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In a horrible economy with jobs that are hard to come by, you can’t be afraid to grow professionally. I have been gaining experience interning for a year now, not in the “you over there, make me some coffee” kind of way but actually in the trenches coaching athletes. In many ways, I consider myself a professional intern right now. I created these chronicles for anyone who feels they might be working at a dead end job where they can’t maximize their potential. Use these chronicles as a guide to help find what you’re missing. Maybe you love what you’re doing and feel that you’re in a good place professionally. Then I want you to use these chronicles as a playbook and help this field grow by seeking out people to mentor.
I earned the certifications, degree, athletic experience, and time under the bar but now what? Was I a “strength coach?” Was I a “personal trainer?” I was 24 years old, working two jobs, and doing pretty well financially, but I felt that something was missing. In an industry without any regulating agency or standard hiring practices, the fitness realm is becoming increasingly saturated with imposters posing as experts. I decided that I needed a fresh perspective. I quit my two jobs as a personal trainer and sports performance coach and started my journey.
I needed a mentor in this field, so I started volunteering. It’s not that I don’t like money, but I saw it as an investment in my development as a strength coach/trainer. After quitting my two jobs, I spent the next year getting more experience in the collegiate strength and conditioning setting, first interning at Fairleigh Dickinson University and then at Ohio State University. I worked long hours, but I met some great people along the way. I got the chance to work with a wide range of sports and some pretty high caliber athletes. When I was in Ohio, I reached out to a strength coach near my hometown who I really respected—Martin Rooney. I figured it would be a great next step in my journey.
I emailed Martin inquiring about the possibility of doing an internship for his NFL combine program at the Parisi Speed School in Fairlawn, New Jersey when I returned. Not only is the Parisi Speed School one of the originators in sports performance facilities, but this NFL combine program has had a long history of success with over 130 athletes who made it to the NFL.
I ate through the standard interview day checklist—haircut (check), dress shirt and tie (check), notepad that you never end up writing things in (check). I was prepared for anything and even added another item to my checklist—workout clothes (in my car). In all my anticipation, I even expected some kind of push-up or chin-up challenge. I would be ready for it!
I walked into Parisi’s and immediately saw a facility full of athletes. On the walls were articles and accolades of former athletes who have trained there and it really got me thinking. It made me wonder how many people have walked through the door being good and left transformed into great. I wondered if I would also make such a transition.
I was greeted by Martin and Rich Sadiv, a man known as the “human crane,” whom I recognized from the Training for Warriors videos deadlifting ridiculous amounts of weight. They immediately took a good cop/bad cop persona and started with the interview. They were not impressed by the certifications, degree, or experience. They wanted to know if I had what it took to coach an athlete and whether I practiced what I preach.
They asked about my past employers but were still skeptical about the experiences that I had obtained over the past few years. They wanted to make sure that I had not already been sucked into the main stream “BS” of the fitness industry. I told them that the current trend of the fitness industry was the main reason why I went in search of some legitimacy.
Rich asked some pretty unusual interview questions like: “Have you ever powerlifted before?” “Do you know who Ed Coan is?” “What do you squat/deadlift/bench?”
He said that his over 25 years of experience under the bar is something that you can’t learn in any classroom. Although I have always been interested in learning more about the sport, without any powerlifting experience, I was a little intimidated. Thank God we shared similar views on certain lifts because at times I thought that this “bad cop” was going to deadlift me had I given a wrong answer.
Martin took a calmer approach. He talked about some of his athletic endeavors—track and field, his black belt in Judo, and the U.S. bobsled team, to name a few. He talked about growing problems that he has seen in the industry—in your face, kick your butt trainers or even lazy, out of shape types, to name a few.
Martin asked some questions like: “What sports have you played?” “What does your workout look like?”
I reassured him that as a multi-sport athlete myself I had a strict workout regimen. Although my deadlift may never get to 700 lbs and I may never make any U.S. Olympic team, the dedication that I have toward my workouts and diet is surprising.
Martin told me that if we were to move forward and I got the position, I would not be introduced as an “intern.” I would take an active role in coaching the athletes while assisting in any way that I could. The hours would be long and six days a week. Lunch breaks would be spent working out trying to set new PRs in our own training. He said that it would be grueling, but coming from the world of college strength and conditioning, I was confident and up for the challenge.
After over two hours, the interview was over and I thanked them for their time. They said that they had many applicants for the position and they would be in touch. Coming home to no job and not knowing my next steps in life had me scared.
My rules for landing the dream internship
- You can’t be afraid to take chances. I had to be confident and determined while reaching out to these coaches.
- Get a great support group. When I moved out to Ohio State, I left my family, friends, and a girlfriend to live with complete strangers. If you have people in your life right now that aren’t going to help you get ahead, you should really consider letting go.
- You can’t fear rejection. If you move through life afraid, you should expect average results. I was Fairleigh Dickinson’s first intern, I drove out to Ohio State just to interview, and I was ready for any fitness challenge during my interview with Martin.
- There isn’t any such thing as luck. Before each interview, my friends and family said “good luck.” I’ve heard that “luck” is when preparation meets opportunity.
- Be prepared! I was dressed the part, had good references and work experience, and was early for the interview. You need to be prepared when your opportunity comes.
