Skip to main content
Southampton Solent University logo
Southampton Solent University logo

Clearing 2024 is now open

Amy King

Job title:Health and Exercise Development Officer

Employer:Solent University

Studied:BSc (Hons) Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science

How did university prepare you for your career?

Solent University prepared me for my career by providing me with real-world experience. This not only boosted my CV and employability for when I graduated, but also increased my confidence and helped me define my career path. I’m employed full-time as the health and exercise development officer for Solent University, in which role I’ve helped to generate, develop and deliver new business opportunities for the University. Through civic engagement, I have delivered physical activity and health interventions within the local community and also assisted with the running and development of the Solent exercise referral scheme. I am currently developing my portfolio to become a registered public health practitioner with UKPHR.

Tell us about what you're doing now and what a typical working day involves

My role as health and exercise development officer is varied and involves working with lots of different communities within the sports complex and nutrition labs. Every day is different. Some days I will be delivering fitness classes or cook-and-eat sessions. Others I will be performing body MOTs and having one-to-ones with staff, students or members of the public to help them make healthy lifestyle changes. On occasion, I will be in the office writing funding applications and helping colleagues with research. I also help supervise the Solent exercise referral scheme through which students studying the BSc Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science course get to work with referred patients with medical conditions, and write and deliver an exercise rehabilitation programme for them. This also gives me the opportunity to continue to learn from the patients and amazing lecturers. It’s weird that only a few years ago I was a student working on the referral scheme, and now I’m supervising and helping the students.

Image of Amy King

Work hard, never stop learning, and get as much experience as possible of working with all ranges of people.

What’s your career highlight so far?

My career highlight so far is turning the health promotion project I designed on one of my modules into a permanent programme at the Solent Sports Complex, where it continues to grow. I find it very rewarding helping ladies from all backgrounds achieve their health and weight loss goals. I have written a case study about my project and am in the process of completing a chapter for a book, which will mark my first academic publication. My Ladies Only health and exercise intervention has definitely been my career highlight so far.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Work hard, never stop learning, and get as much experience as possible of working with all ranges of people. Working in public health means you will come into contact with people from all walks of life, so it’s an advantage if you can talk confidently to anyone and everyone. You only get that experience on a course which offers real experiences with real people, not just case studies, essays or being stuck in a lab. I took advantage of all the internal real-world learning opportunities that my course offered, and in the end the University employed me!

How has the BSc Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science course helped you?

You cover each element of anatomy and physiology, exercise science and rehabilitation, public health, nutrition and psychology for three years, so you’re not focusing on one thing and just touching on the others, like other courses I looked at. This was extremely confidence-building for me to know that I was being sufficiently educated in all aspects. When I started at university I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do after graduating, or what I would be in the future – just that I liked these subjects and wanted to be involved in helping people. This course gives you time to settle in and find your interests and strengths, so you know you’re making wise, informed career decisions. I would never have guessed I would be the University’s health and exercise development officer.

Share Amy's story



    Course Studied

  • BSc (Hons) Health, Nutrition and Exercise Science

    Follow your passions for sport, and helping people reach their wellness goals. Our fantastic facilities and focus on practical experience will foster a rewarding career in a growing sector.

  • Related courses

  • MSc Clinical Exercise Science

    Explore the science behind physical health and exercise and the impact it has on individuals with clinical disease on this industry-led, practical course.

  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy

    Help patients back to optimal levels of fitness with this SST-accredited degree. Learn from clinically active staff and gain real-world experience with placements in a range of settings.

  • BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

    Gain a comprehensive understanding of sport and exercise performance with this BASES-endorsed degree that combines access to specialist facilities with professional placements and a hands-on learning.


More stories from sport and fitness

  • Health and medical sciences

    Abbie-Elise Rogers

    5 min read
  • Health and medical sciences

    Peter Abbs-Fortnum

    Registered Nursing Associate

    Southampton Primary Care Ltd

    5 min read
  • Health and medical sciences

    Jake Rogers

    Emergency Department Nurse

    5 min read