Hello friends! 👋

Welcome to the SportsGrad Newsletter. Each week we take a deep dive into how people are growing their careers in sport.

Here you’ll find insights, tactics and tools to help you win jobs, get promoted, work around the world, make an impact, and still get paid fairly in sport.

Plus the latest on what’s happening in the SportsGrad Community - a private group of legends lifting each other toward the careers of their dreams.

Get a tour of the SportsGrad Community!

We’re super excited to be re-opening the SportsGrad Rookie Community on the ✨ 14th of May ✨

This is your chance to take that first step to break into the sports industry.

However, if you’re wanting a few more details before you make the leap, we totally get it.

To learn more about what SportsGrad is and what it looks like behind the paywall, come along to our first ever Community Info Night!

We’re going to chat about who SportsGrad is for, what’s inside the Community Discord, and how you can make the most of it.

If you have any questions about joining the SportsGrad Community, there will be time to ask at the info night, or feel free to message me on LinkedIn!

See you there 💛

Today, we’re deep diving into Sports Media!

We’ve put together a list of 8 epic professionals working in Sports Media who we reckon you could learn a lot from. Each professional has been on the podcast, where you can dive into their career journey.

Some guests explain how they’ve gone from volunteering at grassroots to a ‘Chief of’ role, some talk about how they capture content of athletes all around the world, some share how they have become a leading commentator, some are working in social media, and lots are breaking records.

The list below covers a variety of roles within Sports Media, different paths to their job, and from the worlds of Cricket, AFL, Formula 1, Sail GP and more - so there’s something for everyone. What they share in common is: they are all ELITE.

Enjoy!

Episode #272: Journey to General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Queensland Cricket with Pete Lock

Meet Pete Lock, the General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Queensland Cricket.

Pete has over 10 years of experience within cricket, overseeing the commercial, sponsorship, hospitality, marketing, digital, and communications for Queensland Cricket/Brisbane Heat.

In this episode, he deep dives into what it’s like leading the most followed social media sports team in Oceania, his career journey that has lead to his role as a General Manager, and what it was like when they signed on AB de Villiers!

Listen to how Pete progressed within Queensland Cricket and what it’s like being part of a championship team.

Episode #233: How to be the Chief Media Officer at Formula E with Aarti Dabas

Meet Aarti Dabas, the Chief Media Officer at Formula E.

In this episode, we learn about her journey from journalist to Exec at the ICC and Formula E. She discusses Formula E's purpose-driven approach and the challenges of promoting a new sport to a younger audience. Aarti also highlights the importance of diversity and using sport as a tool to create positive change.

Listen to how Aarti is using over 20 years of experience in the industry to drive sustainable growth, engagement, and increased revenue.

Episode #232: How to be the AFL Chief Photographer with Michael Wilson

Meet Michael Wilson, Chief Photographer at the AFL.

Chances are you’re already familiar with his work, as Michael has captured some of THE most iconic AFL photos in the last 16 years - think the Taylor Harris kick, Lance Franklin’s 1000th goal, and more.

In this pod we cover how Michael got his start via grassroots football, what he packs into his kit bag each game, and how he captures the big moments for millions to enjoy.

Listen to how Michael got to where he is today, and how he captures stories within his photos.

Episode #228: How to be the Chief Content Officer at SailGP with Melissa Lawton

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in the social and broadcast side of sport, you’ll love this chat with the Chief Content Officer of SailGP, Melissa Lawton.

Learn how Melissa’s career started at the Sydney Olympics, took her to India, China, Austria with Redbull, New York with Meta, and now London.

So many lessons on growing new audiences, working in TV, grabbing new opportunities, insights into SailGP, and much more.

Listen to how you can work close to the action in the sports industry all over the world.

Episode #210: How to be a commentator in the AFL with Brian Taylor

One of THE most popular episodes since it was published in 2022!

Brian Taylor is the voice of footy.

With over 20+ years as a lead commentator for the Seven Network and Triple M, and 140 AFL games played for Richmond and Collingwood, BT knows football.

In this episode we dive into how he made the career change into TV, how he practices being a fluent presenter, and how he handles criticism.

Listen to how this iconic commentator has built his career, and his tips and tricks so that you can do the same.

Episode #197: How to be a content creator in Formula 1 with Sophie Reis

Meet Sophie Reis, Social Media Coordinator for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

Life moves quick on social media, and even quicker in Formula 1, so we had to find out exactly what Soph does when the cars are on the grid at Albert Park, and racing around the world the rest of the year.

Soph also shares how she landed her dream job by networking at her footy club, and gives an insight to being a woman in a male dominated industry.

Listen to this podcast if you’re keen to work in social media, or just want to know what its like up close and personal with F1 drivers.

Episode #170: Capturing the most successful cricket team in the world with Emily Collin

Meet Em Collin, one of the BEST in the world at covering sport on socials, as the Elite Women’s Cricket Social Media Producer at Cricket Australia.

But how’d she go from running the socials at her local pizza shop to Tweeting Elyse Perry for millions of fans?

Fresh from Australia’s World Cup win in New Zealand, we dissect what goes into the @auswomencricket accounts, how Em came to be a gun on social media, and what you need to do to follow her path.

Listen to what it’s like being on the job during a World Cup, how Em measures success, and how you can thrive in social media.

Episode #132: How to promote a record breaking T20 Cricket World Cup with Max Abbott

Want to be part of the team creating history?

In this episode we unpack the Communications strategy behind the record crowd at the Women's T20 World Cup Final with Max Abbott, managing David Warner’s website and writing his blogs, and the skills you need to work in media and communications.

Listen to what it’s like working on major events, and how you can go on to break records.

Max is now the ICC Marketing & Communications Liaison (ICC Men’s T20WC 2024) for the Cricket West Indies

What’s happening in the Community?

Community Wins ⭐️

Here’s what SportsGrad Members got up to last week...

Andrea Alfonza Putra accepted a role with KOJO as their Front of House/Production Assistant

Kate Penney is joining Softball Australia as their Member and Accreditation Coordinator

Braith Porteous received an offer to intern with the Cronulla Sharks in Community Engagement

SportsGrad Members have landed over 600+ jobs in sport.

If you've had a win, share it with us in the #wins channel on Discord!

Upcoming Member Events 💛

Members, to join an event, RSVP via Discord.

Pro Member Events:

🤝 Pro Speed Networking - April 11th 7pm AEDT

🤝 Pro Speed Networking - April 25th 7pm AEDT

Do you work in sport? Apply to become a SportsGrad Pro Member

Rookie Member Events:

🤝 Rookie Speed Networking - April 8th 7pm AEST

🤝 Rookie Speed Networking - April 22nd 7pm AEST

🤝 Rookie Speed Networking (New Member Edition)!! - May 14th 7pm AEST

Do you want to work in sport? Join the list to become a SportsGrad Rookie Member

Job Opportunities 💼

Looking for a new gig? Here’s a few organisations who want to hire SportsGrad Members:

🏐 Game Day Volunteers @ the Melbourne Mavericks - Volunteer | Melbourne

🏟 Match Day Casuals @ Spark (Sportable) - Casual | Melbourne

🏏 Cricket Manager @ Cricket NSW - Full-time | Sydney

🏍 Programs & Inclusion Officer @ Motorcycling NSW | Sydney

Members, if you want to apply for a position, all roles can be found on the job boards in Discord!

Need help hiring sports industry talent? Get in touch with Ryan.

Happy podcast listening!

Catch you soon,

Acacia 💛

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