Chapter 5: Professionalism in Exercise Science

By Laura Ellingson-Sayen, PhD

Learning Objectives

• Identify and utilize key resources (e.g., syllabus, job description, employee manual) to clarify roles and responsibilities in academic or professional settings.

• Discuss effective collaboration and communication skills in group settings within the field of Exercise Science.

• Discuss elements of professional netiquette in digital communication within the Exercise Science.

• Demonstrate awareness regarding professionalism in personal space and physical contact within Exercise Science contexts.

• Identify the benefits of joining professional organizations in Exercise Science and related fields.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the graduate school application process for careers in Exercise Science.

Chapter Contents

Professionalism is an important aspect of Exercise Science because many of the careers in this area are public-facing and virtually all exercise science-related careers involve interacting with individuals and groups. Professionalism is a broad subject so for the purposes of this chapter we will narrow our scope to a few key topics that are critical for the success of future professionals in Exercise Science.

Understand What is Expected of You

Part of professionalism is making sure that you understand what is expected of you so that you can make sure you are fulfilling your role as a student or professional. Sometimes expectations are going to be provided to you through onboarding or other training. Other times it might not be so straightforward. A great place to start is by understanding and using the resources that are provided to you. In the classroom this includes the syllabus or instructions in class or on Canvas. In the workplace, this might be a job description or an employee manual. Some resources are going to be more specific than others depending on your class or employer. Expectations are not always going to be clearly outlined (especially in the workplace) so you need to know who or where you can go to get answers. As a student that is typically easy – start with the syllabus, ask a classmate, or talk to the professor. In the workplace you need to know what resources you have and in what order to explore them. If you always go to your supervisor to answer a question that is in the employee manual they are going to know you didn’t read it and that may negatively impact their perception of your professionalism.

Working Effectively in Groups

In Exercise Science and related fields, collaboration and teamwork are often crucial components for being successful in both academic and professional settings. Though at times it can be difficult and frustrating, working effectively in groups and with diverse populations not only enhances learning but also prepares future professionals to meet the varied needs of their clients and colleagues. Many of us come to college with negative attitudes and expectations regarding group-work based on prior bad experiences. However, being able to work effectively with others is an important life-skill and during college many classes include group work specifically to help students improve in this area.

Being effective in group settings starts with recognizing and appreciating the diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives of the individuals with the group. Diverse teams bring a range of viewpoints, leading to more creative solutions and comprehensive approaches to problems. Promoting inclusion is an important part of being successful. This means working to ensure that all group members feel valued and included through active listening, respecting different opinions, and encouraging participation from everyone. If you are used to being the leader of a group, creating space for others might mean you let others speak first or let someone else take the team leader role. If you are more introverted, this might mean finding ways to be heard within the group.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are an essential part of effective collaboration. When working in a group, make sure to use active listening techniques, such as paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Especially in academic settings, clear communication from all group members can prevent misunderstandings during group projects and enhance learning for everyone. It is also important to remember that communication is more than just what you say. You also want to be mindful of nonverbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. In professional settings, especially during interactions with patients and clients, nonverbal communication can significantly impact trust and rapport. As noted above, online communication is also important. Utilize various communication tools effectively, including email, messaging apps, and virtual meeting platforms. In academic and professional settings, these tools can facilitate timely and efficient communication, especially when working with individuals who are not in the same location.

Collaborating Effectively

Another important part of working effectively as a team is collaborative goal setting. In academic settings this may be at least partially done for you based on the guidelines of the assignment or project in question. Regardless, establishing clear and achievable goals for the group helps ensure everyone is on the same page. This keeps the team focused and motivated. In professional settings, setting goals for program/client outcomes can improve overall effectiveness and client satisfaction.

Once goals are established, assignment of specific roles to group members can be an effective next step. It takes a little time up front, but it’s well worth the effort to clearly define roles and responsibilities within the group. This helps in managing tasks efficiently and ensures that all aspects of a project are covered. It can also help with ensuring that the workload is balanced equitably across group members.

