Age: 25
Former position: Counsellor for youth in care.

Skills: Degree in Counselling and Youth Services, three years experience as a Counsellor, two years experience as a Residential Care Worker and now a Diploma in Sport Development and Certificate IV in Sport Coaching.

Job sought: Professional Coach (swimming / soccer).

Dream job: I want to assist young people as they grow and mature. I was working for three years as a Counsellor for youth however realised this was not how I wanted to help. Playing and coaching sport has always been part of my life but I hadn’t thought about taking it seriously and mixing it into my career.

Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) offered a Diploma of Sport Development and Certificate IV in Sport Coaching so it was while learning about these courses that then I decided to return to study.

I learnt invaluable skills in communicating with youth, adults, athletes with a disability and all of the theory and practical experience needed to nurture athletes and sporting teams from good to GREAT! With my new qualifications I have been hired by River City Swimming Club and Somerville House School as an Assistant/Junior Coach. I am now confident that with the help I have received from Southbank Institute I can turn my once hobby into a dream job.

I never wanted to study straight after high school; I always thought I was going to go straight into basic admin work… that was until I saw the Southbank Institute of Technology listing in the QTAC guide and thought it sounded like exactly what I was after.

What was your reason for studying and why did you choose Southbank Institute?

Southbank Institute of Technology was the only VET provider that offered the Diploma of Management and Diploma of Sport and Recreation course. The focus seemed to be more sport-based [management] rather than just business orientated, and in order to get employment in the sporting industry at more of a management role, I knew this course mix could help get me there.

How do you find the teachers and course structure?

The teachers at Southbank Institute were really qualified and had hands-on experience in the sporting industry, rather than just in business. Their teaching methods are great. The practicality of the subjects in the course became really clear when I went into work placement. The subjects I had covered in class were closely related to the skills that were needed to be in a management role in the sporting organisation and in the sporting field.

What has been your Southbank Institute highlight to date?

The opportunity to network within industry. The teachers push you to make contacts out there in the field. There are no limitations to go out and meet other people and you really learn just how important these networks can be – whether it is for employment, advice or other relationship-building opportunities.