Petra Jelínková

Applied Sport with Business

Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?

I am Petra and I am 20 years old. I am from Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic. I attended the Business Academy for high school, where I studied business modules for four years. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to continue studying business at university.

On the sports side, even though I was not very good at sports during middle school and part of high school, I eventually found myself drawn to several sports, especially the fitness industry. This course offers a lot of practical experience and many different certificates that you can acquire. It combines the best of both fields and is very practice-focused.

The reason I chose Ireland for my studies is that I always wanted to study abroad. Thanks to the partnership with the UniLink programme in my home country, my dream was able to come true.

What are your favourite modules on the course?

I really enjoy the business modules, such as law, accounting, and management. However, I also love the scientific side of sport, including anatomy, sports psychology, and gym instruction.

All of the modules are interconnected, and you learn about the business side of sport, whether that involves managing your own gym facility or being a coach for a sports team. There are also many outdoor modules, such as Outdoor Recreation and Sports Adventure Tourism, where you go on trips and hikes in the local area with your class and gain experience as a tour guide.

The experience you gain is very diverse, and there are many career opportunities to choose from in the job market.

Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?

Definitely the hands-on practice with different schools and sports clubs, but especially the Erasmus or work placement opportunity in third year. Another benefit is all the additional qualifications you can gain alongside your degree.

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?

You will spend a lot of time playing sports and being outdoors with your peers, always trying new things. There is also the opportunity to go abroad for Erasmus or work placement, which is not available in every course.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?

If you have never studied business modules before, don’t be afraid. Everything is taught from the very beginning, and you will learn everything you need to be on the same level as others.

Always keep track of all the practical work and sessions you complete, as this course requires quite a few reflective portfolios. However, there are not as many final exams, which is a bonus.

Be active and participate in as many activities as you can — just get involved. The practical experience and the different qualifications you gain will be a huge addition to your CV when looking for a job, so take every opportunity.

If you are involved in sport, volunteering, working, or have other passions outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?

Outside of my academic life, I focus on fitness and martial arts. I am also an archery instructor in our school club. I do a lot of volunteering in Czechia as a medic, and here I am a mentor in the WAVE programme.

I am the chairperson of the Wellbeing Society, and I lead Journaling Monday workshops with ATU students. I love true crime podcasts, and in my free time I read, write, and always try to learn new things.

What are your plans after ATU and any long-term goals you are aiming for?

I have quite a few possible options to choose from. I may join our family business full-time, study another degree in Czechia, join the military active reserve, or try to start my own business — hopefully in the fitness industry.

But I still have one year to go, and who knows what might happen!