The power of an internship is undeniable, as shown by the recent experiences of five Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) interns, all of whom were exposed to exciting real-world sports industry experiences during their internships in 2022.
An integral component of transitioning from studying to the workforce, internships allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in the real world, develop professional connections, and establish themselves in the workforce.
For CGA interns Alexander Ratcliffe, Madeleine Wright, Madeleine Barras, Brad Marais and Tiana Schurmann, the exciting opportunities now available to them are a testament of the benefits from their time as a CGA intern.
While 2022 proved to be especially thrilling with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games providing a range of unique experiences for all interns, the CGA internship program is one which is designed to challenge and grow interns, while exposing them to the sport industry at any stage of a Games cycle.
Included with the internship opportunities provided by CGA is the eqUIP program run by the Commonwealth Games Federation. This program has been providing opportunities for tertiary students since 2014 helping them make positive contributions to their communities through sport.
With more than 100 placements in 25 CGAs across five regions, this program had its debut in Oceania in 2022 with Barras, who as a part of her role, travelled with the Australian Team to experience the Birmingham Games firsthand.
“I was lucky enough to attend the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with the Aussie team as the Community Engagement Coordinator, and CGA really care about giving you valuable experiences and opportunities that will best set you up for your career,” said Barras.
Wright, who was employed as a Digital Content and Communications Producer at CGA following the completion of her internship, acknowledged the exposure that her placement provided.
“The opportunities I experienced during my internship and time as an employee to meet other members of the sporting industry were unlimited,” said Wright.
“Having the opportunity to join the CGA team and help out during the Games after my internship had concluded, was an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Meanwhile Ratcliffe, who was recently appointed as the Social Media and Content Coordinator at Melbourne FC, acknowledged the depth of his placement beyond the technical components.
“My time as an intern at CGA allowed me to grow not only as a person, but also professionally, as I was given the support and development to improve my skills and ability through a number of aspects, which have all helped me gain full time employment since the completion of my internship,” said Ratcliffe.
“The skills, experience, and great memories I made will carry with me throughout my next chapter and will help me work at the highest level throughout my career.”
For Marais, a Victorian Institute of Sport hockey player currently competing in England, the internship experience allowed him to foster and grow his professional networks, exposing him to the wider sporting workforce.
“Whilst I gained experience in a range of different skills, including article writing, content creation and strategy development, the best thing about interning at CGA is the friends you’ll make and the contacts you’ll gain,” said Marais.
“I would recommend an internship with CGA as it provides that opportunity to gain experience in a range of areas, including marketing, community engagement as well as strategy development.”
Since completing her internship, Barras has gained full time employment as an Account Executive – Communications at TLA, a sports talent and marketing agency, crediting the internship program with providing an environment focused on development and support.
“The professional experiences and connections you make at a peak sporting body such as CGA as an intern are truly priceless – I couldn’t recommend the program enough!” said Barras.
Schurmann meanwhile, is finishing her degree and working as a gymnastics coach for one of the largest clubs in Victoria, where she has also recently been appointed Social Media Coordinator.
“My time at CGA was invaluable, they were incredibly welcoming and supportive from day one and I couldn’t recommend their internship program enough! The skills I learnt from the CGA team have aided me in beginning my professional career in an industry I love!”
The Commonwealth Games Australia internship program allows students to develop industry knowledge, experience the sport industry firsthand and enhance the expertise gained during their studies.
Commonwealth Games Australia has Victorian-based intern positions available in 2023 for current tertiary students undertaking degrees in sport management, communications, marketing and/or media degrees or similar.
For access to the position description please email alexandra.cole@commonwealthgames.com.au by Friday January 27, 2023.
With thanks to the 2022 Commonwealth Games Australia Interns:
- Tiana Schurmann – Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Media Communications at Monash University
- Madeleine Wright – Bachelor of Exercise Sports Science and Business Management at Deakin
- Alexander Ratcliffe – Bachelor of Sports Business at Holmesglen
- Brad Marais – Bachelor of Business and Marketing at Monash University. Victorian Institute of Sport Scholarship (Hockey)
- Madeleine Barras – Bachelor of Communications and PR at RMIT
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