Robin Jongerden

3rd-year student, Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health in Sport and Exercise Science & Health and Physical Education

When Robin Jongerden moved from the Netherlands to New Zealand, he was focused on achieving his sporting ambitions. But a serious knee injury changed everything, and led him to AUT’s Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health.

“During the rehab for my knee injury, I began helping at my rugby club as a water boy, which later led to an assistant coaching role with the Waitakere College First XV and Second XV. Using my own experiences to help other athletes overcome challenges was incredibly rewarding. That experience led me to volunteer more than 300 hours at a local gym, where I discovered how much I enjoyed helping people become more capable and confident. I found real satisfaction in breaking down complex movements and adapting them to each person's ability, so they could improve safely. Those experiences broadened my path and shaped the direction I wanted to take.

“I chose to study the Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health because it combines my interests in sport, performance, coaching and rehabilitation, while giving me the knowledge to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. What started as an unexpected side quest has become the path I genuinely want to pursue.”

He already has a good idea how he sees the future after graduation.

“I’d love to build a career in high-performance sport, where I can combine coaching, strength and conditioning and physiotherapy. I want to work in environments that challenge me to keep learning, keep asking questions and keep becoming a better practitioner.”

Opening new doors
Robin says his studies have already helped him open doors he never expected, from experiencing elite sport firsthand to building relationships with leading practitioners.

“What I've enjoyed most is how interactive the programme is. The workshops, practical sessions and outdoor learning suit the way I learn, and they allow you to discuss ideas with both lecturers and classmates rather than simply memorising content. As someone with ADHD and dyslexia, learning by doing, discussing and applying concepts has made the programme both engaging and rewarding. Studying as an international student in New Zealand has also pushed me outside my comfort zone, exposed me to different perspectives and given me room to build my own path.

“I appreciate that the programme includes workplace experience, creating opportunities to apply what we learn in real-world settings, build industry connections and learn directly from experienced practitioners. So far, I’ve had the privilege of completing a 35-hour placement within the All Blacks’ high-performance environment under the supervision of Dr Nic Gill, who was head of performance at the time. The experience showed me how evidence is translated into practice, the importance of communication and collaboration, and how elite environments are often built on consistently doing the basics exceptionally well. It also reinforced the value of staying curious, asking questions and reflecting on how theory can be applied in practice.”

But his proudest achievement so far sits outside of his studies.

“While I’m proud of my academic progress, my biggest achievement so far has been working for Dr Nic Gill as head strength and conditioning coach for RugbyReady Academy at RugbyReady. The role enables me to continue learning from leading practitioners while applying what I study in a real coaching environment. Considering where my journey began, earning that trust and responsibility is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Advice for other students
Robin – who expects to complete his Bachelor of Sport, Exercise and Health in 2027 and hopes to move into a master’s degree in physiotherapy next – has some great advice for other students.

“My advice is to stay curious and not to be afraid to ask questions. Some of the biggest opportunities in my journey have come from simply having the courage to ask. Take initiative, back yourself and don’t let setbacks define your path – they often become the experiences that shape it. The path you end up on might not be the one you planned, but it could become one worth pursuing.”

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, he adds.

“You never really know what someone else is carrying, and a small interaction can have a bigger impact than you realise.”