Riley Skelton
3rd-year student, Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Exercise Science and Nutrition & Sport and Exercise Science
She was surprised by how hands-on her degree was, says Riley Skelton who came to AUT to study a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation in Exercise Science and Nutrition & Sport and Exercise Science.
“The Bachelor of Sport and Recreation is incredibly hands-on. I’ve had labs at AUT Millennium, working with the advanced equipment we learn about in classes. Actually using this equipment is a lot of fun, and it’s been very helpful to see what we’re learning about in a real world, applied context. The lecturers are really involved in your learning and want you to succeed. AUT is also very big on networking and provides you with ample opportunity for work experience to prepare you for your career.”
The opportunity to complete workplace experience with different organisations has been a major highlight for her.
“As part of my degree, I’ve been able to intern at the Northern Mystics, New Zealand Rugby League and Harbour Sport. Each of these placements has given me invaluable experience that I can now take into the workforce. It has also given me the opportunity to put my learning into practice and helped me work out what I want to do in my future career.”
Finding the right path
Riley’s interest in exercise science grew from a long-standing love of sport and fascination with how the body works.
“During my first year of uni I was studying physiotherapy. I discovered that I loved learning about the musculoskeletal side of things but wasn’t interested in working in healthcare. The Bachelor of Sport and Recreation offered me the opportunity to learn about what I loved in a sport and athlete context. I also discovered my love for studying nutrition through this programme.”
Her studies and workplace experience have since helped her identify two areas she could see herself working in after she graduates.
“I’d love to be involved with community health. I’ve been able to experience this throughout my placements, and I love helping people who need it most through the power of exercise and diet. I’m also interested in working in high-performance sport. I’ve experienced that in my placements too, and it’s a fun, high-intensity environment where no two days appear to be the same.”
Advice for other students
Riley has some great advice for other students who are thinking about university study.
“I’d tell other students to stay on top of work, but make sure to have fun while you’re at uni. It’s a time in your life that flies by and it will be over before you know it. Make sure to take on every opportunity that comes your way and to push yourself out of your comfort zone.”
She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT to others.
“The lecturers are very involved and want you to succeed, not only in class but in the future too. They’re all very passionate about what they do and that translates throughout the classes. All the staff involved in the programme are really supportive, particularly Dr Luigi Bercades, Matt Wood, Eloise Rossouw and Alicia Logie. The AUT Student Hub is also a great service to utilise to help support your wellbeing while studying at AUT. I also think that the work experience I’ve gained has been incredibly valuable.”
