Paths to a dream career are full of doubt and challenges. Everyone plans for the future, but may stray away when they cannot envision themselves accomplishing the goals they set. However, it is never too late to restart and continue pursuing dreams again. Northwestern College alum and new graduate assistant, Isaac Thurm, is an example of great accomplishment.
Thurm developed a love for weightlifting during his High School years which developed into the dream of becoming a strength and condition coach. However, Thurm doubted his ability to accomplish his dream and elected to pursue a career that was not in his plans.
He arrived at NW as a criminal justice major but was unsure whether it would flourish into a career he would enjoy. Over Freshman year fall break, he spoke with his mother about his dream job being a strength and conditioning coach and the possibility of changing majors.
Eventually, he decided to change his career and begin chasing his dream job. During the second semester of his sophomore year, Thurm switched his major to exercise science with a concentration in strength and conditioning and did not look back. “I was all in on my career, and it was an exciting feeling to be in that position.”
The summer after his junior year, Thurm decided to challenge himself by pursuing an internship at the University of Northern Iowa. “I was never so busy in my life, but the experience of living as a strength and conditioning coach and working in a high-level program was something that I loved.” After his internship, Thurm continued to work as a practicum student-coach his senior year.
He was diligent in implementing his work with correcting techniques and helping athletes to the best of his abilities. Thurm had planned to perform his graduate work at another school, stating he wanted to gain a different perspective.
NW posted an opening as a graduate assistant for the following fall semester. Thurm saw this opportunity too big to pass up and decided to apply. Now, he is a graduate assistant here at NW, working with the freshmen football team, men’s basketball, men’s track and field, cheer squad and women’s softball.
“Going forward here at Northwestern, I plan to enhance my ability to write programs, but also want to improve my ability as a coach in general.” After his time as a graduate assistant here at NW, he plans on pursuing a summer internship and landing a full-time job at a college working with men’s basketball.
