Mike Stevenson
Diploma in Sporting Performance, Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning.
Mike Stevenson had to give up his goal of playing professional rugby after injury put him on the sidelines. However perseverance and passion for sport and exercise has paid off for the Otago Polytechnic student, who will leave New Zealand in January bound for an internship at Harvard University.
Mike completed the Diploma in Sporting Performance at the Polytechnic's Institute of Sport and Adventure in 2004-2005 specialising in rugby. He has just completed a Bachelor of Physical Education in Exercise Prescription and Sport and Exercise Science and is in the process of completing the Polytechnic's Graduate Diploma in Physical Conditioning (Level 7).
When it came to planning the next step of his career, Mike sent out his CV to 60 elite educational institutions around the world seeking an internship. Of the 20 replies he received, 15 were genuine offers and one was from Harvard. The six-month internship he accepted centres on providing strength and conditioning coaching for the Harvard American Football and Track teams.
"I don't know much about the AFL, but have been watching a lot of YouTube and researching rules in preparation" says Mike. "The internship is unpaid, but I'll also be working and playing with the Boston Rugby Team - from what I can see they're pretty good. I'm also a qualified medic, so I'll be working as a medic and doing massage."
"With the internship comes the possibility of stepping up to assistant strength and conditioning coach after the six months is up, and that would be paid."
Mike is no stranger to hard work. In 2009 he worked with the Rugby Academy as a trainer, coached the Alhambra Union Premier Colts and was trainer for the Otago Under-21 Rugby Team.
"I am determined to get to the top – the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the All Blacks or another high-profile sporting team. Experience is everything, and Harvard really has that prestige factor, but I'm open to wherever life takes me!"
Mike leaves for Boston on January 20, 2010.