How many of you immediately found work after getting your cert w/o college?

Richie_Awesome · 05-12-2008, 12:55 PM

Say, within a few weeks post certification. With no post-highschool training, only the cert.

I'm interested in the job-availability.

John Prophet · 05-12-2008, 04:46 PM

I would think youd start looking around even b4 u get the cert. Just go to the local gyms and ask them about their PT programs etc. Hell, be bold, ask them if they help pay for them etc.

In any case u could have a job lined up bf u even get the cert

Richie_Awesome · 05-12-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Prophet

I would think youd start looking around even b4 u get the cert. Just go to the local gyms and ask them about their PT programs etc. Hell, be bold, ask them if they help pay for them etc.

In any case u could have a job lined up bf u even get the cert

Thank you John! I've read a lot of your recent posts, you are very helpful, and, always have been.

I ask because I live in a town of ~ 8,000, there is a single gym here, and not enough go to give me work if I ever do get certified.

My problem is, I would have to move, the closest "major city" would be an hour away from here, it'd be a pain to drive there and check all their gyms and ask them what certs they accept. I will take your advice to heart. I'll see what is up.

Sikk · 05-12-2008, 11:51 PM

if you don't want to drive then call and ask to speak to the PT director and see what cert's they accept

but I don't see the harm in taking a day, driving out there and scouting all the gyms in one day.

Richie_Awesome · 05-13-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sikk

if you don't want to drive then call and ask to speak to the PT director and see what cert's they accept

but I don't see the harm in taking a day, driving out there and scouting all the gyms in one day.

Yep, thanks!

xJKAx · 05-13-2008, 09:00 AM

John is right, shop around...

I've already got one gym lined up...but I may be moving in a few months so I'm already going to the city in which I'm moving to and talking to them to see what they offer and what not..I'll hopefully be finishing this week, now I just gotta find some clients!!!

Good luck bro

Richie_Awesome · 05-13-2008, 12:12 PM

How many of you immediately found work after getting your cert w/o college?

Be-Be · 05-13-2008, 05:52 PM

Took me about 3 months but that was because I wanted to get hired at "my" gym. They kept jerking me around so when I started looking around at other places, it only took a couple weeks or so. Be careful though because there are some gyms that burn through trainers. You'll get hired quick and not given the support you need. Another thing you can look into is starting your own franchise. There are some good ones out there.

Apachhe2 · 05-13-2008, 06:55 PM

I had a job within a week of getting my cert.

Richie_Awesome · 05-14-2008, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Be-Be

Took me about 3 months but that was because I wanted to get hired at "my" gym. They kept jerking me around so when I started looking around at other places, it only took a couple weeks or so. Be careful though because there are some gyms that burn through trainers. You'll get hired quick and not given the support you need. Another thing you can look into is starting your own franchise. There are some good ones out there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apachhe2

I had a job within a week of getting my cert.

That sounds promising! What organization are you[plural] certified by?

Apachhe2 · 05-14-2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richie_Awesome

That sounds promising! What organization are you[plural] certified by?

NASM.

Be-Be · 05-14-2008, 11:53 AM

At that time I was certified by IFTA (International Fitness Trainers of America) which is one of those read the book, spend a couple hours with an "instructor" and take a test type of certs. It was enough to get me in the door and then I sold myself. I then had to get another cert through the company which wasn't any harder than the IFTA one.

Now I'm ACE certified but that was for myself and my business.

justmarried4 · 05-14-2008, 01:29 PM

i got my job as a personal trainer within 3 days of getting my cert. i got hired in jan of 2006 when everyone had new years resolutions so they needed personal trainers so it was easy then. it took me about 6 months to build a solid client base and have had most of my clients for 6 months or more.

good luck...
**ashley

Sikk · 05-14-2008, 02:06 PM

the user above has a great point no one else has brought up yet...

Timing

Its MUCH easier to get a job in December than it is near the end of summer. Gyms start hiring more trainers to keep up with the new years resolution demand.

This is one reason organizations such as ACE offer november test dates, to get ppl certified right before the rush.

Be-Be · 05-14-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sikk

the user above has a great point no one else has brought up yet...

Timing

Its MUCH easier to get a job in December than it is near the end of summer. Gyms start hiring more trainers to keep up with the new years resolution demand.

This is one reason organizations such as ACE offer november test dates, to get ppl certified right before the rush.

True - I was looking March - May.

FillyMan85 · 05-14-2008, 07:08 PM

Look for jobs online..post your resume on Monster..check out craigslist. It's a great resource if you're looking for a job!