Students from Bond University's sports management program were given an inside look into their chosen vocation this week, participating in the 2014 Sports Professionals Summit hosted by the Gold Coast City Council.
The Summit, held at the Bond Institute of Health and Sport, was attended by a wide variety of professionals from the sporting industry across a range of sporting codes, and aimed to provide a platform for participants to share their perspective with fellow industry colleagues.
Liz Muenchow, Senior Development Officer in Recreational Services at Gold Coast City Council, said the event was an annual opportunity for like-minded individuals to discuss opportunities and challenges faced in delivering quality grassroots sport for the Gold Coast.
"The 2014 Sports Professionals Summit was an opportunity for individuals who work in State or Local government, and State or Regional sporting bodies, to come together to review policy, discuss various issues, as well as share ideas for a successful future of local sport," said Ms Muenchow.
"The City of Gold Coast has a fantastic collaborative relationship with Bond University, and through our Leaseholder Sustainability Framework provides opportunities for Bond students to apply their knowledge in a real situations which provide actual benefit to the community."
The Sports Professionals Summit provided an invaluable chance for students from Bond University's Bachelor of Sports Management to network with sporting industry experts, and receive constructive advice and feedback from people working in their chosen field of study.
Two current Bond University students attended the Summit as representatives of the University, as well as two recent graduates from Bond who are already working in sporting roles on the Gold Coast.
Mat Hey, who is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Sports Management, said the Summit was a great opportunity to network with industry stakeholders.
"The Sports Professionals Summit provided me with useful information about sporting programs and initiatives currently in place on the Gold Coast, and was an insightful look into possible career paths for me after graduation," Mat said.
"Through Bond University, I am currently completing an internship at the Gold Coast City Council, which has given me a hands-on experience working in sports management."
Recent Bond University graduate, Josh Hanlon, said the Summit was a great opportunity to further his knowledge by gaining valuable insight into issues within the industry.
"Having interned at the Athlete Management Company throughout my studies, I already had some practical experience when I finished my degree, but attending events such as the Sports Professionals Summit is a great way to keep up to date with various programs and initiatives in place on the Gold Coast," said Josh.
"The theory I learnt throughout the course of my degree at Bond University really linked in with workplace practice, which made it an easy transition into my career in fitness consulting."
Alan Marquez, who graduated from Bond's sports management program in 2011, also attended the Summit in his capacity as local club coordinator at Football Gold Coast.
"As local club coordinator at Football Gold Coast my role is to ensure the ten soccer clubs in the local area function to the best of their ability, by assisting them with the daily running of the clubs, coordinating volunteers, assisting with securing grants, and other administrative support to make sure each individual clubs runs smoothly," Alan said.
"The Sports Professionals Summit was a great opportunity for me in my current role to keep the lines of communication open with the Gold Coast City Council, so that I can continue to provide the best service possible in my role at Football Gold Coast."
ENDS