Jake Brookes

During the past 3 years I have ignited a real desire to continue to develop key industry knowledge/skills in a sporting profession and continue to broaden my horizons. The opportunity to work in a professional environment would enable me to both build on previous experiences within education and utilise my knowledge and experiences working in the Welsh Premiership at Pontypridd RFC and in the Welsh Rugby Unions Performance Analysis bureau.

Throughout my undergraduate degree I was fortunate to receive placement experiences with regional rugby clubs and  Welsh Premiership clubs. These enabled me to gain a wider range of real-world experiences in professional and varied settings. In turn, this allowed me to gain invaluable insight into the organisation, delivery, management of a sporting organisation. In addition, these experiences ignited my thirst for a career in the professional game. Retrospective reflection has afforded me a far greater awareness of what is expected of individuals in terms of management skills and leadership skills in a high-profile sporting organisation/s. The role at Pontypridd RFC in the Welsh Premiership became of particular interest to me due to the daily challenges presented by the coaching management workforce, which fitted perfectly in relation to subsequent actions that emanated from this personal growth exercise.

In addition to undertaking my degree in Rugby Coaching and Performance, I have been working as a Teaching Assistant through a supply agency.  This has shown me that I can combine my sporting background with a career in teaching. Working with young people has shown me how I can pass on my knowledge and love of sport.

The Welsh Rugby Union’s analysis bureau has provided me with much insight into how to deliver on the ground in semi-professional, professional and international environments. I enjoyed exploring the fundamental principles of business which underpins any successful initiative

Sport runs through my veins, specifically rugby. My undergraduate degree programme has left me with a clear understanding that the exit route allows me to combine my love of sport with my increasing desire to teach.  I understand that teaching is a vocation, not a job, and am very aware of the dedication and hard work it takes to provide pupils with the best learning opportunities

I have looked to develop my Industry focused CV appropriately during my time at USW. I have gained my WRU Level 2 Coaching, WRU Level 1 Coaching, TAG coaching & refereeing