Where can a Sport and Exercise Science degree take you? Insights from Brighton Graduates

Have you ever considered a career in sport and exercise science but wondered where it could take you? A degree in this field can open doors to a wide range of industries, from elite sport to healthcare, performance analysis, and beyond. But what does that journey look like in the real world?

To provide insight into the many career paths available, third-year Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons),  Exercise, Health and Rehabilitation Science BSc(Hons) and  Strength and Conditioning BSc(Hons) students at University of Brighton recently took part in the Sport Science Careers Development Day. As part of their Personal and Professional Development module, they heard directly from Brighton graduates who have gone on to build successful careers in the industry.

Through first-hand experiences and expert advice, the event offered a valuable glimpse into life after university and the opportunities a sport science degree can provide.

The amazing routes our graduates have taken

One of the highlights of the event was hearing from Brighton graduates who have forged successful careers across different sectors. Here’s a closer look at where some of our alumni are now and how their degree helped shape their journeys.

Dom Mitchell, Respiratory Physiologist at OneWelbeck
Working in private healthcare, Dom plays a vital role in performing routine and specialist lung function tests as part of the respiratory physiologist outpatient team. His job involves working with patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma, often leading to urgent and high-pressure situations where care must be provided quickly. While the role can be demanding, he finds immense satisfaction in knowing that his work directly impacts people’s well-being. “Helping people and their health is by far the best thing,” he said, emphasising the rewarding nature of his career.

Dom credits his time at Brighton University for developing essential skills that have helped him thrive in his role. “Something I learnt from my degree was communication and the ability to learn new protocols and put them into practice—I found that really helpful.”

Sami Huseyin, Strength & Conditioning Coach and Owner of SHCS
Sami works with a range of clients, from everyday athletes improving their general strength to competitive athletes seeking that extra 1%. After gaining experience in various strength and conditioning roles, he made the bold decision to start his own business in 2023. “Setting up my own business gave me the potential to open multiple doors and the freedom to do what I want” he explained, highlighting the opportunities that come with entrepreneurship.

Sami went on to advise those looking to pursue a career in sports and exercise science, stating that “You will never feel fully prepared—just do it”. He also stressed that, “If you’re wanting to build a business, having a personal brand is so important. It can help you to leverage your following in order to find work.”

Rae Hawkins, Support Coordinator at Stroke Association
Rae plays a crucial role in helping stroke survivors transition from hospital to home, offering them vital support during their recovery. Her journey into the clinical field began with volunteering, which helped her realise her passion for working in healthcare settings. She encouraged students to embrace new opportunities, stating, “Say yes to things that are outside of your comfort zone.” Taking that first step into volunteering made all the difference in shaping her career.

Adam Chilcott, Performance Analyst at Brighton & Hove Albion Academy
Adam specialises in performance analysis for the U15/U16 teams, where he is responsible for filming training sessions, collecting match data, and delivering insights to coaches and players. His work plays a key role in shaping team strategies and individual performance development. “From the moment I took the performance analysis module in my second year, I knew it was what I wanted to do,” he recalled.

He also advises students to be proactive in their job search, recommending that they “keep looking at job adverts and their descriptions to see what is required by employers.”

Calum Brashill, Senior Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach at Brighton & Hove Albion
Calum plays a crucial role in developing young footballers’ physical performance, applying both practical and theoretical knowledge from his university studies. He believes that the degree program at Brighton helped prepare him for the challenges of his career. “I use practical and theoretical knowledge from my university degree every day in my job,” he said, reflecting on the value of his education.

His role also requires having difficult conversations with players, something that took time to adjust to. “Having difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, but you learn to get good at it,” he admitted. Despite these challenges, he feels lucky to be in a position where he can help athletes reach their potential. “I’m lucky to help people work towards their goals and achieve their dreams.” He encourages students to make the most of their time at university, emphasising that “the degree gave me opportunities to take part in innovative and practically applied research projects.”

Why Brighton is the perfect place to start your sport science career

We continue to provide students with the skills, experience, and industry connections needed to excel in their professional careers. With a strong focus on practical learning, professional development, and graduate success, we ensure that you will leave prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Find out more about studying Sport and Exercise at Brighton.