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.

Meet Vi Truong, the journalist and digital media content creator who has landed roles at The Daily Aus, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the Australian Associated Press, UniSport Australia, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and SportsGrad (just to name a few)!

Did we mention that she’s still at university? 🤯

Keep on reading to learn how Vi is creating a very bright future for herself in sports media, whilst maintaining a balance with her studies 👇

Before we begin…

We’re super excited to be re-opening the SportsGrad Rookie Community on the ✨ 13th of August ✨

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 the SportsGrad 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 message me on LinkedIn.

See you there (or share with a friend) 💛

How to launch your career in Sports Media as a university student with Vi Truong 👩‍🎓

What are you studying at university, and what roles have you had whilst you're there?

I’m a final year Bachelor of Communications (Journalism, Politics) student at RMIT University! Since starting the course in 2022, I’ve dipped my toes in a plethora of both paid/unpaid work alongside internships and volunteering opportunities within the sports media and comms world, including work with Ministry of Sport, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, SportsGrad, and UniSport Australia.

This year, I've been fortunate enough to work in roles with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s (AGPC) digital team as a social media assistant, a fellowship at the Australian Associated Press (AAP) as a journalist, and The Daily Aus (TDA) as a Sports Journalist. The AGPC role saw me work my first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix event, covering and producing content with the wider media team in both the lead-up to, and the race weekend.

My time at AAP saw me report as a general news journalist, but gave me opportunities to feature on sports by-lines about the AFL and the Olympics, published in the West Australian, Canberra Times, and afl.com.au.

My role as a journalist at TDA included me writing and overlooking the publication’s new sports newsletter, which aims to deliver sport in a way that’s accessible, cultural and inclusive for a wide range of Australians and casual sporting fans. I’ve always been a big believer in the fact that journalism should reflect the audiences it services, so it’s been lovely being a part of this project.

All of these opportunities have equipped me with a world of knowledge, skills, and connections that I’m hoping will take me far post-graduation, as a journalist and communications professional.

Why do you think it's so important to have 'real-world' experience whilst studying at university?

You always hear professionals in the sports industry labour this - and it is true - that ‘real-world’ experience, networking and forming meaningful connections is more invaluable than just university alone. While a degree does provide you with the theoretical knowledge and education to ground yourself as a ‘qualified’ professional in your field, there is not any one linear pathway to landing sports roles. Throughout my work experiences I’ve also come to realise that my mentors either never actually went to university, or pursued a completely different avenue of study to the field they currently work in. But, what they all had in common was the fact that they put in the hours early on in their careers and jumped at any opportunity they could add to their arsenal. 

I think there is so much value in just being out in the field (quite literally) as well, and experiencing first hand the pace and ever-changing dynamic of different sporting events, leagues and codes. No two days ever look the same working in sport, so it keeps you on your toes and primes a sense of adaptability, which is SO important. 

The hundreds of eclectic personalities and elite operators I’ve met along the way have also been more than just cold LinkedIn connections to me, but sources of knowledge, opportunity and ongoing horizontal support, which is always really sweet to have back you in as a young, professional!  Most people work in sport because they genuinely believe in its ability to mobilise cultures and bring communities together, so any opportunity to be amongst like-minded professionals is always pretty awe-inspiring.

What are some challenges that you've faced that you had to overcome?

As a uni-student, I get that it can be really hard to balance a full-time study load with work and unpaid experience - I’ve definitely struggled with it both financially and mentally at times. But it does pay off dividends in the long run, and I can trace back every single job opportunity I’ve had to each internship/fellowship/grassroots role that I’ve pursued. I like to think of it as one massive butterfly effect, and I’m starting to see things fall into place for me as I approach the end of my time at university. 

How do you manage work and university? Are there any tools or methods that you rely on to balance both?

