Student Spotlight - Kyla Forsyth
“What you learn at university will be invaluable to helping you develop your skills.”
If you’re interested in a career in sports therapy, our courses will provide you with both the scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary to become an accomplished sports therapist. In this week’s blog, we meet a fourth-year student who is nearing the end of her degree.
Can you introduce yourself?
Kyla Forsyth. I initially moved over from Switzerland and became a resident of Scotland to study here.
What course are you studying?
BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation in year four.
What UHI campus are you based at?
UHI Moray in year one and UHI Perth for years two-four.
Why did you decide to study at UHI?
I’d considered universities in other countries as well, but the sports therapy course that UHI provides was exactly what I wanted to do.
Was this the right course for you?
Yes, very much so.
What do you think about the style of teaching and the support you’ve received from tutors and lecturers?
I am a very hands-on learner, so this course for the most part was much suited to that. Occasionally we were more online based, but the tutors and lecturers were always happy to help in any way they could to make it as easy as possible and for the teaching style to best suit my needs.
Have you been/ were you involved in any sports, social or cultural clubs or activities whilst at UHI?
I went climbing quite often with a friend at the UHI Perth climbing wall and really enjoyed going to the social badminton when my timetable aligned with the hours it was available.
Have you undertaken any student placements?
I had the opportunity to try and get a placement in year two, but it unfortunately fell through. However, the process of getting in touch with different companies to see if they would take any placements taught me a lot. Some of my colleagues were then also able to continue to work there after the end of their placements.
What career direction would you like to take after studying?
I’d love to eventually open my own sports clinic that has a sports massage section as well as a rehabilitation section to help with the recovery of people who have sustained various injuries, or are just looking to better their health.
How do you feel your studies will help you in your career progression?
I feel as though the modules that were available for this course have really set me up to be able to one day follow my plan of opening my own place. It’s given me the skills to be a great sports therapist and to continue to grow in my chosen career, wherever it may take me.
Upon starting your course, did you have a clear idea of the career path you wanted to follow after UHI?
I wasn’t 100% sure where I wanted to work, but I knew what type of work I wanted to do.
Are you currently employed?
I am currently employed at Duigan Chiropractic and massage clinic in Perth as a sports therapist.
I work with up to six patients a day treating them through sports massage and some rehabilitation exercises as well.
How do you feel your studies have helped you with your career? Was there anything you did whilst at UHI that you think helped you secure your job?
I feel as though my studies have definitely helped me with my career, just learning the skills to begin with, but then also to enhance them throughout the three years that I’ve already done, plus this last year that I am doing at the same time as working.
I think placements helped a lot of my colleagues find jobs after finishing their year. The clinic that is set up for sports therapy at UHI was also a great way to get some experience as a student. Furthermore, being part of an organisation has also been beneficial in getting to know others in the field and finding more opportunities for work.
What were the steps you took to get your current role?
Just applying to various places where I met most of the requirements and then being myself in interviews.
Where would you like to go with your career in the future?
I would like to gain some more experience within this field and then eventually I would love to branch off on my own and start my own business.
What advice would you give to those considering studying in terms of careers and employment?
Give it your best! What you learn at university will be invaluable to helping you develop your skills, but also in teaching you how to continue to grow in your career after finishing studying. Also, don’t be scared when you do start working, it can be daunting, but you learn the best by doing, and you should always strive for growth, there is always more to learn.
What are your favourite things about UHI?
The people I’ve met and friends I’ve made along the way.
Best thing about living here?
How kind, friendly, and helpful everyone is.
Is there anything else you feel like telling us about your experience at UHI?
Although it has been hard sometimes to get through, I would never change the experience for anything. It has been a really great ‘almost’ four years here.
