In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Nicole Juhl. Nicole is an Associate Professor in Physical Education who oversees the Certified Personal Trainer program at College of DuPage. They discuss career paths in personal training, essential skills like communication and professionalism, and ways students can gain experience and build networks. After listening, we hope you better understand the personal training field and its opportunities.

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00–02:20 | Introduction & Guest Background 
Pierre introduces the episode and welcomes Nicole Juhl, who shares her experience in the fitness and wellness industry and outlines the focus of the Certified Personal Trainer program. 

02:20–04:20 | Career Paths in Personal Training 
Nicole explains the wide range of opportunities in personal training, from one-on-one coaching to careers in gyms, wellness centers, and fields like kinesiology and physical therapy. 

04:20–10:20 | Key Skills for Success 
The conversation highlights essential skills such as communication, professionalism, passion, and authenticity, along with the importance of understanding your “why.” 

10:20–13:20 | Building Experience 
Nicole shares strategies for gaining experience, including shadowing trainers, practicing with peers, and exploring different fitness modalities to build confidence and expertise. 

13:20–17:00 | Program Opportunities & Resources 
Discussion focuses on hands-on learning, campus facilities, networking opportunities, and new resources like the upcoming kinesiology lab. 

17:00–21:20 | Networking & Personal Branding 
Nicole emphasizes the importance of networking, building professional relationships, and developing an authentic personal brand in the fitness industry. 

21:20–26:00 | Advice for Students Entering the Field 
Key takeaways include taking things one step at a time, building confidence, practicing self-care, and embracing continuous growth without needing to know everything immediately. 

26:00–30:00 | Program Details & How to Get Started 
The episode wraps with details on program structure, alternative options, and how to connect with advisors and resources to explore the personal training field further 

• Nicole Juhl (program info & questions): [email protected] 
• Bess Fuertes (department advising): [email protected] 
• COD Personal Trainer Certificate website: https://catalog.cod.edu/programs-study/physical-education/personal-trainer-certificate/

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

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