In my short time at Richmond Institute, I have had the opportunity to work in professional sports environments and create lifelong friendships with my peers! I took the risk of deferring my university degree to come and study at Richmond Institute which was the best decision I have made. The environment and culture have allowed me to thrive in my studies and have set me up for a better future within the sports industry.
I have had the opportunity to work at events such as the Australian Grand Prix! My role was patron services where I stood on the grandstand and assisted patrons to their seats as well as assisting with any general enquiries that they had. I was exhausted by the end as I worked long days for all four days, but it was such a surreal experience and has ignited a love in me for Formula 1. A highlight from the event was the start of the Grand Prix race as I got to watch from the start and finish line! The atmosphere around me was electric and something I had never experienced before.
Placements at Richmond Institute has been one of the most memorable parts of the course as it has exposed me to many industry experts who I have learned so much from in such a short space of time. The placement has been better than I had expected as I have discovered so many new passions from the opportunities I have taken when I had never explored them previously.
My current placements at Richmond Institute are Match Day Experience Officer at the Richmond Football Club and as event staff at Spark Event Group, which provided me the opportunity to work at the Australian Grand Prix. Placement for the Richmond Football Club has also been an incredible experience as I have been working in the events team for the past few rounds of the AFL seasons. Roles in the events team include greeting and mingling with some of Richmond’s most passionate members and assisting in the operation of the membership events such as Club XIII and the 3121 events. I have also had opportunities to volunteer at events such as the Herald Sun Run for Kids where I worked at a first aid station. This provided me a great deal of satisfaction knowing I had helped so many participants throughout their journey along the run.
I have really enjoyed placements being a component of the course as it has allowed me to gain hands-on experience whilst also applying what I’m learning in the classroom. Placement also allows me to connect with industry experts which ensures I am gaining the knowledge required for when I eventually move into a career within the sports industry. Richmond Institute has been such an eye-opening experience so far and I cannot wait to find out what more there is on offer!
If I were to give any advice to future students, it would be to say yes to any placement that comes your way and that if you are unsure whether you like the opportunity or not, to still say yes to it anyways as you never know what you like until you try it. I have discovered hidden passions that I did not know existed until I completed placements in certain fields so make sure you apply yourself and really engage in all the opportunities that Richmond Institute has to offer. Connect with all your peers, teachers, and industry experts and you will really set yourself up for a fulfilling year. The most important piece of advice though is to have fun and make plenty of friends!
This article was written by Connor Kilgour, a current Diploma of Sport/Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50321/BSB50420) student studying in collaboration with Swinburne University of Technology and the Richmond Football Club.
