A Career Pivot Led to a Personal Training Job in Under Two Months

For many people considering a career change, the biggest question isn’t whether they can become a personal trainer. It’s whether earning a certification will actually lead to a personal training job.

Matthew Dellarosa had that same question. Less than two months after enrolling in ISSA courses, he accepted a personal training job at the YMCA in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“I started my personal training journey with ISSA and I already have a job offer as a personal trainer that I’ve accepted,” Matthew shared. “It’s the one I was hoping for, so I couldn’t be more happy.” 

Why Matthew Needed a Career Pivot

Before fitness, Matthew worked in insurance, a full-commission role that demanded constant outreach and long hours.

“I was in the insurance business for about a year and a half,” he said. “A full commission role consumes all of your time.”

When the income became unpredictable, Matthew faced a decision many adults encounter mid-career: continue grinding in a role that no longer fit, or pivot into something sustainable and fulfilling.

“At a certain point, you have to make a decision like, ‘I’ve got to do something,’” he said. “If I’m going to work a job, it’s got to be something I really, really love.”

That decision ultimately led him toward a personal training career, not as a passion project, but as a realistic path to stable work.

From Certification to Personal Training Job

Matthew enrolled in ISSA’s Certified Personal Trainer program and added multiple specializations, including bodybuilding and running coach.

“I like the science of it,” he said. “I’m able to talk about what muscles are being targeted and why.”

When an unexpected financial setback forced him to act quickly, Matthew made a strategic choice.

“With what little money I had, I made the decision to pay for the training so I could get the certificates, update my resume, and start looking for a job,” he said.

That decision shifted his focus from learning to employment.

Applying for a Personal Training Job Without a Posting

Matthew applied to several gyms and interviewed at multiple locations. Some didn’t move forward. One offered only a front desk role. Still, he kept going.

When he noticed the YMCA wasn’t actively advertising a personal training job, he took initiative.

“I walked in, dropped off my resume, and asked how to apply online,” he said.

A few days later, the manager reached out.

“She said she was very interested in hiring a male trainer,” Matthew recalled. “After a quick demo, I was hired right from there.”

Why He Got Hired

Matthew believes two things mattered most when landing his personal training job: knowledge and communication.

“She told me, ‘You’re very knowledgeable. You know your stuff,’” he said. “I can explain what muscles are being worked and why.”

But technical knowledge wasn’t enough on its own.

“The biggest thing was being a people person,” Matthew said. “She wanted to know I could communicate, listen, and connect.”

That combination made him job-ready, not just certified.

A Smart First Personal Training Job

Matthew will be working primarily with older adults, which he sees as an ideal environment for a new trainer.

“Most people want a general workout,” he said. “It’s a really good place for someone just starting out.”

Now that he’s earning a paycheck in the field, Matthew plans to continue stacking certifications and growing his skill set.

“There’s tons of things you can do in the fitness world,” he said. “I’ll definitely do more.”

Proof That a Personal Training Job Is Within Reach

Matthew’s experience isn’t about overnight success or shortcuts. It’s about preparation, persistence, and knowing when to act.

“I found the right position,” he said. “I’m glad the other ones didn’t work out.”

For anyone wondering whether certification can actually lead to a personal training job, Matthew’s story offers a clear answer: yes, when education is paired with initiative.

Sometimes, it starts with walking in the door.

Tami Nealy is the VP of Communications at the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), a global leader in online fitness certification. She oversees brand positioning, media relations, and strategic content across ISSA’s portfolio of health and wellness education brands. With more than 20 years of experience in public relations and brand storytelling, Tami specializes in translating industry trends into clear, actionable insights that support aspiring and ISSA-certified personal trainers, health coaches, and nutrition professionals in building successful wellness careers. She is also an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University where she teaches in the College of Business.