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The SportsGrad Podcast: The Ultimate Guide to Make it in the Sports Industry
Each week we learn how people made it in sports and tease out their career decisions, work habits, skills, everything they do that makes them great. All so you can learn how to get in, get promoted, and get thriving in the sports industry.
Latest episode
#281: Journey to Head of Media Rights at Cricket Australia with Abhi Arunachalam
01:09:16Meet Abhi Arunachalam, the Head of Media Rights at Cricket Australia.Abhi started his career as a corporate lawyer, then after 6 years in private practice he made the jump to sport, landing a secondment role at the AFL as an in-house Lawyer. This gave him a foot into sport and launched his career at Cricket Australia.In Abhi’s 9 years at CA, he’s made a few internal moves, proving you don’t have to sit still in the job you’ve got. When he started at CA, he joined as a Legal Counsel, then he moved to the Big Bash Leagues team as Strategy & Planning Director, and now he’s transitioned into Media Rights.Lots to look out for including how to transition across industries and departments, plus the ins and outs of working in Media Rights.If you like this episode, you can come and hear more about Abhi’s story in person at our Melbourne Meetup! He’ll be one of the guest speakers on May 10th, so make sure you grab a ticket via our website and come along.Enjoy the episode!We cover:(00:43) Who is Abhi Arunachalam? (01:59) Welcome! (04:03) What’s happening inside the SportsGrad Community - meetup announcements, member intakes and community wins! (07:40) Welcome to the SportsGrad Podcast Abhi (11:05) Quick-fire questions (17:47) What does Abhi do in his role as Head of Media Rights? (21:49) Strategies and approaches Abhi utilises to grow cricket’s reach (25:00) What drew Abhi to media rights (27:09) How media rights are established and fold out over a period of time(34:17) What were the series of jobs and experiences that lead him to Cricket Australia (39:46) How he transitioned through different roles at the AFL(44:30) Challenges with changing industries and departments(47:10) Navigating imposter syndrome(50:09) How has Abhi changed personally over the past ten years(53:20) How Abhi strives to be a good manager and the types of people he looks for to be in his team(57:50) Advice for Abhi’s younger self (01:04:01) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episode you may enjoy:#148: Andrew Ryan (FIBA) - How to sell sports media rights---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.
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#280: How to get a sports marketing job in the English Premier League with Alex King
57:37Meet 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. Enjoy the episode!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#276: How to land a dream job at FIFA with Jack Coles---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.
#279: How to be a freelance videographer in sports with Michael Barker
59:59Meet 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.
#278: How to become a SportsGrad Member in 2024
40:48Hello 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.
#277: Journey from Event Coordinator in Melbourne to NFL Stadium Director for the Jacksonville Jaguars with Eray Saban
01:11:10Meet 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.
#276: How to land a dream job at FIFA with Jack Coles
01:00:52Meet Jack Coles, Project Lead at FIFA Sound.FIFA Sound organises all of the music you hear for FIFA, whether that be the brand music on TV, music for the ceremonies and fan festivals, or working alongside artists and the music industry - to create an atmosphere and identity at all FIFA events.In today’s episode, Jack walks us through what it’s like to work at the FIFA headquarters, what his role involves, and how they work to create a lasting impact at FIFA tournaments.Lots to look out for, including how to go from a volunteer role to a FIFA Project Lead (without a uni degree), navigating a career change after 10 years in an industry, and the skills needed to work at one of the largest associations in the world.Enjoy the episode!We cover:(00:42) Who is Jack Coles?(01:41) Reuben & Ryan welcome(04:42) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?(07:12) What it’s like working at the FIFA headquarters(09:59) Get to know Jack: Quick-Fire Questions(15:40) How Jack took risks and swapped industries to begin his career in sport(22:18) Jack’s role at FIFA Staffing and what they were responsible for(24:20) How Jack moved to FIFA Sound and began working on the 2022 World Cup(25:54) What is FIFA Sound and what is Jack’s role?(33:05) How game atmospheres, identities, and operations are created through the music played(37:00) How FIFA Sound works with music artists to benefit both them and the football community(40:36) Challenges that Jack has to navigate in his role(44:42) What a day in the life looks like for Jack(47:27) How FIFA Sound works with the fan festivals to contribute to the tournament’s impact(48:57) The most important skills to work in a role like Jack’s(52:35) Lessons that Jack would pass on to those wanting to get into the industry(55:35) ASK SPORTSGRAD---Additional episode you may enjoy:#185 - Sam Hickson (Football Australia) - Living the dream with the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers---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.au
#275: Running match days at the Richmond Football Club with Shayla Clarke
47:14Meet 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.