Yes, it sounds a little crazy that I quit two jobs and lost the only stability I had in my life. The definition of insanity is “to do the same thing over and over and expect different results.” If you continue to wake up every morning to a job that you hate because you fear rejection, take that chance! Taking it will be your first step toward moving closer to your dream job. Speaking of jobs, my first day starts on Monday…
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John Annillo holds a bachelor's degree in psychology/pre-medical studies from William Paterson University, where he was a standout rugby player for their championship team. He is currently certified through the National Strength & Conditioning Association, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and USA Weightlifting. John spent years in the private sector of both the sports performance and health club industries throughout college and upon graduating. He has trained numerous collegiate athletes/teams, regularly consults for rugby teams, and built the strength and conditioning program for the nationally ranked William Paterson University rugby team. In addition, he has worked with numerous nationally ranked and championship teams while completing internships at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Ohio State University, and the Parisi Speed School NFL Combine Program. He currently works with Martin Rooney at the Parisi Speed School and Training for Warriors. Follow his journey on Twitter @StrengthJourney. 
Bright new kid on the block! Good article and best of luck John!
This article is really inspiring. The lengths John went to in order to find his place in the industry and gain the required experience are impressive, and his advice for those trying to do the same proves that he really knows what it feels like to be just starting out.
Inspiring stuff right there. Looks like hard work, and following what your passion is – really does pay off in the end.
Dug the article bud. Im actually interning right now at strength gym in California, the owner Chip Conrad has a book in the EFS store.
I definitely agree the things you learn in a strength gym cannot be taught in a classroom. Having a degree will only help, but time around people who have lived in gyms and traveled the world researching and training and learning, much more valuable.
Looking forward to reading more of your stuff.
I’ve been through a similiar path– certs, degrees, interned a year at velocity during grad school, did another year at a D1 school while teaching kinesiology courses, and just finished another year intern at a diff d1 school in same city while still teaching and coaching PT at a local HS
all the hard work was worth it, after 2,000+ hours unpaid work, i am starting a FT position monday at a private facility that i am excitied about i, but I am also still hoping to land something with a D1 program
The first chance I get (Im on a laptop), Im going to print this!
Always nice to see people working hard for success – it really does pay off!
Awesome stuff! Keep ‘em coming.
Good stuff John. It was awesome working alongside you at Ohio State, definitely lookin forward to what the future has in store for ya and will be keepin tabs on the articles.
John definitely walks his talk. I’ve worked with a lot of coaches over the years and John Annillo knows gets ‘it.’ Great lessons in this blog.
Good article, John. Anyone trying to get into the field should read this. Some young coaches just don’t “get it” when it comes to Strength & Conditioning and Sports Performance. You obviously do and it will pay off.
Very inspirational article John. You have a great work ethic, and a great attitude. Keep up the great work!
Private vs. College Setting? What has been the better experience?
Inspirational stuff man. Hope you make it far in this industry! Can’t wait for more on this journey.
Looking forward to reading more from John. You always want to think hard work pays off and in John’s case it looks like it does.
Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the comments!
@Evan
College: I love the team atmosphere and the fact that a Freshman can walk into your weightroom a skinny twig with no lifting experience and 4 years later can be transformed into an experienced solid lifter. It is also a lot easier to periodize an athletes program when you know that you have them for their entire college career rather than a “3-month membership” in the private sector.
Private Sector: I love being in-charge of my own destiny. Has fewer “politics” and more “job security” (i.e. if a head coach leaves the job, you can be gone too). If you are willing to hustle and put your sweat equity into making it, you will.
Both have Pro’s and Con’s but as long as I am in a weightroom, I’m happy!
great article John. Thanks for sharing! You have to be passionate and willing to make sacrifices to be successful in any industry. Im grateful for working in a field im passionate and happy to do each day. I look forward to a fitness future full of regulation, and oversight, that grants us the professional respect and prestige, that many other health professionals enjoy, without having as great an impact fitness pros do on preventative health care.
For someone at the very start of the journey, this is a great read. I look forward to reading more and picking up some hints and tips along the way.
Not too many other guys out there better than Rooney for Johnny to learn from
Great article man! Can’t wait to read more about it… Wanted to ask you John (or anyone else out there with experience) – which sector would you consider more lucrative? I have a passion for both, so no worries there – but making money is always a good thing as well lol Just wondering…
nice work so far. keep going.
Great Article! Excited to see more.
I’d say it really depends on what type of clientale you’re looking for. I personally like working with kids so the private indsutry is where it’s at. Grooming young kids to one day be developed into top collegiate athletes is my goal!
Awesome article. Good luck! Can’t wait to hear more from you!
Read this before I had an interview this morning, hope it works.
It must me cool to work in a team environment. I feel like all the private/franchise facilities are so cookie cutter. It’s great that you got the chance to experience both.
@Jake Unless you’re with a Head Strength coach at a big time school I’d say the private industry is more lucrative.
Awesome work John…continue pushing forward and you’ll land the position of your dreams in no time! Can’t wait to see you back in ole’ Columbus town
Ohio State!!!
Insightful and informational as well. A lot of things ill take into consideration and use to my benefit. Thanks for the help.
Great article man. It’s cool to see the perspective a someone who’s starting out. Really hope to see some more articles on the site about your journey!!
good luck guy