Olympians, Australian captains and media personalities are inspiring the next wave of elite female athletes.
The Schoolgirls’ Breakfast Career Experience Day was hosted by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management (Griffith Business School) and the School of Engineering.
Professor Graham Cuskelly said it’s a chance for students to understand that careers in sport extend further than just being an elite athlete. In fact, the majority of sports-focused students will find a job in various other roles making up the industry.
“This event provides a chance to explore their options,” Professor Cuskelly said.
“Whether that be in administrating, marketing, officiating, communications, engineering or something else.”
The event has been held on the Gold Coast for the past seven years, but 2017 marked the first time the Nathan campus had played host.
In front of an audience of Brisbane students, experts delved into career opportunities and the challenges of balancing sport and study.
Among those sharing their wisdom were media personality AnneMarie White OAM, Olympians Naomi McCarthy OAM and Liz Hepple, Matildas captain Clare Polkinghorne and experts from Griffith University.
After the opportunity to hear from the panel, students participated in a range of workshops focused on personal branding, staging major sporting events and the development of sports technology.
Year 10 student Natalie was among those participating in the event.
While her sports focus is swimming, she’s also looking at a career in physiotherapy or exercise science, and is considering coaching too.
“I enjoyed hearing the panellists talk about how to balance school work with sport,” she said – a juggling act she’s already familiar with.
“My coach is really flexible, if you need an afternoon off you can make it up later.”
The Schoolgirls’ Breakfast Career Experience Day also provides an opportunity for young women to find out about Griffith’s Sport College and the support available to students who do compete at an elite level.