Category: Readings and Reflections

My IDS major was a fruit salad at the beginning. I had coaching and sports, entrepreneurship, exercise sport and physiology. The fruit salad aspect was one in which I wanted to get good at several interconnected disciplines in order to be a well rounded personal trainer and gym owner. But my interest changed and I began to have more of a fruit smoothie major because I transferred from coaching only to sales and entrepreneurship major with aspects of coaching health exercise and sports blended together. The epistemologies included the health sciences, marketing and entrepreneurship, coaching effectiveness as well as the technology of both sales and sports. The content of what I studied in each discipline was shaped by the interest I had in entrepreneurship in the field of racquet sports. The coaching, athletic and health sides of my major side became shaped by what was trending in equipment and technology. How could I use what was available to become a better coach and better sales person? How could I integrate my knowledge to be ome a racquet sport entrepreneur?

I have learned so much about how to sell myself and my skills. I have learned the most current technology and how to market that technology alongside the best available equipment for the price range of my clientele. I have learned about health and nutrition, how to keep myself and my clients up to date on best practices for well being. I have learned that I have a lot more to learn in order to start my own business.

My studies have been synthesized in my internship/ job at Owls Nest. There I get to drink the fruit smoothie. I have to be aware of the day to day running of a department, I have to jeep up on sales, inventory and the best equip[ment to buy for the money. I need to be aware of the clientele and what they need, both personally and in a professional caring relationship. 

My disciplines have never really contradicted each other. Perhaps that is because my goal has been to learn how to best support the racquet sports community  rather than having a goal of just making a sale or making money. There were aspects of the sales and marketing courses that made me wonder if I could sell ethically, but I realized that by paying attention to what my clients need to improve their game, my sales would stay bound by concern for the well being of my clients. The unexpected viewpoint I now have is that being who I am and applying my knowledge from the IDS major, I will just be a better more successful coach and businessman, because underneath I’m still the same person.

• “Never Forgive Them” by Edward Zitron
• “Data and Justice: An Introductory Lesson” by Jacob Pleasants

Both of these articles are skeptical about how things are. The first article is about the innovations in technology and how they drive our consumer behaviors. They force us into new equipment even though the functions are essentially the same, say, on a cell phone. They also put electronic waste into the world. It is creating a “rot economy,” as the writer says. The paying customer isn’t the focus; growth is the focus. This behavior is toxic.

The following article is fascinating because it means I must find out where the data is and whether it is accessible. Then I have to determine whether the data is being used to provide information in a way that helps people. I was fascinated by the example of the Chicago crime graphic, which condemns parts of the city economically and socially. When crime is evident, people may avoid that place or not want to invest there. On the other hand, it is important to know where things are dangerous. Finally, is the data just data,  or does this tell Chicago where they need to change the environment?

The first article will let me resist unnecessary innovation and be clear about which technologies will be supported over the long run. Which are growth gimmicks, and which are essential? The second article just makes me more aware of data and social justice. As a racquet coach, it is always good to know the demographics of who can play, who can afford to play, and what charities are available to help disadvantaged people play. Also, it helps with equity and fairness, teaching all people at their level but treating them the same. We need to use data for the good.

1. Read “Career Readiness: Competencies for a Career-Ready Workforce”

Links to an external site.

 from the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE). Think about your work on the skills inventory. How ready do you feel for life after PSU? (Don’t be scared! You’ve got this!)

I feel very prepared for life after PSU. I am already working in my field, so I know my strengths and weaknesses. My strengths are in communication, teamwork work and professionalism. 

My strength is that I am a clear communicator. As a coach, I understand body language and gesture very well, so I can intuit much of what people are feeling and trying to say. I rely on the internet for short communications, such as texts and emails. A challenge in communication is writing longer reports. I have to work on organization.

My strengths in professionalism include my fairness and accountability habits, both toward myself and others. I’m present and prepared for work tasks, including coaching sessions and meetings. I have a very positive attitude. Something I could work on is the equitable treatment of others. This is an ongoing practice for anyone because you need to find out what is going on regularly and not act on assumptions. 

My strengths in teamwork are clear to me. I’m a team athlete and know teamwork in my bones. I’m a good mediator for conflicts on the team. I can compromise, and I work with others to meet our goals. I could work on my selflessness, which can be a strength or a weakness. Too much of either is not good for the team, so findinga  balance is ongoing.

2. Read “Digitalization and the American Workforce

Links to an external site.

” and reflect upon what the trends in digital technology mean for your future career goals. Do you know much about the technologies that you might need to master for your career? Do you feel prepared for the technology challenges that you may face in your career? 

My real focus with digital technology involves sports AI and related coaching and performance analysis apps. I also want to stay current with marketing technology, website construction, and social media tools for networking. I feel like all of these are ongoing. The job market increasingly relies on technology, as does the workforce. I’m prepared, but the technology changes so much that you can’t ever feel too prepared.

3. How do the two readings connect to each other? Write a brief ePort post about this. Submit the link below.

I think the main thing with both articles is that being prepared is an ongoing project. I won’t just get a job and have the skills or the technology under my belt. Instead, the two will intersect. Communication relies of technology and teamwork will be supported by technology. Professionalism means I have to stay current in all relevant aspects of technology in my field.