RAF veteran joins the Staffs Uni ranks

Staffordshire University Research Assistant Phil Burgess Walker has graduated with a BSc in Sport and Exercise, marking a successful career change into academia.

Phil, from Cheadle, joined the University after leaving a 23 year long career in the RAF. His time there saw him serving around the world, from New Zealand to the Gulf, leaving just one year during his career when he didn’t serve overseas at some point.

After giving so much to the service, he decided in 2006 that it was time for a change.

Phil had previously had aspirations to become a PE teacher before signing up to the RAF.  It didn’t work out at the time, but after leaving he decided to revisit his earlier passion and become a personal trainer in elite sport.

In 2007, he decided to become qualified in his new career, and so visited a Staffordshire University open day.  He signed up to the Sport and Exercise course and after doing some initial research for one of his lecturers, he took on the role of Research Assistant at the end of his third year.

“I would love to carry on working for Staffordshire University,” said Phil.  “I had some past experience of lecturing in the military and to do this kind of work at the University gives me the opportunity to give back to the institution that has taught me.”

“The course and the job have given me a much more complete perspective on the industry I’m in as opposed to just the fitness coaching side and I am looking forward to my future work at the University.”

In addition to his degree and Research role, Phil has also just finished his second season supporting the faculty delivering sport science support to County Cricket, successfully delivering fitness plans for elite County Junior Cricketers.