The SportsGrad Podcast

Meet Alex King, the Senior Marketing Executive at Premier League Club, Crystal Palace, and one of our SportsGrad Pro Members.Only 2 years ago, he was a uni graduate who had a dream of working in football full time, and after a Marketing Internship at West Ham United, he’s now smashing goals in a full-time role at Palace.Lots to look out for, including how to land your first full-time job in sport, how to stand out in an internship, and what it’s like working in the English Premier League. We cover:(00:44) Who is Alex King?(01:41) Hello and welcome to the SportsGrad Podcast!(07:00) What’s happening inside of the SportsGrad Community?(10:05) Welcome Alex!(11:30) Quick-fire questions - first jobs, favourite sporting moments, and most used resources(19:42) Alex’s role at Crystal Palace and the best bits about it(21:09) What does a Marketing team look like at an EPL club?(23:23) The series of jobs and internships that Alex had to lead him to Palace(28:35) How Alex made the most of his internship role at West Ham United(31:42) What the interviewing and onboarding process is like at Crystal Palace(33:16) The decision making process when moving from one club to another(39:04) What a day in Alex’s life looks like at an EPL club in London(45:02) Challenges in Alex’s role(46:20) Essential skills to work in Sports Marketing(48:03) Advice Alex would give to his younger self(51:16) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episodes you may enjoy:#262: Sport Management grad to living the dream at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Cricket Australia with Francesca Teh---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Michael Barker, freelancer videographer, photographer and the Co-Founder and Director of Two Times Creative.Previously, he has worked at Hoop City, Carlton FC, and the NBL, working in all things digital - think production, editing, social media marketing, graphic design, and more.He also has a newsletter, runs classes and uses his socials to teach people how they can level up their digital knowledge. Lots to look out for, including how you can work as a freelancer, how to break into the creative side of sports (without any formal training), and the skills you need to do so. Check out Two Times Creative's work here.Enjoy!We cover:(00:29) Who is Michael Barker? (01:34) Hello and welcome!(04:40) What’s going on inside the SportsGrad Community?(07:35) Welcome Michael! (09:28) Quick-fire Questions (15:58) Experience Barks has had to get to where he is now freelancing (20:06) How Barks learnt all of his skills with no formal training (21:10) Applying for a role at Carlton FC without ticking all of the boxes (and getting it) (23:28) Working at Carlton FC between all of the different departments (25:30) How did he figure out full-time freelancing was for him? (27:04) What does a typical week look like as a freelancer? (30:13) Is it possible to make enough money as a freelancer to compensate a leaving a full-time job? (32:39) Big lessons Barks has picked up so far (34:34) The risks of starting freelancing and the worries that come with it - partner’s thoughts, financial struggles, etc. (47:08) Essential skills needed to be a videographer and photographer (51:29) Advice for aspiring creatives and how you can learn from Barks (55:52) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episode you may enjoy:#242: The Origins of The Grade Cricketer---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the SportsGrad Podcast!Today we’ve got a solo pod, where we’re diving into what the SportsGrad Community is and how you can be a part of it. The Rookie Community is re-opening on the 14th of May, and we want to make sure that you’re fully across it and how it can benefit you!We created the SportsGrad Community because a major problem with careers in sport, is that it’s so heavily reliant on your network. You probably always hear the phrase “who you know is more important than what you know”, and for good reason - when you have a network in sport, your career rolls out 10x easier.So, we bring the sports network to you. You can join 700+ like-minded people in a private Community, no matter if you’re at university, the start of your career, job-swapping, or living halfway across the world.Lots to look out for, including what you get as a Member, when to join, how to make the most of it, and success stories from the Community. Make sure to put your name on the waitlist to keep up to date with updates about the intake happening on May 14th.You can subscribe here 👉 www.sportsgrad.com.au/communityEnjoy the episode!We cover:(00:24) Hello and welcome!