Conflict resolution is also a crucial part of working effectively in a group. When conflicts arise (and they often do), it can seem easier to ignore them or just take on more work yourself to avoid having a potentially awkward situation. However, it’s often better to address conflicts promptly and constructively. Encourage open dialogue to understand the root of the issue and find mutually acceptable solutions. In academic settings, this is an important part of the learning process and helps prepare you for future teamwork as part of your career. In professional settings being effective at conflict resolution, can prevent misunderstandings from escalating and disrupting progress. Individuals who can demonstrate that they excel at this, are often highly desirable employees because conflict is an inevitable part of life.

In summary, working effectively in groups and with diverse populations in exercise science and related careers involves embracing diversity, fostering clear communication, promoting collaboration, and developing skills in conflict resolution. These skills not only enhance group dynamics and client relationships but also prepare professionals to meet the diverse needs of their clients and colleagues. By prioritizing these practices, future professionals can achieve greater success and make a more positive impact in their fields.

Netiquette for College Students in Exercise Science Fields

In the digital era, maintaining professionalism online is crucial, especially for college students pursuing careers in Exercise Science. These fields—encompassing physical and occupational therapy, sports management, athletic training, teaching, coaching, and more—require a high degree of interaction with peers, instructors, players, colleagues, and clients/patients. Therefore, understanding and practicing proper netiquette is essential.

Here are key guidelines to help maintain professionalism and respect in all digital communications:

Email

Though it is becoming less common in communication with peers, especially for Gen Z, email is still a primary mode of communication in academic and professional settings. Always use professional language when communicating with professors, classmates, and potential employers.

• For professional and academic communication, make sure to use your school email account, whenever possible. If you do need to use a personal email, it is best to use an email address that is your name (e.g., benita.juarez@gmail.com) as opposed to something less identifiable like basketball_02@gmail.com.
• Start your emails with a polite greeting (e.g., Dear Dr. Anderson or Dear Mr. Juarez) and close with a respectful sign-off (e.g., Sincerely).
• Avoid slang and overly casual language, as well as emoticons and excessive exclamation points.
• Ensure that your grammar (including capitalization and punctuation) and spelling are correct.
• Remember that professionalism in your communications reflects your attention to detail, a crucial skill in any Exercise Science career. Lack of professionalism, especially with potential employers and even internship supervisors can mean missed opportunities.

Responsiveness and Time Management

It is in your best interests to respond to academic and professional emails and messages in a timely manner. This is often within 24 hours of receipt, which means checking email on a daily basis (at least during the work-week) is required. If a detailed response to an email is needed, acknowledge the receipt of the email and specify when the sender can expect a complete reply (e.g., I have received your email and will get back to you by the end of the day tomorrow). This responsiveness demonstrates professionalism and helps you manage communications more effectively, which is essential in fast-paced Exercise Science environments.

Respectful Engagement

Exercise Science often requires collaborative group work and participation in online forums or discussions. When engaging in these environments, it is critical to remember to be respectful and considerate of others’ opinions. Address disagreements with constructive criticism and avoid personal attacks. Acknowledge and appreciate different perspectives, as this field often involves working with diverse populations and viewpoints. How you engage with others may impact the class climate or work culture. If you are disrespectful to others, it could impact recommendations or promotions and may even lead to termination of your employment.

Confidentiality and Privacy

As a student in Exercise Science, you may discuss actual case studies or hypothetical scenarios. When discussing personal information, it is vital to maintain confidentiality and privacy at all times. Never share sensitive information about patients, players, or clients, including any identifying details, without consent. This practice not only follows netiquette but is also a legal requirement under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in many professional contexts.

Online Presence and Personal Branding

It is important to remember that your online presence on social media platforms can significantly impact your professional image. Employers often review candidates’ social media profiles (e.g., Instagram, YouTube, TickTock etc.) before making hiring decisions. Always think twice before posting content that might be considered inappropriate or unprofessional. Instead, use these platforms to showcase your involvement in the Exercise Science field, share relevant articles, and network with professionals and academics. You may also want to set up an account on LinkedIn, which is an employment-focused social media platform for professional networking. Creating and regularly updating your LinkedIn profile and connecting with professionals in areas in which you would like to work can be a valuable way of finding internships and job opportunities both during and after college.

