A GIS student has been talking to us about how his postgraduate studies is helping him in his role as lead academy analyst at a Football League club.
Oliver Watson, who studies MSc Football Coaching and Analysis (distance with attendance), has been working at League Two side Mansfield Town for the last eight years, where he is lead academy analyst.
As part of his role at the club, Oliver looks to aid player development at Mansfield by using video and data analysis throughout the entire academy.
Furthermore, he is also an U11 coach at the Stags, and has taken on postgraduate study at GIS to improve his skills and knowledge of the sports coaching industry.
Speaking about his time at GIS, he said: “The lectures have been a massive help throughout the course so far, especially the 1-to-1 meetings which help me massively with the way I learn and gives me opportunity to discuss my work.
“Everything about GIS’ organisation is superb. The level of detail given during lectures and online work has benefited my development to aid the analysis department with new process to implement.”
In addition to starting his MSc Football Coaching and Analysis course, Oliver also applied for the Global Leadership Scholarship for the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa).
He was successful in receiving the scholarship, and will receive mentorship throughout his GIS journey from Jason Brisbane, one of our global advisors and CEO of GB Wheelchair Rugby.
Oliver said that this scholarship will enhance his personal development to take into the analysis department at Mansfield Town Academy and to future employers.
He added, talking about his scholarship: “This opportunity has allowed myself to really focus and empathise the importance of leadership in a working environment to get the best out of people to reach a common goal.
“Furthermore, the scholarship has enabled me to build relationships with a variety of different people who I may not have met otherwise.
“The scholarship will give me an advantage in new roles if and when the right opportunity presents itself.”
He finished: “Work hard and always be willing to learn and develop.
“The sporting industry is a demanding environment for anyone. Look to get into a professional club and makes yourself noticed with the work you produce or with the questions you ask to help your develop.”
The Global Institute of Sport welcomed a whole host of new scholars from across the world for 2023-24. Click here to read more about each of them.
You can also click here to find out more about GIS’ wide array of postgraduate degree courses available worldwide.
