Gillian Costelloe, Programme Officer, Anti-Doping Unit, Irish Sports Council

Degree subject Leisure Management
Job title Programme Officer, Anti-Doping Unit
Employer Irish Sports Council

I came across an advertisement on the internet for an administrator in the Anti-Doping Unit of the Irish Sports Council (ISC). I wasn't sure what it entailed so I did some research on the ISC's website and found that it involved assisting with the testing process. It sounded interesting so I sent in my CV, was invited to interview and got the job. While I was working in the Anti-Doping Unit, I applied for a position in another unit. I worked with national sporting organisations, processing grant applications, issuing payments and helping them develop professionally. I transferred back to the Anti-Doping Unit for more experience and I now administer the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) System. I look after athletes who need to take banned medications for medical purposes. My work is very varied and I love researching illnesses and medical conditions. I am currently studying at night school for a Diploma in Sports Psychology.

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