Dual career athlete Charlie Bond studied judo at Bath about as much as she studied physics. She now works as a Software Engineer at Hawk-Eye Innovations, developing broadcast replay software for the biggest sports in the world.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I had always known that Bath had a good reputation for judo and so was naturally curious about the University when I started looking at courses. I wasn't completely sure on the specific course that I wanted to study, just that I liked STEM subjects, which Bath excelled in. This made my decision a lot easier.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
I didn’t, I just knew I liked STEM – in particular magnets and robots. I initially joined Bath as an integrated mechanical and electrical engineering student, but soon realised it wasn't for me. When choosing to switch to physics, one of the draws was that it had a wide range of options for employability in different sectors, so I felt it kept my options open.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
I loved studying at Bath, so much so I still haven't left! The SU and the dojo felt more like my home than my accommodation during my studies, as that's where I spent the bulk of my time.
My two favourite places to go in the city only opened towards the end of my degree, but I can wholeheartedly say they are Thirsty Meeples and Tivoli.
You've played an integral role to the University's judo club and continued to host clubs in the Sports Training Village since you graduated. Why is Bath the best for judo?
There's no doubt that Bath is one of the strongest universities for judo due to its combination of being an elite training centre directly tied in with degree level education – other places make it possible to balance but it is much less cohesive.
The range of sessions offered also means there is somewhere for everyone to train regardless of their level, with Team Bath Tribe taking students from age four as well as some of the elite level athletes qualifying for the Olympic games.
The inclusion of kids' judo was invaluable to me, as it presented me with huge opportunities to develop as a coach while earning money (always well-received as a student!). The SU sessions were a great place to find lifelong friends.
How has the club developed since you've been a student?
The Students' Union judo club has struggled since I was a student. Covid-19 had a huge impact on all judo clubs, but especially university clubs which already had a high turnover due to graduating students.
Unfortunately, in 2022 the club was essentially forced to start again from scratch. However, it's really developed well, and 2023 saw a good number of our development players taking medals at BUCS as well as the elite athletes.
What are some of your most memorable judo moments?
I have countless memorable judo moments, but one was BUCS 2020. I'd taken silver in the individuals and was able to sit back and relax and watch my teammates compete for the rest of the day, with the knowledge we had a strong team going forwards for the event the following day. I'd put in a performance I was happy with, which for my final year was all I could really ask for.
Describe your career journey since graduating.
Initially after graduating I worked part-time jobs to fit in around training, but once I decided to step back from full-time training, I secured my current job at Hawk-Eye as a software engineer.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
I get to work from home most days and spend my time developing broadcast replay software for the biggest sports in the world.
Less typical days involve going to live sporting events so I'm right in the action, which is incredible. I can't imagine a better fitting job after my time at Bath, so am incredibly happy with it!
How did your studies help you to develop?
First and foremost, studying physics taught me C++ which is what I use every day in my job! Less directly, my course gave invaluable problem solving and mathematical deduction skills.
Balancing my studies alongside being a dual career athlete also encouraged me to advance my time management and communication skills.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying physics at Bath?
The physics course at Bath is taught to a really good standard, covering a wide base of topics with the ability to specialise nearer the back end of the degree.
Bath is a beautiful city, and the University has a whole host of sports and societies to get involved in and meet new people. There's nowhere else I'd rather have studied!
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