Examining the impact of strength and conditioning internships on exercise and sport science undergraduate students

The aim of this study was to evaluate undergraduate exercise and sport science students' learning experiences in a strength and conditioning internship. There was a special emphasis on the interns' personal development, the influence of supervision (academic supervisor functioning as a dual professional) and feedback on their development as a strength and conditioning professional. Seventeen exercise and sport science interns participated in a focus group discussion. Four themes were identified from analysis of the interns' perception of their internship experience: positive supervision relationship, student ownership, satisfaction and development of professional skills. The findings of this study provide both academic and workplace supervisors with practical methods in which they can successfully cultivate effective strength and conditioning professionals. While the research findings provide guidelines on an effective model for strength and conditioning internships based on interns lived experience, the key findings are applicable to a range of cooperative learning environments particularly in health science and wellness.