(01:31) Reuben’s weekend at the F1 with McLaren(09:54) SportsGrad Community updates(12:17) What exactly is the SportsGrad Community?(12:53) How can you get into the Community?(16:12) How you can build your network in sport, and success stories from the Community(23:41) When is the right time to join SportsGrad (spoiler alert: now!)(26:05) How SportsGrad can help you from all over the world(27:26) Features and events inside the Community - exclusive events, job boards and recruiting, meetup tickets etc.(33:27) How the exclusive Discord works(34:27) The price of joining(36:59) What is the commitment required?(38:42) So, how do I join the Community?---Additional episode you may enjoy:#200: How to get a job in sport without getting lucky---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Eray Saban, the Assistant General Manager of ASM Jacksonville and the Director of EverBank Stadium, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars.As you’ll learn in this episode, Eray is no stranger to a large stadium and event, and all of the challenges that come with it. From sports games, to sell-out concerts, to dealing with the FBI, his job is to make sure that every attendee has a safe and enjoyable experience.Previously, his roles have included Event Operations Manager at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Stadium Event Manager at Marvel Stadium, and Event Operations Coordinator at Tennis Australia.Lots to look out for, including how to break into the US sports industry, skills needed to manage large-scale events, and how to effectively manage and lead.Enjoy the episode!We cover:(01:25) Who is Eray Saban?(02:38) Reuben & Ryan welcome(07:40) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?(11:45) Get to know Eray: Quick-Fire Questions(15:25) Who are ASM Global?(19:45) Journey from China to the US following his role at Marvel Stadium(25:05) How Eray navigates the safety and well-being of crowds at large events(30:29) Things people wouldn’t know about event management(31:25) How Eray transitioned to living to the US(33:27) Application process for an NFL stadium(35:45) What to know about the US Visa process(39:29) How Eray used LinkedIn and networking to get hired for overseas roles(44:39) How differentiating yourself will get you your dream roles(47:53) Similarities and differences between the AFL and NFL(52:07) The investment that goes into public safety(53:35) Challenges as an event manager(58:14) How Eray has dealt with the transition into leadership(1:01:09) Advice that has shaped Eray’s leadership skills(1:03:24) One action that you can do to start your event management career(1:06:27) ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional episodes you may enjoy:#41: Eray Saban (Marvel Stadium) - How to Launch your Career in Event Management#208: Kerry Gassner - How to make a career change into the sports industry---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Shayla Clarke, Audience Growth & Engagement Coordinator at the Richmond Football Club. Shayla started her career with the Tigers, and over 6 years tasted premiership success, as well as growth in multiple roles. Lots to look out for including how to get a job in the AFL, how to progress and be promoted at work, what it’s like working at the MCG on match days for close to 100,000 fans, and how to engage the huge fan base of the Richmond footy club. We cover:(01:00) Who is Shayla Clarke?(01:52) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?(05:17) Shayla’s secret side-hustle(06:55) Get to know Shayla: Quick-Fire Questions(09:57) What working in Fan Engagement at Richmond FC involves(13:27) Shayla’s career journey to this position(18:27) What at match day at the MCG with Richmond looks like(22:47) What to do when things on match day don’t go to plan(24:27) Planning for the 2024 ANZAC Day Eve match(27:07) How to create new fans of a football club(29:28) Richmond’s multicultural programs(30:37) What it’s like to win an AFL grand final as a staff member(36:52) Skills needed to work in Fan Engagement in the AFL(39:51) Shayla’s advice to her younger self at the start of her career(42:07) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episodes you may enjoy:#38: Grand Final Special - BTS of the 2020 AFL Premiership with Kevin Wilson from Richmond FC#59: Fan Engagement at the Sydney Sixers with Aaron Wharton#238: Journey to Diversity & Inclusion Consultant with Rana Hussain---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet the legend that is Chloe Dalton, Founder of The Female Athlete Project. Chloe's remarkable journey as