Natalie is a current Diploma of Sport (Sport Development)/Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50319/BSB51918) student, a course delivered in collaboration with Richmond Football Club and Swinburne University of Technology.
Students have now been in the program for six months, with some becoming heavily immersed inside the four walls of an elite sporting club.
When asked about her experience so far in the program, Natalie emphasises that it is an incredibly supportive environment.
“This is such an incredible and unique course,” she said.
“I have never felt so happy walking into class each week, eager to learn and wanting to get involved in any opportunity possible.”
The learning material delivered in the dual diploma is purposeful, with a lot of content being transferred into a working environment.
“It is great to be able to take what we learn from our classes and implement them in not only our placements but our jobs and personal life,” Natalie added.
Natalie is currently completing a VFL Internship with Richmond Football Club, with her role primarily focused on the organisation of game days.
Natalie was recognised as a hardworking student by her teachers, and after performing well in her placements, she was elevated to Team Leader in the VFL Internship role.
“My role is organising ticketing each week for home games,” she said.
“This includes all sorts of administrative tasks such as printing run sheets, rostering staff, and ensuring that there are enough COVID-19 QR codes displayed around the club grounds.
“On game days, I assist with managing staffing around the venue, playing the team songs, and assisting with queries from attendees.”
Students can select from a range of placements with Richmond Football Club, Aligned Leisure and the Richmond Institute’s sports industry network to complete the required 140 hours of industry placement.
The course offers overall assistance to help students build their individual professional profiles to stand out from the crowd when applying for future jobs.
“I feel very privileged that I was chosen for this internship to assist in organising all logistics around the VFL,” Natalie added.
“It is an amazing opportunity (and it has been) providing me with the confidence to grow and the ability to take on more responsibilities.
“It has supported my professional growth in giving me connections within the Richmond Football Club.”
Natalie will continue her internship for the remainder of the 2021 VFL season.
