Moving to the UK as an Exercise Physiologist

Relocating to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. I've been in the UK for 3 years after relocating from South Africa, below are some tips as an Exercise Physiologist moving to the UK that I found helpful, and will help you set yourself up for success:

  1. Get a hold on the basics:

    • Moving is difficult emotionally and physically, however, the joy and potential opportunities it can bring are vast.

    • Once you get to the country take time to familiarise yourself with your surroundings and your local area, learn about the living basics such as council tax, rent, water payments etc, and register with a GP surgery.

    • Consider the social aspects of life and where possible try to create a support network and people whom you can share experiences with. This could be a family member, friend or friend of a friend - be mindful it can take time to build quality relationships.

  2. Understand Professional Requirements:

    • Familiarise yourself with the professional requirements and regulations for exercise physiologists in the UK. Ensure that your qualifications and certifications align with the standards recognised in the country.

    • Determine if you need additional qualifications or registration with a new governing body.

  3. Network within the Industry:

    • Attend industry events, conferences, and other networking sessions to connect with other professionals in the field. LinkedIn is a great place to start. Building a professional network can provide valuable industry insights that you may not be aware of, job opportunities, and a sense of community. A simple way to get started is by reaching out to Exercise Physiologists already in the role and asking to shadow. You can use this time to increase your knowledge, understand the nuances of the profession, and increase your exposure. Often you can make a bigger impression by introducing yourself and showing passion over just attending a job interview. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

  4. Explore Professional Associations:

    • Join relevant professional associations for exercise physiologists in the UK. These organisations often offer resources, professional development opportunities, and a platform to stay informed about industry trends. An example of this is CEP-UK or BASES.

  5. Consider Cultural Differences:

    • Familiarise yourself with cultural nuances that may impact your interactions with clients and other town dwellers. Be open to adapting your approach to suit the cultural expectations and preferences of the diverse population in the UK. This may be different to your home country and it’s great to explore a new country and learn a lot.

  6. Update Language Skills:

    • If English is not your first language, consider refining your language skills, especially professional and technical terminology relevant to exercise physiology. Effective communication is key in building trust with clients and colleagues.

  7. Explore Further Education Opportunities:

    • Consider pursuing additional qualifications, certifications, or courses that are recognised in the UK. This not only enhances your professional credentials but also demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning. An example of this is BACPR which is a course in cardiac care. Once you have a UK qualification you put yourself in a better position for success. Search for courses and clinics in your relevant interest areas.

  8. Understand the Healthcare System:

    • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the UK healthcare system, including how exercise physiology fits into preventive and rehabilitative care. Knowing the system will help you navigate and collaborate with healthcare professionals. This includes understanding how government NHS and the private system work. Your own healthcare options may be different depending on your visa- be sure to check this too.

  9. Explore Job Opportunities:

    • Research job opportunities in your desired location in the UK. Utilise online job boards or clinic searches. Apply for jobs that interest you, but remember you may not get your ideal job on your first attempt. Working in other sectors such as hospitality or administrative-based roles can provide you with income whilst you find the role you are looking for.

    • Understand the salary range for your role and experience. It might be different to your home country.

    • Get an understanding of the relative salary pay for the role.

  10. Build a Financial Plan:

    • Develop a financial plan, and consider the cost of living in the UK. Understand national and local tax structures and banking procedures. Focus on having an emergency fund for when the unexpected happens, this could require you to stay in your country longer to ensure you will be in a more stable position when the unexpected happens. Living in the UK, especially in London can be expensive and this needs to be considered in your long-term goals.

By taking a proactive approach to professional integration, learning as you go and trying to prepare as much as possible an exercise physiologist can set themselves up for a successful and fulfilling career in the UK. It is your responsibility to make your move work for you, you need to take ownership of your situation. The UK is a great place to work as an Exercise Physiologist I have loved my 3 years in London, however, it hasn't been without its challenges but I've grown as a professional and person.

Remember you are not expected to have everything figured out in the first few months, enjoy this new chapter of your life, ask as many questions as possible and prioritise rest in between your active searching.

Working hard is important but happiness is invaluable.

Tové Wood