Leisure, sport and tourism

If you have a passion for health and fitness, working with the public or want to spend time travelling or working abroad, this sector has a lot to offer ambitious graduates.

This sector offers a wide variety of roles, including:

  • holiday representative
  • outdoor activities and education manager
  • personal trainer
  • sports coach
  • theme park manager
  • tourism officer.

Key skills required will vary by sector and role, but useful skills include:

  • excellent customer service
  • strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • organisational and planning skills
  • team-working capability
  • leadership ability.

For job profiles and detailed information on pursuing a career in this sector, see the Prospects website:

Leisure, sport and tourism profile

Contents

How to get a job

To prepare for a graduate-level career in this sector, you should research the sector carefully. You should also talk with people who are in the sector already.

Work experience is helpful for gaining employment in this sector. You can get this through part-time work experience, placements, and internships.

Make a connection

To connect with people already working in the sector, consider joining Saint Connect, the University of St Andrews’ exclusive, global, online community for networking and career mentoring.

You might also find it helpful to join one of the student societies to build your connections in this sector. Visit the Student Association website for a full list of societies. 

See more ideas for making a connection.

Work experience, placements, and internships 

  • Tourism is a big industry in St Andrews. Many local employers advertise their vacancies through the Careers Centre (for example, the Old Course Hotel, Rufflets Hotel, the Russell Hotel, Dunhill, Blackhorn, the Tourist Information Office, the Adamson). Search for local vacancies for work experience opportunities in the St Andrews area.
  • Apply to the University Student Ambassador Scheme.
  • Some formal internships are available in this sector (for example, with large leisure, sport and tourism companies).
  • Try to arrange relevant work experience by adopting a speculative approach - see networking and speculative applications for more advice.
  • Get involved with University sports clubs to gain experience and network.
  • Join the Institute of Hospitality – benefits include access to resources and webinars.

Find internships (Careers Centre)

Attend events

The Careers Centre often puts on events where you can talk to employers visiting St Andrews. Visit the events page for more information.

Finding a job

Check out our job listings for vacancies or see the resources below for jobs in this sector.

Find jobs (Careers Centre)

Jobs in the UK

Graduate training schemes

A graduate training scheme is a paid, entry-level job that also acts as a training programme. Although formal graduate training schemes are rare in this sector, several larger organisations do offer relevant opportunities, including:

Opportunities are more likely to be found speculatively or from networking. 

Many employers in this sector value relevant work experience over a 2.1 degree and will accept a 2.2. Read about graduate employers who recruit students with 2.2s in this sector (TARGETjobs). 

Jobs outside the UK

Applying for a job

The recruitment process for leisure, sport and tourism jobs and graduate training schemes may vary from company to company, but is likely to consist of one or more of the following:

Check employer websites as many provide details on their own individual recruitment and selection processes. Smaller organisations may be happy to accept a CV and covering letter and will have a less formal approach to the selection process.

See TARGETjobs' 'How do I get a job in hospitality, leisure and tourism?'.

If you would like personalised help on any aspect of applying for a job, you can book an appointment with a careers adviser.  

Applying for a job

Additional resources