Communication is key! I’ve been pretty fortunate with a supportive journalism and media faculty at my uni who really encourage students to take up any practical work opportunities that they can get ahold of - but this is also contingent on being able to set boundaries with employers and sporting organizations, and really emphasising the fact that a full-time university load still needs to be prioritised. When I have worked full-time alongside university, I’ve definitely experienced a trade-off with university performance, and I think this is something you have to evaluate - everyone’s different! But a diary is an absolute lifesaver, and Google Calendar is a bloody godsend. 

Has there been a time where you've experienced the benefits of networking? What happened?

• Worked FIFA → met Sarah Burt at the media centre and told her I loved her work → went on the SG podcast to talk about the experience → landed an internship with SG → Sarah Burt guested on the poddy → we connected and she’s now a close mentor to me in the industry.

• Sophie Reis (social media coordinator at AGPC) → casually connected via SG pod → connected on LinkedIn → reached out months later to see if any comms roles were open, or if I could help the media team in any volunteer capacity → referred me to social media applications (paid) → submitted application + had a chat with Soph → media producer at AGPC 

• CODE Sports editor referred me to TDA editors → TDA role (via SG/Reuben)

How do you develop professionally outside of university, and why is it important that you do so?

Something as simple as regular coffee catch-ups and socializing with industry professionals are the easiest ways of developing professionally! I think the important thing with networking is not just reaching out when you’re in need of something: whether that’s asking for a role, or expressing interest in a potential job opening. I’ve had connections which have turned into the very friendships that form the basis of my support networking within sport - and I don’t think i would be where I am without them. Other than that, reading is such an underrated tool, whether that’s novels, news articles or academic journals - it’s always a good idea to be informed with what’s going on around you in the sporting world, and not limiting or localising yourself. 

If you could talk to your first year self, what advice would you give to her?

Rest assured that all of the experiences you’re putting your hand up for are intentional steps which will help you in a couple years time! And don’t be too harsh on yourself - again there is no one traditional way to get into the sports or media industry, so pace yourself and wholeheartedly follow whatever opportunity comes your way. I copped a lot of “why are you always saying yes to unpaid work” judgements or people questioning why I was occupying my schedule with volunteer and internship roles (I think I’ve completed around five now) - but as the wise Harry Styles once said; “if you’re happy doing what you’re doing, than nobody can tell you you’re not successful.” 

Learn more about Vi’s career journey on episode #252 of the SportsGrad Podcast 🎙️

What’s happening in the Community?

Community Wins ⭐️

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

Tanya Aggarwal accepted a role with Table Tennis Australia as a Community Programs Officer

George Ludlow received a position with Gemba as an Account Manager

Juan Rodriguez landed his first full-time role as a Community Sports Coordinator at NRL Touch Football

Jainarayan Tiwari had his article published by the AFL

SportsGrad Members have landed over 620+ 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 - June 4th 7pm AEST

🏐 Melbourne Mavericks Watch Party - June 16th 2pm AEST

🤝 Pro Speed Networking - June 18th 7pm AEST

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

Rookie Member Events:

🤝 Rookie Speed Networking - June 10th 7pm AEST

🏐 Melbourne Mavericks Watch Party - June 16th 2pm AEST

💡 Career Q&A - June 19th 12:30pm 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:

🥇 Digital Media Executive - Sydney (Full-time)

🏏 Fan & Community Engagement Specialist - Sydney (Full-time)

💰 Account Executive - Melbourne (Full-time)

🎟 Business Development Executive - Melbourne (Full-time)

🏟️ Event Workforce Coordinator - Melbourne (Full-time)

🏉 Participation & Fan Acquisition Officer - Sydney (Casual)

📸 Digital Marketing Internship - Melbourne or WFH (Internship)

📲 Digital Media Assistant - Canberra or WFH (Internship)

🤝 Special Events & Partnerships Assistant - Canberra (Internship)

🏆 Sports Assistant - Canberra (Internship)

👷 Operations Assistant - Canberra (Internship)

🏋️ Workforce Assistant - Canberra (Internship)

Make sure to check the Community Discord to see which organisation it is!

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

Thanks for reading!

Catch you soon,

Acacia 💛

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