Hello friends! 👋

Welcome to this ✨  free edition ✨  of the SportsGrad Newsletter. Each week we take a deep dive into ‘how to get a job in sport’.

Today, we uncover the power of networking, with some real-life examples.

We know that 80% of jobs live inside the hidden job market, and that the key to finding these, is prioritising and building relationships.

You’ve heard from us, but it’s time to hear the stories of 4 members who networked their way into jobs. Check it out below 👇

1. Michael Loong at the Sydney Sixers

Michael was a Sydney Sixers super fan, and would attend every game he could. Whilst he was at the matches, he would make an effort to go and speak to the staff working, getting to know them. One day, the opportunity to apply for a role at the Sixers came up. In the interview, he learnt that one of the Fan Engagement Officers that he had introduced himself to at the game, had put in an outstanding reference for him.

Thanks to the connections he made, he landed a dream gig as the Membership and Partnerships Coordinator 🏏

2. Lachie Croft at the AFL

Lachie attended one of the SportsGrad Community Speed Networking nights, where he was paired up with fellow member, Nathan Perrone. They only had 5 minutes together, but in that time Lachie mentioned he was looking for a role in sport. Nathan was aware of a role available at the AFL with him in the Stakeholder Services team, and said to Lachie, let’s catch up later and I’ll walk you through it. From there, they caught up again, Nathan told him how best to apply for this type of job, and sure enough within a few weeks Lachie was working at the AFL!! Much to his friends disbelief.

If he had never connected with Nathan, he never would have known about the position.

3. Bianca Litchfield at Collingwood FC

Bianca was completing her Masters in Applied Sport Science, when she tuned into the SportsGrad pod and learnt about the Sports Tech World Series conference - from here she bought herself a ticket, went along to the virtual conference, and found herself in a breakout room with her future boss. From here, they connected, and Bianca went on to become a Performance Analyst for the Collingwood AFLW & Netball.

4. Ellen Adams at IRONMAN Group

Ellen attended a SportsGrad meetup event, where she began talking to Shannan Gove, Co-Founder of Rosterfy. Ellen introduced herself to Shannan, and as they formed a relationship, he shared an opportunity at IRONMAN - he gave her more details, which she then went and applied for. Ellen went on to become the Events Operations Volunteer Coordinator and travelled Australia with IRONMAN.

‘Lucky’ moments favour those who put themselves out there.

If you’re keen to create your own luck and land that dream job but you’re not sure where to start - here’s a few ways we can help 👇

1. If you want some free practical advice on how to ‘network’ (but not be awkward about it) Listen to some of our favourite networking episodes:

   #151 - How to network your way into sport (without getting lucky)

   #176 - How to tap into large networks in sport even if you don’t know anybody

2. Meetups are coming in November! Check out the upcoming dates for SportsGrad Meetups - this is the easiest way to grow your network in a casual and fun environment.

3. Become a Member and register for the Speed Networking events, where you can network from the comfort of your own home! For members, all of the dates can be found on the Events tab on Discord. If you’re not a member, register here, to be reminded of our next community intake!

Sport is a ‘people’ industry. Those who lean into it get rewarded.

Much love,

Reuben & Ryan 💛

Want to land an awesome job in sport?

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P.S. Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:

1. Grow your network in the sports industry with like-minded peers and professionals at our Meetup Events

2. Join over 650+ Members who have landed 450+ roles in sport in the SportsGrad Community and get exclusive jobs, resources, events and discounts.

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