Want to become an Outdoor Instructor?
Being an outdoor instructor is one of the best jobs in the world! (What can I say I’m biased.) Every day I step out my front door and into my office, whether that’s hiking up mountains, scaling rock faces or playing in the sea. I get to facilitate the process of people believing in themselves; and for me, that’s magic!
But how can I achieve this I here you ask?! Where should I start, what experience do I need, who should I call….not ghostbusters for this one sorry!
Let’s start at the beginning. If you are new to the industry here are some of my top tips to get you started:
Gain experience being active outside - Before thinking about a career in the industry, let’s get you outside first. Experience the thrill of riding a mountain bike, the rush of flying down a ski slope or the freedom of a hill walk. It’s addictive, I warn you!
What do you want from your career, and what do you want from the outdoors?: I think this questions helps you to decide if you want to keep your outdoor activities as a hobby or develop them into a career. Outdoor Instructing involves working with people, operating in all weathers and long days which aren’t 9-5. Ask yourself the question: do I want to teach or participate?
Speaking about the weather… As an Outdoor Instructor you will operate in ALL weathers! Learning to dance in the rain has never been more appropriate for this role! Find out what environments you like operating in. Jobs aren’t just in the UK. If you like snow, why not think about becoming a Ski Instructor? If you like the heat and jetting off to exciting places around the world, why not become an Expedition Leader? (You can go on expeditions to cold places too!) Don’t let the weather put you off, just find out what works for you!
If you think YES the outdoor industry is for me, here are my top tips on where to start gaining experience, and how to nail an interview:
Explore your local area: Even in big cities we can find pockets of adventure. Do you have a local climbing wall nearby that you could volunteer at? Can you join a local Guide or Scout group to increase your experience working with people? The more you put yourself out there the more opportunities you will create!
Experience, Experience, Experience!: You can never have enough experience! And in the outdoor industry, a huge part of it is about networking and putting yourself out there! Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and looks fabulous on your C.V. Talk to people who are already in the industry about potential networking opportunities and their experiences. Write to Outdoor companies asking if you can shadow their sessions. Book onto a skills or qualification course….there’s so many ways to gain experience.
Consider a fast track Instructor Course: I completed a year -long fast track instructor course with Dynamic Adventures CIC (so again I am biased here,) but it is one of the best things I did! Throughout the year I gained hands on experience with groups, achieved National Governing Body Qualifications (which allow me to work in the industry,) and travelled to some amazing places. Work opportunities with the training company can also pop up afterwards. There’s many of a course out there so have a look around and see what one works for you. (But I can highly recommend Dynamic Adventures CIC!)
Interviews
Get passionate: Employers love hearing about your passions and experiences, and a good adventure story is always great in an interview. An adventure demonstrates your ability to overcome adversity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Get Creative: Have you helped set up an event in a previous job? Or have you created a resource for a group? If so bring this evidence to an interview. If you have a T-Shirt you designed or a certificate you created; employers will love this and it shows your commitment to the job
Research the company: This is a classic interview recommendation, but show how your previous experience directly relates to the job you are applying for. Make sure you know about the company and the job role on offer before attending the interview.
Personal Climbing in North Wales - Photo Credit: Ailish