Learning to Begin Again: Retired Athletes’ Lived Experiences – Anuveer Bhandari.

1. What was your role during the internship? (Key responsibilities and tasks…)

As a former competitive tennis player turned sports psychology researcher, diving into sport psychology research felt like a natural pivot. My internship under Prof. John Perry at the Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) department opened doors to athlete transitions, a topic close to my heart after my own post-tennis journey.

Under the mentorship and supervision of Prof. John Perry, I investigated how retired athletes navigate post-sport transitions, focusing on identity reconstruction, self-efficacy, and skill transfer into new life domains. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological framework, I conducted semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to capture athletes’ lived experiences and meaning-making processes. The resulting paper is aimed for submission to the Psychology of Sport and Exercise journal.

2. How did the internship help you grow professionally and personally? (Lessons learnt…)

Professionally, this opportunity fueled growth by connecting me with individuals and organizations sharing a vision for supporting athletes’ transitions. It helped me pinpoint my niche at the intersection of sport psychology and transitions. Personally, I gained exposure to academia’s core, its rewarding yet challenging side, demanding persistence and endless curiosity. This honed my organizational, communication, accountability, and collaborative skills, fostering holistic growth.

3. Did you face any challenges during your internship? (If so, how did you overcome them?

A major hurdle was recruiting eligible participants due to strict inclusion criteria (retired within 1-5 years), a common issue in experimental research. I overcame it by partnering with organizations like Players Rugby Ireland, who aided recruitment. Transparent, persuasive communication highlighted the study’s ethical parameters and the value of participants’ experiences, smoothing the process.

4. How did your supervisor/the departments work environment contribute to your experience?

The project thrived on Prof. John Perry’s accessible, structured guidance and active networking facilitation the backbone of my success. PESS’s supportive, collaborative environment amplified this, with post-doctoral researchers and PhD students offering insights that sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills. This glimpse into a researcher’s realities has me seriously considering a PhD.

5. Did you have opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry?

A standout highlight was exposure to industry professionals and organizations I wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. This outreach delivered invaluable internal and external insights, deepening my grasp of research far beyond my project’s surface. The network keeps me updated on evolving trends in athlete transitions.

6. How has this internship influenced your career goals or future plans?

This internship gave me a comprehensive view of doctoral research structures. The skills and knowledge built my self-belief, steering future goals toward applying theoretical insights into practical transition support for athletes and organizations.

7. What advice would you give to future interns applying for this program?

I strongly recommend PESS’s internship, it clarifies long-term career paths in academia or beyond, driving personal growth. Its independent nature demands accountability yet offers execution flexibility, delivering immense value.

This experience bridged my tennis past with my researcher present, igniting a passion for sport psychology. Grateful for the journey!

Anuveer Bhandari,  PESS (MSc Sports Exercise and Performance Psychology)

Emal; Anuver.Bhandari@ul.ie 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anuveerbhandari