Derek Sulo received a master's degree from Northwestern University and worked as a collegiate strength and conditioning coach (CSCC) there. To become a CSCC, candidates need an undergraduate degree in exercise science with at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered for graduate programs. Formal education is a prerequisite, and CSCCs must also have NSCA membership and certification to establish credibility in the industry. Personal characteristics like communication skills, attention to detail, and integrity are also necessary for CSCC positions, which have far more applicants than available roles.

1. Qualifications for a CSCC
Derek Sulo

2. Introduction
• Before Derek Sulo became the principal at Peerless Real
Estate Investments in Chicago, he received a master’s
from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
Derek Sulo was also a collegiate strength and
conditioning coach (CSCC) at Northwestern.
There are far more applicants than positions available
for CSCCs, so personal characteristics become necessary
above and beyond the education and certifications for
those who wish to do this work. Excellent written and
verbal communication skills are critical in both one on
one situations and when addressing a group. CSCCs
must be detail-oriented self-starters, and most
importantly, they must have personal integrity.

3. Collegiate Strength and Conditioning
Coach
• Formal education is also a prerequisite, and it
begins with an undergraduate exercise science
program. To be considered for most graduate
programs, the candidate must have achieved at least
a 3.0 GPA. While a graduate degree is not usually
required for a CSCC assistant position, it will
probably be necessary to become a head CSCC.
The next steps to establish credibility in the industry
are first to become a National Strength and
Conditioning Association (NSCA) member, and then
to get a certification such as NSCA Certified
Strength and Conditioning Specialist.