Testimonial by Marsha Boyce (PG Dip Sports Management)
Marsha Boyce
Programme of Study - Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
Date of Completion - July 2015
What is your current professional activity? and your involvement in sport?
I have recently taken up the post of Research Officer at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation - a radio and television station in Barbados. Prior to this, I was a Sports Reporter at the Corporation for the last eight years (2007-2015). In addition to my career as a sports reporter, I have been involved in sport as a volunteer with the Barbados Olympic Association (contributing to events such as Olympic Day and the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace) and a member of the Barbados Chapter of the International Olympic Academy Participants' Association. I also currently conduct sport communication and media interaction seminars with various sporting organizations, most recently, the National Women's Senior and Under-17 Football teams. I have also been a panellist at the BOA Women and Sport Conference. In the past, I officiated at various track and field events such as the Carifta, CAC and Pan American Junior Games held in Barbados.
Why did you choose to attend the FIFA/CIES Programme in Sport Management at The University of the West Indies?
Having been involved in sport in some capacity for most of my life, I wanted to be able to make a more formal contribution in the area of management and administration, as deficiencies in these areas currently hamper sport development in Barbados. The content of the programme was desirable in terms of the subject areas covered. Additionally, the location (Trinidad and Tobago), length and blended format (online and face-to-face) and cost all allowed me to continue to work full time while pursuing the programme. The programme was also reputable with the backing of FIFA, CIES and the University of the West Indies which I saw as the ideal environment to gain academic qualifications in the area.
What were your expectations before the start of the course? and… were they met?
Having been drawn to the course because of the outline of its content and the key areas identified, I would say my expectations were met. One area of improvement however would be the level of interactivity for the online sessions and the full use of technological capabilities by some lecturers.
What would you say are the key strengths of the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management?
Strengths of this programme include the defined structure (content) as well as the flexibility of the online component which allows people from anywhere in the Caribbean to pursue the course without having to relocate. Additionally, the instruction from experienced and knowledgeable lecturers as well as insight from international guest lecturers through seminars are also strong points of the programme.
What benefits (on a personal and/or professional level) did you gain from attending the course?
The course provided me with the fundamentals in various areas to bring a more professional approach to any sport related activities in management and administration. I am better equipped to make a valuable contribution to National Governing Bodies and Sporting Organizations, particularly in the areas of governance and strategic operations as well as marketing and revenue generation.
What is your best memory/highlight of the course?
Travelling from Barbados to Trinidad to attend the course, provided me with a more regional outlook of the Caribbean sporting environment. This exchange of experiences on situations in both countries was a highlight for me.
Would you recommend the UWI/FIFA/CIES Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management? Why?
Yes I would definitely recommend the course (and already have) to others. The programme is ideal for those currently working full time or voluntarily in sport to gain formal academic qualifications and the tenets of sport management while being exposed to best practices and so on.
