Exercise experience/career question

[vin]

Not too sure if this belongs in the fitness forum, but:

As some of you may or may not know, I am planning a pretty drastic career change in the next year. My original plan was to pursue a PhD in Nutrition. There are a few good programs here in the city (NYC).
However, I've recently started training for a Triathlon (St. Anthony's down in Florida) and am completely in awe of our head coach. The way he teaches swimming and running (our first biking session is this weekend) is just inspiring.
Which leads me to: does anyone have any thoughts about these two pursuits? Exercise Science v Nutrition? I realize it's a broad question, but I figured I'd throw it out there. I've always found myself drawn more to nutrition in the past, but this seems to be changing now. What sort of careers can one pursue with a nutrition degree vs an exercise science one?

Ah, the exercise experience: had my first swim last night (it's been YEARS). Talk about humbling. I consider myself in excellent shape. I run, stretch and lift weights regularly. However, two laps across an olympic size swimming pool was more that enough to put me in my place. I was *panting* for breath by the end of it. Supposedly, at a certain point the technique will 'click' and I'll have a much more efficient stroke and swimming 1 mile won't be in issue. I'm not so confident of that!

I can't wait for the biking this weekend! It's in Central Park on Saturday morning at 7:30am ; but, again, it's been years and I'm really looking forward to it. Plus this rain is clearing away any trace of snow which should make for decent riding conditions (albeit slightly chilly).

[Jean-Paul]

It has been over a month since you originally posted this. Are you still looking for something different? I assume since you were trying to get into a Phd program that you have a degree already. Why don't you consider studying for the CSCS? That is a great certification to have. I personally wish I had one, but I am too deep into what I am doing right now to take time for it. I can't begin to tell you how completely fulfilling my career has been to me. When you are down here for the retreat we will hopefully get a chance to discuss it face to face.

[vin]

Hey JP! Just got back from my run a few minutes ago. Interval type training up hills w/squats and lunges in between sprints. Killer.

My current plan is this: I've been studying for the CSCS for months now, and am taking the exam next weekend. I have valid (I think) concerns that I won't pass it. I think I got in a little over my head with the whole thing and may have to retake it this summer or something. I'm learning a ton, but my background and experience has nothing to do with exercise so I'm really reading about this stuff for the first time.

I'm also looking for volunteer opportunities at hospitals in the NYC region, in the physical therapy department. So far all my inquiries have been fruitless, as they only need volunteers for business-type hours (mon-fri, 9-5). Right now I am working a full time corporate type job; I recognize that I may need to make some changes if I'm going to pursue physical therapy 100%.

The prereqs will take about a year to finish. So, if I volunteer and find myself still liking physical therapy, I'll begin to take my prereqs and hopefully start the DPT (doctorate of physical therapy) program in Fall '05. It's a three year, full time program. I'm fortunate to have a public college that has a decent program near me, and base tuition will run me a grand total of around $19,000 (not including prereqs).

So, I got my work cut out for me!! Ideally I'll be able to hold onto my current job until I move to Brooklyn (May), and pay off my friggin' credit card debt.

I see myself - eventually - practicing as a physical therapist AND owning a gym. I would love that. But, I'm getting way ahead of myself!