an athlete and an advocate includes clinching a gold medal in Rugby 7s at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and growing The Female Athlete Project to 125k followers.Chloe is an outstanding leader championing gender equality and empowering female athletes worldwide, using her platform to elevate the visibility of women’s sports.Chloe’s now a 2x published author, and The Female Athlete Project has become Australia's fastest-growing women’s sport platform.Plenty to look out for including her journey as an athlete, the origins of TFAP, the team and business model behind the scenes, the impact she’s having in the athlete community, how she responds to ‘the standards not good enough’ and ‘why should they be paid the same?’ Not to mention her candid approach to dealing with trolls!We cover:(01:00) Who is Chloe Dalton?(02:20) Reuben & Ryan welcome(04:50) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?(07:39) Chloe’s early life as Physiotherapist(10:35) Get to know Chloe: Quick-Fire Questions(13:06) How Chloe’s career as an athlete took off(18:56) Chloe’s transition from Rugby 7s to AFLW(22:02) What inspired the birth of The Female Athlete Project?(25:17) How Chloe learnt the skills to be a content creator and business owner(29:14) The challenges that come with promoting female sport online(33:39) How Chloe deals with internet trolls(40:22) What impact of The Female Athlete Project looks like(42:47) How Chloe impacted equal pay for Paralympians(45:26) What’s in store for the future of The Female Athlete(47:47) How The Female Athlete Project makes money(50:27) What role will The Female Athlete Project play in the evolution of sport?(53:27) The biggest lesson Chloe’s learnt on her TFAP journey(56:22) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episodes you may enjoy:#238: Journey to Sports Diversity & Inclusion Consultant with Rana Hussain---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Elle Steele, the National Project Manager for Disability Sports Australia’s ‘Building Inclusive Sport Clubs’ Program. Beyond her day-to-day gig, Elle is also a Paralympian, Founder, TEDx speaker, and inclusion advocate. If you're interested in a career in the diversity & inclusion space, you're going to love this episode.We dive deep into her main initiative, the ‘Building Inclusive Sport Clubs’ program, where her goal is to promote the access and inclusion of people with disabilities in sporting clubs across Australia.Heaps to look out for, including Elle’s career journey, how to make your organisation more accessible and inclusive, learnings from being a Paralympian, and how Elle wishes everyone would view those with a disability. If you want to get involved at Disability Sports Australia’s ‘Building Inclusive Sport Clubs’ forum, register your interest here: https://bit.ly/4bNnSjv, or email Elle at elle.steele1@vu.edu.au---We cover:(00:48) Who is Elle Steele?(01:50) Welcome(03:36) What's happening in the SportsGrad Community?(08:11) Welcome Elle!(09:11) Quick-Fire Questions(14:26) Elle’s role at Disability Sports Australia(20:27) Promoting disability inclusion at organisations and clubs(21:59) Elle’s journey and her mission(26:20) Challenges in Elle’s personal life and career(32:25) Transition from professional swimming to rugby(35:23) Lessons from competing at a Paralympic level(47:29) How sport organisations can practice disability inclusivity(52:18) How you can get involved in DSA’s ‘Building Inclusive Sport Clubs’ Forum in March(55:37) Elle’s message for the world(58:39) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episodes you may enjoy:#116: Matt Levy, Paralympic Gold Medallist#145: Anna Livingston, Tennis Australia Chief Diversity & People Officer---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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!Lots to look out for including how to progress within an organisation, how to be an effective manager, and what it’s like being a part of a championship team.If you enjoy this episode, come along to the Brisbane SportsGrad meetup on the 7th of March and listen to Pete in-person, where he is going to be a panellist.Enjoy the episode!---We cover:(00:54) - Pete’s introduction(01:59) - Welcome!(03:51) - Meetup recap(08:20) - Community Updates(12:45) - Welcome Pete!