Alumni Spotlight - Jack Emslie

If you’re interested in a future in the sports industry, there’s no better place to learn than at UHI Perth. The natural landscape offers the perfect learning environment, and our students get hands-on experience in one of the most beautiful settings in Scotland.

Having completed a number of courses at UHI Perth, Jack is now successfully working in the sports industry.

Can you introduce yourself?

I’m Jack Emslie and I have lived in Perth for 12 years, but previously lived in Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire.

What course did you study at UHI Perth, and in what year did you complete your studies?

I studied on the BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness. Before this, I completed the Level 6 Sport and Fitness course, as well as completing two years on the HNC/D Coaching and Developing Sport course.

How did you hear about UHI Perth?

I first heard about UHI Perth from my careers advisor at my school and the opportunities that the UHI was offering for myself aligned with what I wanted to do in the future.

What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?

I attended Strathallan School for five years, where I was hugely into the sporting aspect of school and participated in numerous sports before heavily focusing on hockey and cricket towards the end of my time at school.

Why did you decide to pick this course?

I can honestly say that choosing the coaching and developing course, after my year on the Level 6 sport and fitness course, was the best decision I made. The lecturers made me feel so welcome on campus and I felt like I got to know each lecturer on a one-to-one basis. I got to meet so many amazing people throughout my time at UHI and have made some friends for life because of it. The support that I gained throughout the COVID 19 pandemic was also huge in my progression of the course as the lecturers made you feel extremely important and a valued member of UHI.

What was your favourite thing about the course?

There were so many aspects to choose from when I was taking part in the sport and fitness course. The one-to-one support that I received throughout the years was a huge factor in enjoying my studies, this allowed me to develop great relationships with both the lecturers and my peers on my course. The opportunities that the college gave myself to gain experience, whether this was running a successful event or completing a work placement, allowed me to prepare myself to where I am now.

Were there any standout/memorable moments from your course?

A standout memory of college was planning and then running a disability event for local disability groups to take part in as part of my HND course. This was a huge achievement by me, and it allowed the children to express their skills and enjoy a fun filled day.

What knowledge, skills and experience did you gain from your course that have helped you since leaving UHI Perth?

The experience of being able to take part in placements offered by the college allowed me to figure out where I wanted my college journey to go. I took part in a placement with Kinross-shire Cricket Club, coaching within their junior section.  This allowed me to experience coaching first hand and really allowed me to enjoy my time as well as learn new skills and how to deal with situations that could have come forth. The support from the club allowed me to feel comfortable coaching and they made me feel extremely welcome and I am forever grateful to the college for allowing me to take that opportunity!

Did you undertake a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?

I undertook work experience with Live Active Leisure working with the cricket development team headed up by Richard Rennie, the development officer. During this time, I was offered the chance to go out to local primary schools to undertake some cricket sessions all over Perth and Kinross, which allowed me to gain some relevant experience within the field of work. Whilst working with the team, it allowed me to understand how the industry worked and how it felt to work within a school environment.

What did you think about the styles of teaching, and the support you received from staff?

The continuous one-to-one support that was issued by the lecturers allowed me to feel important and not just a number in a lecture hall. The lecturers were all so approachable at any time of the college day, offering huge amounts of support with assessments or pieces of work that I found challenging. The way the lectures were taught also allowed me to fully understand the task on hand and they were extremely interactive. The lecturers allowed the class to ask as many questions as they could, this was so the class could gain the full understanding.

What did you like about the campus/facilities?

The facilities were state-of-the-art with the sports hall having all the latest equipment which allowed for coaching assessments to be easily achievable as well as the gym having fantastic equipment which was easily accessible for all at any time.

Were there any other achievements you gained, on your journey?

I undertook a disability inclusion training course as well as a boccia leaders’ course, which was run by Scottish Disability Sport. These courses allowed me to gain experience in working with people with disabilities. They were all very knowledgeable and learnt a lot from this experience.

What have you been up to since graduation? Are you currently employed?

I am currently employed by Live Active Leisure as a member of the cricket development team working in schools delivering cricket sessions to all primary school kids in Perth and in Kinross. I also have obtained positions at Strathallan School, Dollar Academy and Morrisons Academy working alongside the Directors of Sport to deliver cricket performance sessions to the boys and girls at the school. I have recently achieved a position with Cricket Scotland as the central boy’s performance assistant coach, which was a real achievement for myself.

Do you feel your studies have helped you with your career?

My studies allowed me to become fully prepared for the career that I am currently in by allowing me to fully understand the sport and fitness industry by developing all aspects of my learning from fitness conditioning to nutrition for athletes. This, I believe, has allowed me to become prepared for the career that I will want to pursue.

What are your future career plans?

My aim for the future is to work my way up the coaching ladder, which would mean hopefully gaining a director of cricket role within the private school sector. Another option would be to become a Cricket Development Officer for a region within Scotland as I would feel these two options would be my dream career.

Did you enjoy studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?

The lecturers. They made me feel so welcome at the college as well as allowing me to express my coaching skills vastly within sessions or assessments. They fully supported my journey throughout the UHI.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?

Take the opportunity and delve deep into the college experience and express yourself and your skills to the fullest.

We are still accepting applications for this September! Find out more about our Sport and Fitness courses>>