Life at the City of Oxford College
Dan Rule completed his Fitness Instructing Level 2 course and his Personal Training Level 3 Apprenticeship at the City of Oxford College and University Centre in 2015. He later returned to Activate Learning and is now Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach at the Activate Rugby Academy.
Looking back on his time as a student and apprentice, Dan said: “My time as a personal training apprentice was really valuable. I gained a lot of useful academic knowledge through lessons, but also learnt working practices and gained industry experience by running the new gym at the college.”
Life after college
After completing his course, Dan secured a BSc degree from Oxford Brookes University in Sport, Fitness and Rehabilitation and a master’s degree from the University of Northampton in Strength and Conditioning.
Dan gained valuable industry experience while doing his degree. He continued working part-time at the college gym and did an internship at Northampton Town Football Club while studying.
Reflecting on his experiences, Dan said: “Working at the college gym allowed me to further my academic insights and helped me build up a client base. The internship was also my first experience working in professional sport, which I really enjoyed.”
“After the pandemic, I was appointed Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach to the newly integrated rugby team that had joined the City of Oxford College and University Centre that was partnered with Wasps and have since moved up to the position of Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach.
“I am lucky enough to have worked with some exceptional players including Greg Fisilua, Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Pietro Turrisi, Archie McArthur, Lorenzo Casilio, Will Glister and Charlie Myall, who have progressed onto Premiership.”
What inspired you?
Dan shared what led him to pursue this career path and how his passion for sport and exercise science grew.
He said: “I’ve always been an active and sporty individual, enjoying all sports that I played as a youngster, but rugby was the sport that stuck when going through my teenage years.
“Having an interest in sport and exercise, I then pursued studies in exercise and human performance and absolutely loved it.
“Studying a subject that I enjoyed so much and was really passionate about helped me realise that it was what I wanted to do long term, particularly when I learnt about the various career options available in this field.”
Advice for college leavers
Dan had some words of wisdom to share with college students about to finish their course and take their next steps.
He said: “Once you have found something that interests you, be relentless with your actions to make your goals a reality. Take as many opportunities as possible that are presented to you to increase experience and development.
“But most importantly, enjoy the process and don’t forget your reasons for pursuing this path in the first place.”