Daniel Tobin

Responsibilities

Working 1-on-1 with clients to create time-based goals for their training program. Conducting movement assessments and using that information to create a training program. Conducting InBody composition tests. Office work, scheduling, and staff coordination. Mentoring new trainers for the Iowa State Personal Training program. Presenting new assessment ideas and offerings to the Director and Assistant Director of Recreation Services.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship was the approval of the Functional Movement Screen as an addition to the assessment services offered by Recreation Services. I had to create a formal proposal and presentation for the Director and Assistant Director of Rec Services to get my idea implemented as a service offered to members.

Learning experience

One great lesson I learned is that everyone has different needs. When making a program for someone, you have to take into account the different needs of each client. This involves coaching as well. One of the most important skills for a trainer is the ability to coach exercises in a way that the client will respond positively. This involves changing coaching style to fit what the client will respond to. Adapting your training while still setting yourself apart from other trainers is important for the retention and engagement of clients.

What advice would you give?

Gain work experience in a setting where you would like to work in the future. The best way to know if you like a type of work is to put yourself in that setting. Gaining multiple work experiences throughout college is attractive to employers and graduate school admission offices.