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Sport and Outdoor Studies Graduate (2008)

Neil Philips – Graduate Experiences

Graduation Year: 2008

Degree: Joint Honours Sport and Outdoor Studies

Degree Awarded: Second Class Honours (1st Division) 2:1

What were you doing before attending MMU Cheshire

Completed my A’ Level’s.

Why did you chose Outdoor Studies at MMU Cheshire

MMU had a well established course and the content was exactly what I was looking for.

Experience of Outdoor Studies and MMU Cheshire

If I hadn’t have gone to MMU I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now.  Throughout the three years I have experienced some amazing things and met some life long friends.  My experiences were always enjoyable, wether in the classroom or out on field trips.
My main highlights were my first lead in Wales in the first year and the Scottish field trip.

Current position – include previous posts if applicable

Village Camps S.A (Switzerland)
Group Leader/Specialist Instructor (August-October)

Village Camps operate an Outdoor Education camp for International schools, ages from 10 -16 years.

My duties as a Group Leader and Specialist involved managing a group of 10 -12 children for a week, facilitating their learning through various activities, which included expeditions where we stayed in huts or camping and team building exercises.

What relevance is your degree to your current position (how has your degree helped)

Many jobs advertised now seek people with relevant degree qualification and outdoor education is no exception.  The course provided valuable content concerning current issues and practices.  The degree has also provided me with the necessary skills to continue my learning in the field of outdoor education.

Do you hold or are you working towards any additional qualifications

Hold-
SPA
Summer ML (Training)
ITC Certificate in Outdoor First Aid (Level 2)
Padi Rescue Diver
Swimming Instructor (ASA)
National Pool Lifeguard
English Apprentice Basketball Referee (EB)

Working towards-
Level 1 raft guide
Level 1 Kayak
Summer ML Assessment
Drugs Awareness
Mountain Bike Leader
Off site Health and Safety Management

What are your future plans, goals and ambitions

My long term goal is to become an MIC and maybe a guide.  Short term is to gain as much experience as possible and to travel.

Personally I want to swim the channel and ski to the South Pole.