Kali Knapp
WorkStrong Coordinator
University of California, Irvine
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Got certified as a personal trainer to see if I enjoyed studying the movement of the body.
Pursued my Bachelors in Kinesiology because I thought I wanted to be a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Interned at a Sports Enhancement facility and loved it more than physical therapy.
Continued onto my Master's degree thinking I wanted to be a college strength coach.
Got a job as a manager of UC Irvine's recreation center for the salary and benefits.
While I worked in recreation, I completed an internship with the UCI Strength Coach and hated it.
Recruited by UCI Police Department to work for them, but backed out prior to the academy.
I realized that helping others get fit in the Rec Center was what I was passionate about ALL along.
Education
High School
Career
WorkStrong Coordinator
I run a post rehab and fitness program for injured employees at UC Irvine.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Science
Helping People
Day to Day
I am lucky enough to have a job where I can literally roll out of bed, go straight to work (to workout), then shower and get ready for my day. I spend 2-3 hours responding to emails about anything from special fitness programs, to guest speaker requests, to correspondence with the trainers and instructors who work for me. Some days I set up for special events, or write workout and fitness programs. It's ever changing, which is why I enjoy my job so much.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Be an intern! 9 times out of 10, I hire someone who worked really hard as an intern. Get yourself out there. You may think that you have no time in your schedule to volunteer or intern for a university recreation center, private gym, fitness center, or sports enhancement facility, but even just a few hours a week will get you ahead. Potential employers want to see that you've been proactive about your future career by making sacrifices and doing the things others aren't willing to do.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"You should make sure you're going into an area of study where you will get paid enough to earn a decent wage."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
