Olivia Cicciari

From a young age, my parents encouraged me to participate in physical activity and always stressed the importance of health.

When I started high school, I started dragon boat racing and quickly realised that I had found the sport I would flourish in. I have represented NSW multiple times and Australia once in the sport. After graduating from Marist Sisters College Woolwich in 2019, I knew I wanted to pursue a sports/health-related career.

I’ve always been interested in helping people be the best they can be. By studying Sport and Exercise Science, I can combine my passion for sport and love of helping others into one, no matter what career path I choose to take.

Coming to UTS Open Day, everyone I spoke to was very knowledgeable and friendly, making me feel welcomed. The biggest attraction to studying at UTS was undoubtedly the state-of-the-art Moore Park precinct. The campus boasts sophisticated facilities that allow us to learn in a hands-on and practical environment, giving us invaluable experience before we enter the workforce.

In particular, the resistance training gym and exercise physiology laboratories have helped solidify the theory content and transfer that into a practical class. In the resistance training room, students gain experience in the prescription and delivery of exercise whilst using various equipment such as free weights and resistance machines.

The exercise physiology lab is equipped with cycle ergometers, rowing ergometers and treadmills as well as equipment to test VO2 max, lactate threshold and blood pH. Students can learn skills that are extremely useful moving into working with athletes.

In addition, it is located in such a distinguished sporting precinct. It is the home of many elite sporting teams such as the Wallabies, Wallaroos, and the women’s and men’s rugby sevens teams.

Studying Sport and Exercise Science at UTS has taught me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. I’ve developed a lot more self-confidence in my ability to not only do well in my studies but confidence that I will be able to graduate with a well-rounded, professional, and knowledgeable skill set that will help me to be successful in the workplace. It has also broadened my horizons to the multitude of career paths available and widened my view of how I can make a difference in people’s health and inspire people to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

The degree is an awesome pathway into so many careers. I don’t have my heart set on a specific career path, but I know that it will involve working with elite athletes to help them achieve their sporting goals!

To someone thinking about studying this degree: expose yourself to as much of uni life as you can! Your uni experience will be so much more fulfilling if you can find a work/life balance where you can excel in your studies and make connections with other students.

I have made some of my best friends at UTS that would not have been possible without being open and willing to put myself out there. I would highly suggest joining societies that interest you or joining one of the many sporting teams/clubs at UTS.

Seize every opportunity that comes your way. In the second and third years, UTS allows you to complete a Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness through recognition of prior learning. It is a fast-tracked way to gain group fitness and personal training qualifications, so you can work in the industry whilst studying for your bachelor’s degree.

Also, engage in your practical classes as our degree is hands-on and exciting. We have the opportunity to gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills from a variety of professional academics who are our lecturers and tutors. They have worked with some of the best in the sporting industry and have so much knowledge to share!

Learn more about Sport and Exercise at UTS