The pandemic has seen plenty of new businesses and entrepreneurs come to light. With a lot of people forced to work from home, people have had time to work on their own business ideas. Fanshawe Alumni, and former varsity athlete Ben Vyfschaft has done just that over the past year. A graduate of Fanshawe’s fitness and health program. During his education, he was able to do a co-op at a local gym.
Ben mentioned his co-op being instrumental in him finding a job after school.
“At least in this case, your program kind of helps you get your foot in somewhere. Then obviously at that point it’s up to you to prove yourself, prove your worth to that co-op. Then hopefully you can get hired out of it.”
With goals to become a fitness trainer and coach, Ben’s co-op at Precision Fitness and Performance Center was a perfect fit. Over 90% of Fanshawe grads successfully find work within 6 months of leaving, and Ben fell in that category.
When asked what type of advice Ben had for students looking to find work after graduating he had this to say.
“My advice for any student trying to find a job in their educational field is really getting involved in any co-op or apprenticeship that your program has. I think it’s super important to get out in the field and introduce yourself to the practical side of things, compared to the theory that you learn in school… Once you get more into that practical side, you start to realize some of the things they don’t or can’t really teach you. That’s where you really start to learn and improve aa what you want to do.
During the pandemic Ben began to build his own brand, Ben Sports Performance. He has been able to work with multiple clients from all types of athletic backgrounds. He has also forged a strong relationship with local soccer club FC London. Working with young academy teams, all the way up to the Men’s and Women’s League One teams.
His progress and early success in his career is a testament to his dedication and work ethic. Ben mentioned that finding work in something you are passionate about makes the job that much more enjoyable. An honor roll student athlete, Ben put plenty of time into his studies, and that has translated directly to his new job.
Ben’s work and progress over the year goes to show how opportunistic even the worst situations can be, and should inspire soon to be graduates of what’s to come.
