PREP Talks Episode 002 - Bob Alejo: Making Good Choices Around Education and Careers in 2021

In Episode 002 of the Hansen PREP Talks, we sit down with veteran coach and performance professional, Bob Alejo. Because of Bob’s extensive experience throughout the world of athletic performance and Strength & Conditioning, he offers both a broad and transparent view on all topics related to education, professional development and career management in the sport performance world. We discuss the impact that the global pandemic has had on sports in general and how coaches – young and old – may be taking pause to examine their current career path, as well as choices around education and growth. For the younger generation of coaches, Bob emphasizes the need to manage your financial situation first and foremost. Decisions around internships, volunteer work and entry level positions must be evaluated with both career and life goals in mind. While we all have had aspirations about working at the highest levels of performance, a pragmatic approach to career development and financial security must also be part of the decision making process. Coach Alejo also stresses the importance of continually expanding and maintaining a network of professional peers and mentors to not only help guide your decision making, but also serve as references for career opportunities. The value of the recommendations provided by Coach Alejo cannot be understated in the current and post-pandemic environment.

Bob Alejo is currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director of Strength and Conditioning at California State University Northridge. Previously, he was the Director of Sports Science for Power Lift, where he handled the day-to-day discussion about athletic performance and the science surrounding it. Prior to that, he served as the Assistant AD/Director of Strength and Conditioning at North Carolina State from 2011-17 where he served the entire Wolfpack athletic department and was part of two NCAA Sweet Sixteen teams in men's basketball. From 2009-2011, Coach Alejo served as the Director of Strength and Conditioning for the Oakland Athletics, a position he also held from 1993-2001 which included the Moneyball period. During his 12-year role he was responsible for all aspects of the organization's year-round physical preparation at both the major league and minor league levels. Prior to rejoining the A's, Alejo was the Director of Strength and Conditioning at UC Santa Barbara from 2005-2008. From 1984-1993, Alejo served as a strength and conditioning coach at UCLA where he worked with 23 men's and women's teams. During his tenure in Westwood, the Bruins racked up 25 national championships and produced more than 100 All-Americans.

You can find out more information on Bob Alejo via the following links:

CSUN Website: https://gomatadors.com/staff-directory/bob-alejo/283

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/coachbobalejo/

Instagram: https://twitter.com/Coach_Alejo


Hansen PREP Talks podcast is currently available at the following locations for downloadable audio, including:

Spreaker.com – https://www.spreaker.com/show/hansen-prep-talks

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hansen-prep-talks/id1546480493?uo=4

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4O8UUEFBL8gZhRADzQLdEL

Google Podcasts - <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL3Nob3cvNDcyMDcxNC9lcGlzb2Rlcy9mZWVk"...