For former Deputy Head Prefect and quick-fire 1st XV halfback Louis Gunn (14959), his “passion for sport” has always empowered his career plans.

Returning to College to share his post-school life at a Career Convos session, the Jacobs House Old Boy has highlighted the importance of “exploring your interests”.

“Challenge yourself in a new environment and do not leave any stone unturned when seeking opportunities,” he says. “Make the most of Year 13 to home in on what really interests you. For me, it was always a sports-related career.”

Louis adds that it is important to know which subjects will contribute to your success.

“Physical Education was important, along with a base knowledge in Biology, and, of course, English, because a lot of my work is about communication and having those people skills to get the message across.”

He fondly reflects on his College years from 2016–2020, acknowledging the positive impact on his life of the many opportunities and the staff and students.

“Throughout my time at College, I also was fortunate to benefit from the leadership skills of my two Housemasters, Darrell and then Matt Thatcher, in Jacobs House.”

Along with being a member of the 1st XV for two years and receiving the Hobbs Award for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Rugby’, Louis also lined up for the 1st XI cricket team while fitting in his love of golf.

When it came time to find the right university, Louis visited and considered several before committing to a “wide umbrella degree” at the University of Canterbury (UC).

“The stars really aligned for studying at UC where I found the best balance between theoretical and practical work in the Bachelor of Sports Coaching, with a Double Major in Sports Management and Strength and Conditioning with Nutrition.”

Today, the degree has been renamed the Bachelor of Sport, better reflecting its wide-ranging impact.

At university, Louis enjoyed the mix of time on the campus and “getting out and about to experience sport”.

“Coming from my sports background at College, the double major suited me,” he says. “My degree can appeal to those interested in sports management, coaching, player and game analysis, and strength and conditioning, to name just a few areas. In the first year, you learn about the key concepts and theory while setting the foundations for study. In the following two years, you focus more on your specific papers.”

One of the highlights was a third-year internship with the Crusaders.

“That was awesome, soaking up that high-performance environment, culture, and people. There are so many opportunities on offer at UC, particularly the access to internships that can help steer your career path.”

That six-month opportunity led to a part-time contract with the Crusaders, working in the membership sales team where Louis “learnt lots”.

Following his degree, he has decided he is ready for his next challenge, tackling an 18-month Master of Sport and Recreation Management at Lincoln University. He is also employed as a rugby development officer with Sumner Rugby.

“The degree has given me a great opportunity to explore different career options. It enables me to bring my own perspective to my learning and utilise core concepts in a real-world context. The beauty of sport is that it brings so much pride and joy in New Zealand while creating career opportunities both here and overseas. Kiwis are recognised for our ability to work hard, and play and coach, so I may head overseas to play rugby or move into sports coaching and management.”

Louis believes he is now in the right position to create his own career game plan.