This document summarizes the position of a Wellness Instructor at the University of Miami. It outlines the requirements for the position, including a bachelor's degree or higher in a health-related field and 2 years of experience. The average salary is $36,160 with starting rates between $18,690-$50,600. Potential jobs are at fitness centers, health clubs, and other facilities. There is potential for career advancement into management roles with further training and experience.

1. Running head: CAREER RESEARCH PAPER 1
Career Research Paper
Student’s name
Institution

2. CAREER RESEARCH PAPER 2
Title of the Position: Wellness Instructor (University of Miami, 2016)
Requirements for position (level of schooling, degrees)
The minimum requirements for the position are either a Bachelor’s degree or higher in
health education, athletic training, health promotion, nursing, nutrition, other field related to
health, or counseling and two years of experience and also as a wellness coach. The position also
requires a good knowledge of specific lifestyle and disease related topics such as nutrition, stress
reduction, pre-post natal care, and chronic conditions as well as certification from a wellness
training program that is accredited preferred. Experience in fitness instruction is an additional
requirement. Further, to train, a Persona certification is also required. The successful candidate is
also required to get CPR of First Aid certification before the end of 300 days upon hire. The
applicant for the position is required to be at least 18 years of age and possess good interpersonal
skills. Further, the applicant needs to be able to work with not only adults but also seniors from
not only a beginner but also up to the advanced levels of fitness experience. Additionally, the
candidate needs to possess auditory, visual, and physical ability to perform the job successfully.
For example, the candidate must be in a position to lift weights measuring as light as 45 pounds.
To qualify for this position, a combination of relevant experience, education, and certifications
may be considered (University of Miami, 2016).
Average and potential salary of the position (include average starting rate)
According to the BLS, the average salary for this position is $36,160. The average starting
rate is $18,690 (BLS, 2015). For this position, the offered lowest starting salary is $31,600.00
while the maximum starting salary is $50,600.00.

3. CAREER RESEARCH PAPER 3
Potential jobs/places you could work (include your ideal job location)
As a fitness trainer and instructor, the industries where one can work include fitness and
recreational sports centers, educational services; state, local, and private, government, and health
care and social assistance (BLS, 2015). Statistics suggest that 105 of the health instructors in 2015
was self-employed. The fitness trainers and instructors have been found to be absorbed to work in
facilities such as gyms, health clubs, yoga, fitness or recreation centers, and Pilate’s studios. These
places may be centers maintained by other types of establishments for their employees, or they can
be standalone centers or even for members of civic and social organizations. Some them work in
homes of their clients.
Is there the ability to move up quickly in the field if you do well?
There is a possibility of moving p quickly u the career ladder if one does well in the field.
However, further training is required for one to become either a personal trainer or teach extra
activities (National Career Service, 2016). People who are interested in fitness instructors and
trainers in positions of management ought to possess a bachelor’s degree in various fields such as
kinesiology, physical science, exercise science, or related field. However, the experience is often
required for one to become instructor or trainer to advance to the position of management in a
fitness center or health club. However, management prefers a candidate who possesses a master’s
degree to be advance to certain positions. Personal trainers may finally advance to positions such
as head trainers or may even become responsible for not only hiring but also overseeing personal
training staff. They can become responsible for bringing in new personal training clients. As a
head trainer, one can be tasked with responsibilities such as procurement of athletic equipment
which include fitness machines or weights. However, some fitness instructors and trainers become
self-employed and open their fitness and instruction centers.

4. CAREER RESEARCH PAPER 4
Why are you interested in this position to begin with?
I am interested in this position because I am not only in need of a source of income, but I
am also qualified. I have the necessary academic qualifications and experience to succeed in this
position. This is the kind of position I have been looking for. This position is going to open up
future opportunities in future. I also enjoy working as a fitness trainer and instructor performing
jobs such as demonstrating how to carry various routines and exercises, watching and assisting
clients’ do exercises, monitoring clients’ progress, and giving emergency first aid where necessary
(Truity, 2016).
Would this job satisfy your long-term as a career?
As a Wellness Instructor, this position will satisfy my long-term career. I would like to
work as a wellness instructor, gain some experience, and advance to higher levels of management
in future. I might be interested in positions such as management level such as the position of
procurement manager. I am also interested in trying my hand in being a self-employed fitness
trainer and instructor in the future managing my fitness and health facility. Another finding from
the research is also the long-term career outlook for the position. Statistics suggest that I am safe
in this field in the long-term. For example, employment for fitness trainers and instructors is
expected to grow by 8% per annum between 2014 and 2014 (BLS, 2014). This growth is expected
to increase as government, business organizations, and health facilities recognize the benefits
associated with fitness and health programs for their employees or clients. They are likely to offer
them incentives to join health and fitness programs offered in various gyms as well as health clubs.
This move is expected to lead to an increase in demand for fitness instructors and trailers. For
example, certain organizations, realizing the benefits associated with health and fitness programs,
may open wellness and fitness centers for their employees. It is also projected that there is likely

5. CAREER RESEARCH PAPER 5
to be a continued demand for fitness trainers and instructors because of the continued emphasis on
exercises meant to combat obesity as well as maintain healthier lifestyles across all ages. Studies
also suggest that here is a great likelihood of increased participation in Pilates as well as yoga as
older adults demand low-impact types of exercise as well as relief from arthritis as well as other
ailments. All this support my long-term plans in this career.
Have your feelings on the job changed now that you have researched it?
After searching for this position, I feel more knowledgeable. I have identified that the field
has many opportunities for qualified people. I am also interested to find that 10% of the candidates
in this field end up being self-employed (BLS, 2016). I have always found out that I can further
my training in areas such as fitness screening, basics of nutrition and weight management, behavior
modification and communication skills, the human body and exercise physiology, and health
assessment and injury prevention (AFAA, 2016). I have always wanted to work in a field where
educational qualifications, certifications, the experience can afford me an opportunity to become
self-employed. Following the information I have gathered, I feel very motivated to get employment
in this field. I have also identified the various industries where I can look for employment.
Previously, I knew also limited opportunities where I can search for employment opportunities.
Further, I am attracted by the kind of remuneration one can earn in this field. One of the most
interest finding in this research is also the expanded knowledge regarding the various soft skills I
need to possess to become competent in this field. I have found out that beyond the requirements
of good academic qualifications, experience, and certifications required to be a fitness trainer or
instructor, there are also certain soft skills which are very relevant in the industry. This includes
customer-service skills, communication skills, listening skills, motivational skills, physical fitness,
and problem-solving skills (BLS, 20015).

6. CAREER RESEARCH PAPER 6
References
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). (2016). Personal Trainer. Retrieved
from: http://www.afaa.com/courses#everything
Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). (2015). Fitness Trainers and Instructors. Retrieved from:
www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm#tab-4
National Career Service. (2016). Fitness instructor. Retrieved from:
www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/fitness-instructor
Truity. (2016). Fitness Trainer or Instructor. Retrieved from: http://www.truity.com/career-
profile/fitness-trainer-or-instructor
The University of Miami. (2016). Career Opportunities. Retrieved
from:www.um.hodesiq.com/job_detail.asp?JobID=5334730&user_id=&ViewAll=&emid
=3640