- What was your role during the internship? (Key responsibilities and tasks…)
During my eight week PESS internship, I continued the research and write up of my Final Year Project, The Nature and Prevalence of Injury in Hyrox in Competition and Training. My role, under the supervision of Dr Frank Nugent, included the distribution of an online survey, whereby athletes would anonymously provide their injury history, analysing data, reviewing existing literature on injury trends in relevant sporting disciplines and the construction of a write up of the key points in the findings.
- How did the internship help you grow professionally and personally? (Lessons learnt…)
This internship helped me develop both professionally and personally in several ways. Professionally, it gave me an opportunity to apply the skills I learned in my undergraduate course in a real-world research environment. I became more confident in my ability to conduct effective research, whilst also further developing my literacy skills. Personally, this internship pushed me outside my comfort zone. Presenting ideas, discussing research outcomes and working as a team, with Dr Nugent, all helped me develop stronger communication and teamwork skills. It also reinforced my passion for understanding injury research, and the effect that a proper understanding of the contributing factors can have in training methods.
- Did you face any challenges during your internship? (If so, how did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges was adapting to the research environment and becoming familiar with the process involved in collecting, analysing, and writing up research findings to a professional standard. Another challenge, was remaining confident in my own decisions. As Hyrox is a relatively new sport, there is a lack of existing research, meaning I had to rely on my own critical thinking and judgement to guide the study.
- How did your supervisor/the departments work environment contribute to your experience?
Throughout my internship, Dr Frank Nugent, used his expertise in the field to guide me toward the standard required in the field. He encouraged me to work independently, and was always open to my ideas and strategies toward reporting the findings. He held regular feedback sessions, allowing me to communicate my findings quickly and effectively.
- Did you have opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry?
Thankfully, through the internship, I connected with both researchers and athletes, we conversed about different methods of training and injury prevention and treatment strategies. Talking to these people, deepened my respect for the sport of Hyrox, given its infancy.
- How has this internship influenced your career goals or future plans?
This internship has had a huge influence on my future career goals. It really confirmed how much I enjoy understanding the relationship between training, performance and injury. Prior to this internship, I knew I wanted to work in the area of sport, however, this experience has made me look further into injury prevention and treatment. Overall, the internship made me see a clearer path for the future, one where I can combine my passion for sport, whilst implementing safe practices in the field.
- What advice would you give to future interns applying for this program?
Each time you have a question, ask it! The internship is for learning, and PESS is a really welcoming faculty, so if there is something you are curious about, just email a lecturer or knock on their door, and I am sure they will help you.
Sean McKeon is a PESS Research Intern in the Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, UL.
Email: ULStudent:SEAN.MC KEON <20257384@studentmail.ul.ie
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