Academic Integrity

In your academic journey, it is important to uphold the highest standards of integrity. This includes the following;

• Do not share or use unauthorized resources during online exams.
• Don’t plagiarize. Remember to always cite sources when discussing research or articles in forums, papers, or assignments.
• It is important to know the policies for each of your classes with respect to use of Artificial Intelligence software platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grammarly, among others.
• Academic dishonesty not only tarnishes your reputation but also devalues your degree in the eyes of potential employers. You will likely need letters of recommendation from professors for graduate school and/or internships/future employment. Demonstrating a lack of integrity in your classes makes it unlikely that your professors will be willing to write these letters for you going forward.

Use of Technology

It is important to familiarize yourself with different online platforms and tools that are commonly used in Exercise Science courses and professions, such as learning management systems (LMS), virtual labs, and fitness assessment tools. Efficient use of technology not only helps your academic performance but also prepares you for technology use in clinical and professional settings. Being tech-savvy can make you an attractive candidate for job opportunities, especially if you can demonstrate that you have experience using relevant technologies for the position in question.

By following these netiquette guidelines, you not only enhance your professional image but also prepare yourself for a successful career in Exercise Science. Remember, the digital footprint you create now can significantly influence your professional path. You will be well-served by treating every online interaction as a step towards building a respected and professional identity in your chosen field.

Professional Attire

Like it or not, professionalism is also about your physical appearance. While many careers associated with Exercise Science allow for a casual dress code once you are hired, interviewing and securing these positions often requires dressing more professionally. The video linked here, gives you some valuable advice on how to prepare yourself for interview experiences such that you position yourself to perform well.

Personal Space and Contact

As a student in exercise science you are going to be working with peers and community members in different settings. You may be doing an exercise test in the lab, placing markers in the biomechanics lab, providing a physical prompt to middle schoolers, or helping an older adult move through a range of motion. It is important in all these situations that you remain professional in your personal contact. Here are some tips to help maintain professional contact.

• Pay attention to an individual’s comfort level: Keep in mind some people may not be comfortable being touched or in very close proximity to a stranger of the opposite sex or same sex for that matter and for some it can be against their religious or cultural beliefs.
• Ask for permission: Can I place this marker here on your leg? Do you mind if I move your arm in the motion I am talking about? It is important that you listen and respect their answers even if they are children.
• Provide an option to do it themselves: Would you like to place this electrode on your chest? You can then give them instructions and make sure they are putting it in the right spot.
• Let them know what you are going to do: “I am going to tap the leg you should step with when throwing”, “ I am going to stand behind you so I can spot you as you squat. Is that okay with you?”, I am going to lightly keep my hand on your elbow so it stays close to your body when you are doing your bicep curl.

Professional Organizations

Many of the careers in Exercise Science have a professional organization for professionals in the field. Typically, there is also a student membership option at a reduced cost with some important benefits. Even without a membership, professional organizations often provide individuals with useful information and opportunities. Some of these include:

Networking Opportunities: Professional organizations provide valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals, alumni, and peers. These connections can be useful in securing internships, job opportunities, and mentorships, which are crucial for career development these days.

Access to Resources: Many professional organizations offer members access to resources such as academic journals, research papers, webinars, workshops, and conferences. These resources can help students stay informed about the latest trends, developments, and best practices in their field of study.

Skill Development: Involvement in professional organizations often includes opportunities for skill development through workshops, seminars, and training sessions. Students can enhance their technical, leadership, and soft skills, making them more competitive in the job market.

Professional Identity and Credibility: Being a member of a professional organization demonstrates a commitment to a chosen field and helps students start building their professional identity early. It shows potential employers that the student is serious about their career and actively engaged in their professional community.

Career Guidance and Mentorship: Many professional organizations offer mentorship programs where students can receive guidance and advice from experienced professionals. This mentorship can be invaluable in navigating career choices, academic pathways, and professional challenges.

