Western Sydney University students and alumni collaborate to open doors to success

Alumni from Western Sydney University are teaming up with students, sharing their insights to set them up for success as part of the Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) degree.

As part of the course, students are required to complete the Developing Sport Professionals subject to help them develop skills to transition to the workforce after they complete their degree.

Dr Michelle O’Shea, Senior Lecturer with the School of Business, says that the subject challenges students with new experiences they have never faced before while being provided with extensive support to guide them through and excel.

During the subject, students work with their industry supervisor and a sports management academic to develop a learning contract, as a way to help them work towards agreed personal and professional goals. It also helps to set expectations, develop negotiation skills and build confidence.

“Students can often sell themselves short, and this subject can help them build the confidence they need to go forward into the workforce,” said Dr O’Shea.

Stanhope Gardens resident and Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) student, Cooper Barter, has always been involved in sports, so when he discovered the degree towards the end of Year 12, the decision was easy.

“I have been an avid sports lover and have been involved in sports in some way by playing, watching, or coaching. Sport has played a major role in my life,” said Cooper.

“When I found out that I could combine a business degree with a focus on the sports industry, it excited me.”

Cooper knew that he would be working with a member of the University’s alumni community, which he says helped ease some of the concerns and anxieties.

“Knowing I would be working with someone who had made the transition from being a student to a professional filled me with confidence. It made me more confident of making the same transition in the future,” he said.

For Cooper, the highlight of his internship was the way that he was able to work across all areas of the state sporting organisation Tennis NSW. During his time with the group, he worked with the memberships, tennis development, marketing and communications teams.

“It was an invaluable experience as it allowed me to gain insights into each area and gave me the confidence to complete the rest of my studies knowing that I am prepared to build and enjoy a career in the sports industry post-graduation”.

Head of Marketing, Communications & Member Engagement at Tennis NSW, Tiarnna Spice recently supported Cooper through this process and enjoys the way that this process can be a mutually beneficial experience.

“It’s a two-way experience, where both parties have a chance to build a connection and learn from each other during the process,” said Tiarnna.

“Having younger voices come through keeps you in touch with the things that are important to young people, which is especially important to state sporting organisations like Tennis NSW.”

Tiarnna says she values her connection with Western and jumped at the chance to mentor the next generation of sports management professionals to keep in touch with the University that supported her during her own studies.

“I like to give my interns a project they can start and finish over the duration of their time with me at Tennis NSW, giving them the opportunity to see how things come to fruition, put into practice the theory they have been learning in class and share in the pride that comes with seeing a completed project,” she said.

Cooper recommends the Developing Sport Professionals subject to his fellow students as a way to gain practical experience and learn things that they don’t always learn in a classroom setting.

It’s helped him start to build his professional network, gain industry experience, and exposed him to potential professions within the industry when he is ready to start his career.

“I would like to thank Tiarnna and the team at Tennis NSW for welcoming me and making me feel part of the team. I would highly recommend it to all students as the hands-on experience is priceless” he said.

Dr O’Shea holds the Developing Sport Professionals subject close to her heart as it was the first subject she taught when she started her career at the University.

“Beyond the internship unit, alumni regularly visit to provide guest lecture sessions and contribute to program reviews, which further ensures our program speaks to the current and emerging needs of the sport industry,” said Dr O’Shea.

“Our alumni are so generous with their time and commitment to seeding the interests and knowledge of the next generation of sport professionals.”

Western Sydney University alumni have mentored, or are currently mentoring, current students at organisations including but not limited to:

ENDS

26 August 2024

Kathryn Bannon, Media Officer

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