraged me to take a leap of faith and create my dream job.”
This support and encouragement also instilled in Sarah a thirst for knowledge. She is currently in the second year of an Adult Nursing degree at Ulster University’s Magee campus, all part of her plan to offer SH Massage Therapy clients an unrivalled service and secure their trust to fulfil her passion to help those who share her love of sport.
“I am ambitious about the future of my business and in the longer term, I hope that SH Massage Therapy will give clients a space where I can offer my knowledge and receive treatments complemented by top of the range equipment, including ice baths and infra-red saunas.”
Congratulating Sarah on her successful business launch, Sports lecturer, Greg McGovern explained that Level 3 Extended Diploma was a vocational which allowed students to combine academia with practical experience.
“Sarah was a fantastic student who came to Northern Regional College after completing her A-Levels because she wanted to continue in education and sport while keeping her career options open.
“The ability to combine practical work with education at further education has helped, not only Sarah but other students like her to develop a business pathway which they have a passion in and can make a career from. Sarah was a determined and enthusiastic student, and we are delighted that she has gone on to open her own business. Given her drive and ability, I’m sure it will be a success and I hope this will inspire other students to follow in her footsteps.”