Exposure to Career Opportunities: Professional organizations often post job listings, internship opportunities, and announcements for industry events. This exposure can help students learn about and pursue opportunities they might not find through traditional channels.

Professional Development and Ethics: These organizations often emphasize the importance of professional ethics, standards, and continuous learning. Being a part of such a community can instill a sense of responsibility and help students understand the ethical considerations in their field.

Increased Visibility and Recognition: Active participation in professional organizations can lead to recognition through awards, scholarships, or leadership roles. This visibility can enhance a student’s resume and professional profile.

Insight into Industry Culture and Expectations: Engaging with professionals and peers in a structured setting gives students insights into the culture, expectations, and norms of their chosen industry. This understanding can be beneficial in transitioning from academia to the professional world.

Here is a list of professional organizations associated with careers in Exercise Science. Click on a few that look interesting and see what you can learn!

• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• American College of Sports Medicine
• American Council on Education
• American Kinesiology Association
• American Medical Association
• American Occupational Therapy Association
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
• American Physical Therapy Association
• Oregon Physical Therapy Association
• American Physiological Society
• American Public Health Association
• American Society of Exercise Physiologists
• American Society of Biomechanics
• Athletics and Fitness Association of America
• Association for Applied Sport Psychology
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• International Association for Health Coaches
• International Behavioral Neuroscience Society
• International Federation of Sports Medicine
• International Society of Biomechanics
• International Society of Sports Nutrition
• National Academy of Kinesiology
• National Association of Sports Nutrition
• National Athletic Trainers Association
• National Collegiate Athletic Association
• National Society of Health Coaches
• National Strength and Conditioning Association
• North American Society for the Sociology of Sport
• North American Society for Sport History
• North American Society for Sport Management
• Sports Nutrition Association
• Society for Experimental Biology
• Society for Neuroscience
• Society of Behavioral Medicine
• Society of Health and Physical Educators – SHAPE America
• Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators – SHAPE Oregon

Application and Admission to Graduate Programs

Many of the careers that students are interested in within the field of exercise science will require further education beyond the undergraduate level. Understanding the process of how to apply can be a bit overwhelming at times. The following are some helpful tips on getting started.

Understand if your chosen career requires graduate school. The best way to do this is explore your career online. There is a lot of information out there to help you better understand your career of interest. One good resource is the website mynextmove.org.

Explore the schools that offer graduate programs in your chosen discipline. You can do this by looking at individual schools if you have a specific geographical area or region that you would like to stay in. If you are casting a wider net, some of the professional organizations linked above have lists of graduate programs for careers that fall under their organization. Oftentimes they will also have resources that can help in the process of applying.

Explore the websites for the graduate program you are considering. Be sure to check out the prerequisites for admittance to their school. This might include certain classes, minimum GPA requirements, hours or years of experience, internship hours, etc. Also, pay attention to application deadlines and their application process. Almost all graduate schools will require that you have letters of recommendation so you will need to consider who could write those for you. Typically, they want at least one professor and one personal/work reference.

Talk with your advisor: If you are quite certain you are going to need to attend graduate school, start the conversation with your advisor as soon as you can – perhaps during your freshman year. More typically, conversations with your advisor about graduate programs start during your sophomore year of college, but can happen later depending on your circumstances. If you are unsure what you want to do after graduation (which is very very normal), you and your advisor will likely have multiple conversations about exploring different careers through practicum experiences or job shadowing. Both of these will give you an opportunity to explore different career options to help decide what might be a good fit for you after graduation.

In summary, professionalism in Exercise Science is a multifaceted concept that extends beyond academic knowledge and technical skills. It encompasses understanding and meeting expectations, working effectively in diverse group settings, maintaining appropriate digital and physical presence, and actively engaging with professional organizations. These elements are crucial for success in the field, where interactions with individuals and groups are at the core of many roles. As future professionals, it is beneficial to develop these competencies early on, as they will not only enhance your academic and professional experiences but also prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By embracing professionalism in all aspects of your career, you position yourself to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve, while also advancing your own growth and development in the ever-evolving field of Exercise Science.