Hanschika's sparring
I hadn't always been interested in fencing, having only had seen it online and in TV shows - I didn't expect the university to have a fencing club. Seeing it during freshers and seeing a taster session available, I naturally went to try it out as it had piqued my interest. Ever since the taster session, I went to weekly beginner training sessions.
Fencing helps to challenge me in a way that I haven’t been challenged before, hence it brings me a lot of enjoyment. It’s fun to fence, you never know who your opponent will be, and the different styles are incredibly fun tackle during the match.
Career wise, I don’t think fencing necessarily matches to any of my ambitions as I want to work in drug discovery, but fencing helps to release stress and helps takes my mind off things.
Transferrable skills
From competing in university sports and competitions-
- Dedication and commitment- Being a part of a society or club for a period of time shows an ability to commit yourself, always useful to an employer if they are looking to hire a student with no long formal experience
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- Coordination - Fencing require coordination and precision, so working in a laboratory setting being able to demonstrate the skills consistently beyond work can put you ahead of other applicants
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- Quick thinking and decision making - Although not relevant to all working environment, sports like fencing can be an indicator to quick initiative
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- Resilience - No one is perfect at a sport when they start, continuing to practice and perfect a sport even with imperfection can be transferred to almost every workplace
En Garde: Crafting a CV
It can be hard to see a hobby as something that can help professional development. Undergraduates aren't expected too have a plethora of experiences especially when applying for internships. It can be a good idea to have a Hobbies and Interests section to your CV. Although not a necessity, It can give an employer a well rounded view of who you are. If you do fencing or another sport just say it. It may give you some common ground with a potential employer or make you seem more human from your CV. Try not to be generic, such as I watch films. What films? Horror? Comedy? Classics? You're not expected to tell every employer about your obsession with pomegranate juice or your 19th century German gnome collection, just what you do for fun.Respond