(15:47) - Quick-fire questions(20:03) - Pete’s career journey to get to Queensland Cricket(22:22) - What Pete looks for when hiring(24:39) - How Pete’s role has evolved over 10 years(27:32) - How Pete overcomes challenges at work(32:22) - Managing the announcement of AB de Villiers(35:52) - Career highlights(36:34) - In-season vs off-season day(39:16) - The impact that the success of the Big Bash has on yearly outcomes(44:02) - Why the Heat prioritise in-match experience(46:57) - How Pete cultivates a team environment where people stay for years(49:52) - Skills needed to be a General Manager(54:32) - Benefits of being with an organisation for a decade(55:37) - Advice from Pete(57:19) - ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episode you may enjoy:#244 - Katie Staniforth (Cricket Australia) - Event Manager at Cricket Australia---Want a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Barbara Sikorski, the Global Head of Media Operations at SailGP.Barbara is far from a stranger to international events. Previous to SailGP, she has worked at the likes of the 2016 Rio Olympics, the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and the International Paralympic Committee.She is now on the epic team at SailGP, where she manages everything to do with the media operations for the global event.Lots to look out for in this episode, such as what it’s like working at major events all over the world, lessons she has learned from her experiences at the Olympics, and advice on how to work in Media Operations like her.If you enjoy this episode and hearing Barbara’s journey, you can come along and meet her in person at our Sydney meetup on the 15th of February, where she’ll be joining us as a guest speaker.Enjoy the episode!...Timestamps:(00:40) - Introduction(05:56) - Community Update(10:10) - Welcome Barbara!(10:58) - Quick Fire Questions(20:37) - When Barbara knew she wanted to travel the world(26:22) - The major events Barbara has worked on(31:47) - What it’s like working at SailGP(34:07) - Who SailGP are and their purpose(37:22) - How SailGP is working towards gender equity(41:48) - Lessons Barbara has learnt throughout her career(46:57) - Comparing the Olympics to SailGP(50:25) - Working at SailGP highlights(57:00) - Advice for those wanting to work in Media Operations(59:34) - Additional episode recommendations(1:01:17) - ASK SPORTSGRAD...Additional episodes you may like:#256: Meet the SailGP staff on the ground in Saint-Tropez#228: Melissa Lawton (SailGP) - Journey to Chief Content OfficerWant a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Ankita Karungalekar, Sports Presenter for the Mumabi Indians, Cricket Australia, and KOJO.Reuben met Ankita on a whim at the end of 2022, where she told him that being a Cricket Presenter was her 2 year goal. Inspired by Rana Hussain presenting at the T20 World Cup in Adelaide, she thought to herself, “why couldn’t I do this too?”.Less than a year later, she found herself standing on the same oval, doing the same thing as her inspiration and now mentor.She is also killing it in the social media space, using her personal brand to promote her sports presenting and grow her career.Lots to look out for, including how to land your dream job, how to work overseas, and what a day in the life looks like when working at the IPL and Cricket Australia.We’re stoked to be back in 2024 - let’s go!___We cover:(01:39) - Introduction(07:12) - SportsGrad Talent update(08:27) - Community Update(13:27) - Welcome Ankita(18:05) - Quick Fire Questions(23:42) - Challenges Ankita identified when moving to Australia(25:38) - When Ankita realised her dream to work as a presenter(29:11) - How Ankita landed her first sports presenting role(33:59) - What it’s like working for the Mumbai Indians and the IPL(40:45) - Ankita’s tips for dealing with imposter syndrome(44:42) - What it’s like working for Cricket Australia/KOJO(49:07) - How Ankita takes inspiration from other presenters and the essential skills needed.(57:36) - How Rana Hussain is now a mentor for Ankita.(1:01:08) - Ankita’s advice for her younger self(1:04:39) - ASK SPORTSGRADAdditional Episodes you may enjoy:#104 - Marc Ohlmus (Sky Racing) - How to grow a career from communications#238 - Rana Hussain - Journey to Sport Diversity & Inclusion ConsultantWant a weekly dose of career inspo? Get industry stories, upcoming events, and the latest sports jobs in your inbox each Friday.👉 Subscribe to the SportsGrad NewsletterThe SportsGrad Community connects Members to peers, professionals, events, jobs, and development opportunities. Join as a Rookie or Pro Member.👉 Become a SportsGrad MemberWant our recruitment insights? Hiring Managers, get the SportsGrad Talent newsletter👉 Subscribe to SportsGrad TalentFollow us on Instagram and TikTok!This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.auThanks for listening! You’re all legends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.