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’.

Meet Pranav Saale, Intern at the FIFA Women’s World Cup who holds 3 different roles!

Pranav is in his second year of Sport Management at Deakin University, not only is he heavily involved with the biggest event in Australia since the Olympics, he’s also a keen photographer, a grassroots volunteer, and a constant smiler 😁 (seriously, he’s always smiling).

We loved Pranav’s attitude and proactiveness so much that we give him an internship at SportsGrad! He’s knocked it out of the park.

We’re profiling Pranav because for someone who has moved countries to chase a dream of working in sport, he’s setting a brilliant example for others.

For more from Pranav, connect with him on LinkedIn.

This is how he got his roles in sport 👇

What made you want to work in sport?

I grew up playing sport from a very young age and always wanted to be an athlete, but that did not happen due to various reasons, but still wanted to be involved in sport. I started off wanting to be a Sports Psychologist, but ended up choosing to study Sport Management, which I think will give me the best opportunity to work in sport.

What was the biggest challenge you found trying to get your foot in the door?

I think, what held me back in my first year was being introverted/shy and not putting myself out there. This year, I have tried to be more proactive in reaching out to people and taking up as many volunteer opportunities as I can.

What have been some of your key work experiences?

• Melbourne Boomers

• Australian Open

• Australian Grand Prix

• SportsGrad

• FIFA Women’s World Cup x3:

  • Volunteers Intern

  • Accreditation Volunteer

  • Pre-Match Ceremonies Volunteer

Can you recall a question from your recent job interview that you aced? How did you answer it?

Q: What experience do you have working at sporting events?

A: I had worked at the AO, Aus GP and was interning with SportsGrad at the time of applying for the role

How has networking played a role in your journey?

Networking has definitely played an important part, from being a reserved person, shying away from speaking to people and networking, I now realize the true power it holds and often reach out to people myself.

Since putting myself out there I’ve met SportsGrad Podcast guests like Shane Liyanage over coffee, social media people from TLA, Motorsport professionals, SG Members at the FWWC, and lots of zoom catch ups with other SG Members.

What does a day in your new role look like?

As the "Volunteers Intern" I worked closely with the Workforce and Volunteer manager in Melbourne to implement the volunteer program. I worked across Rosterfy to manage the volunteer database, role offers, shift allocation, uniform packing and distribution, verifying with volunteers that returned data errors via email/call, the details they provided for accreditation were valid.

As an “Accreditation Volunteer” I help with verifying and printing/laminating accreditations for all the volunteers, contractors and staff.

As a “Pre-match Ceremonies Volunteer” I help with the set-up and pack-down of banners and flags on the pitch pre-game and during the team’s national anthem.

How did being a SportsGrad Member help you break into sport?

The FWWC Volunteers Internship was advertised in the SportsGrad Community job channels. I applied for it, but because it was based in Sydney, didn't end up getting the role. A few days later, I received an email from their Senior Workforce Manager asking if I would be interested in assisting the Melbourne team as the Volunteers Intern. I was stoked to have accepted the role.

What do you love most about working in sport?

Sport. I have been involved in sport from a very young age. Being amidst the thick of sporting action at its zenith - the competition, the excitement, the passion, the adrenaline and the highs and lows that sport brings with it, is certainly an exciting prospect and I am looking forward to embracing it.

What advice would you give to someone else trying to break into sport?

Work hard and try to incorporate volunteer roles/complete internships during uni, it helps build experience and your network early, giving you an edge.

Want to land an awesome job in sport?

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