Hello friends! 👋

For those in Australia, it’s the best time of the year… Grand Final weekend!!

If this has got you dreaming about working in Australia’s biggest sport more than ever, don’t fret, we thought we’d save you the time to research ‘HOW’, and 5 of the best tips on how to land a job in the AFL.

If you want to work for your favourite team, work for the league, or want to apply your skills to another sport, below are elite tips for everyone.

If something sticks out to you, I’d encourage you to dive into the interview and learn directly from from the pro. Check it out below 👇

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5 job hunting tips from experts working in the AFL industry

1. Differentiate yourself by knowing where you can add value

Binuk Kodituwakku, Ex-Head of Analytics and Football Innovation at the Adelaide Crows Football Club

“If there’s 100 of you, how are you going to differentiate yourself? Work on a project that you find interesting, and then you have a portfolio that you can show the people you meet. The clubs will be really engaged with that.”

Key Takeaway: Getting a degree and applying for a job unfortunately isn’t enough to land a dream job. Not when 1000s of people apply with the same degree as you every year. Binuk created his own experience by using publicly available data and creating his own blog - differentiating himself from all of his peers, and having a portfolio of work before he even began in the industry. Data nerds, take a listen.

2. Action will fix your ‘career direction’ problems

Brant Hubber, Partnerships Coordinator at the AFL

“If you’re lacking motivation or unsure whether it’s meant for you, then there’s no better way of finding that out than going and getting your hands dirty.”

Key Takeaway: Chasing a career in sport requires you to be self-motivated to try lots of things, and then identify what you’re best at / enjoy most, until you find the pocket of the industry made for you. There will be tough times that require unpaid volunteer work and will stretch your willingness to keep going. The best way to shake the confusion of not knowing what job you want to do is to acknowledge you’re exploring your options and keep showing up to every opportunity. Eventually, the right role will make itself clear to you.

3. Networking puts your career on steroids

Suzie Rhydderch, Psychologist at the Sydney Swans Football Club

“If you have an idea, a dream, or a goal, I know it sounds cliché, but talk to people about it, and you’ll be surprised about how much can line up for you.”

Key Takeaway: Suzie talked about how she “earned her stripes” through an internship, and through the connections she made, she formed a relationship with the Sydney Swans. If you talk to the people around you, and create connections with others, you never know when it may reward you.

4. Get your foot in the door, then course correct

Kall Burns, National Recruitment Manager at the Gold Coast Suns Football Club

“Just give everything a go - any opportunity that presents itself, jump in and give it your all. It’s just as important to find out what you don’t want to do as it is finding out what you do want to do - just give it a crack.”

Key Takeaway: Your first role may not be your dream one, therefore it’s important that you don’t end your discovery phase once you get in the sports industry. Kall’s story is one of the very best with regards to taking a chance on an opportunity. 13 years after taking a chance at a volunteer role at the Gold Coast Suns, he’s now the longest-standing staff member. If you want to be the person to spot the next #1 draft pick, listen to Kall’s journey.

5. Get out of your own way… Ask for an opportunity

Rana Hussain, Ex-Diversity & Inclusion Manager at the Richmond Tigers Football Club

“I talk to people a few steps ahead (of me) and just ask them ‘can I shadow you? Can I sit and watch you do your thing?’ That’s how I personally learn.”

Key Takeaway: No matter where you are in your career journey, there’s always room to learn from others. Even for those who have been around a while! Take it upon yourself to rise above the challenge and seek knowledge, rather than sitting around waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder with an opportunity.

There you have it!

5 learnings from 5 legends working in the AFL.

Enjoy the weekend, save these pods for later, and may you find yourself at the centre of the action this time next year.

Much love,

Reuben & Ryan 💛

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