What can Amelia do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
I have worked in a wide variety of retail jobs for the majority of my high school and university years. This included Maccas, Typo, Platypus, Supre, and Mecca.
This summer, I was lucky enough to work at the Australian Open with Mecca, ensuring fans and spectators were being sun smart as Mecca was the sunscreen sponsor of the event.
Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?
In the Cotton On Group, which Typo and Supre are under, they take their KPIs very seriously. Especially getting customers to sign up to the Perks program and an ideal benchmark for that is a 1;20 ratio for the day, one day I ended the day on a 1;7 ratio.
Another KPI that is super important in the group is donations to the Cotton On Foundation or as the staff call it "foundy". When I worked at Typo, I worked at a smaller store and would frequently work alone so it was really up to me to ensure the KPIs were strong when on shift.
An ideal foundation ratio is about a 1:5 - 1:7. I would frequently get it down to a 1:3 or 1:2 ratio. I would find what works for me is being up to date on my information and making the customers feel really comfortable when I would be serving them at POS and ensuring they were recieving great customer service from the moment they walked in.
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
I have sufficient Office skills, great with Word and PowerPoint, but can struggle from time to time with Excel. I prefer PowerBI but it doesn't bother me either way.
I loved using Canva at uni when I got the chance too. In terms of industry-specific skills, I have a strong understanding of the Fair Work Act (2009) and would read into it frequently for assignments, as well as OHS, workplace relations, and other Australian workplace legislation. Due to my long stints in retail which have given me an understanding and respect of the general public and how to best deal with tricky situations or scenarios, as well as, teamwork and reliability.
What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?
Microsoft Office
Power BI
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
I have an Associate's degree from RMIT University in Business
Bachelor's degree in Business with a major in Human Resource Management also from RMIT University.
I care about the people in my life, and I love seeing the people I care about and have relationships with succeed, grow, and develop.
I think people should take a punt on me because I genuinely really care. I care to learn, I care to ask questions. And I think that is so important, especially in HR roles. HR is hard and full of tricky conversations, and I want to make people feel as comfortable as possible when theyre with me. I'm a very passionate person in so many facets of my life that I think it's a great direction for me to go in.
What steps has Amelia taken to break into the sport industry?
Firstly, joining SportsGrad. I have also tried to connect with some people on LinkedIn who have connections in the industry and try to speak to them or catch up with them when I can. In my final semester of uni I had to choose an elective and I chose "Understanding Sports Media" and it was one of the best classes I did during my entire uni stint. That class gave me a lot of interesting insights and connections.
Amelia’s interest in sport all started thanks to her Dad
I have always had a deep love of sport. I have been an avid Essendon supporter for as long as I can remember, all thanks to my dad. I think supporting a team that has gone through some really tough times genuinely builds character. My dad, who has seen more success in his life than I think I ever will, often says to me "One day it'll turn, and when it does it'll so so good" and I eagerly await that time and I know it will eventually come. My love of footy has been something that is really special in my relationships, especially with my dad, partner, and his dad. Although the latter two are Collingwood supporters and cause many an argument, I know for the most part what I'm talking about. I also played netball for about 10 years and really loved it, but had to stop due to injury and then Covid. When I can, I'll watch the Super Netball, specifically the Melbourne Vixens, and their recent premiership was so special to watch. I witnessed their win on a flight back from Sydney after my dad and I went up there to go to the footy and had to stop myself from cheering on the plane. Footy and Netball aren't just my loves, though. I love cricket, especially test cricket. I really enjoy tennis when it's in Melbourne and can't go past the F1, even better when it's in my own backyard - quite literally.
Where does Amelia want to go?
Next six-12 months | Next 5-10 years |
|---|---|
Within the next 6-12 months, I would love to be in a role where I feel great being in it, I feel comfortable, I know what I'm doing, but still know I can ask questions. One where I can build practical experience in people and organisational operations but also gain a greater understand of how these workplaces are actually run and the best ways to support the people working there, whether thats the athletes, coaching staff or the people behind the scenes. | In 5–10 years, I would like to establish myself as an experienced People and Culture or HR professional within the sports industry, contributing to workforce strategy, employee engagement, and fostering and promoting a high-performance culture. I would like to be working in a role where I can combine the traditional HR roles and values with practical and well-intentioned HR initiatives to support athletes, staff, and volunteers, and help shape inclusive and sustainable sporting organisations. Over time, I would like to progress into a more senior leadership position where I can influence organisational culture and long-term people strategy. |
What sporting problem keeps Amelia up at night, and how would they solve it?
There are a few, but mental health & wellbeing in high-performance environments is important to me. Mental health and wellbeing is important regardless of what profession youre in and there needs to be better pathways and resources for the average person but in a high performance world its even more important. I recently listened to Dan Gorringe from Dan Does Footy on the Inherited podcast by Shameless Media and his explanation of what those sort of environments are like and how they can really impact young people, especially, was really mind-boggling. While elite sport demands high standards, many athletes and staff struggle with burnout, pressure, and transition out of sport. Ultimately, I would like to contribute to building systems and cultures that support mental health, career development and long-term wellbeing, using people-focused programs to ensure individuals can thrive both on and off the field.
What is Amelia like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
One where it's okay to make mistakes or misteps, but there is still accountability. One full of trust, respect, and fun!!!
There's an expectation to get work done efficiently and effectivley but can also have a laugh with each other.
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
My mum passed away really unexpectedly and horrifically in 2020 when I was 16 and in year 11. It was during stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne when you essentially couldn't leave the house. I, understandly was a shell of myself, but I will always be proud of myself that I still showed up for school every day. Although it may not seem like much, it was 100% the hardest thing I had to go through. It taught me a lot, and it was really hard, but I did it. And it did it enough that I graduated year 12 and got to go on to do uni, which at the time of her death and when I was so deep in grief, I didn't think would be possible.
What about Amelia’s interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
AFL
Netball
Cricket
F1
Going to the gym to clear my mind
Cooking
Catching up with my friends - especially when we get to celebrate a milestone.
I love doing my hair and makeup, fashion, and shopping.
What is your favourite sporting moment?
Scott Boland 6/7 at the MCG or Essendon vs Richmond, Dreamtime at the G 2023, when Essendon won in the dying seconds, and my dad was excited, he kissed a random man.
One that will always be incredibly special to me, though, was 2017, round 1, Essendon vs Hawthorn. Essendon's comeback game after the 34 had been banned for a year. The grit and determination were so inspiring.
What’s your ideal holiday?
I recently came back from a trip to Noosa and it was exactly what I needed. Being by the beach, warm weather, good food, and beautiful scenery. That or going to London for the shopping, the sightseeing, the touristy things.
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
Tim Watson, I would love to know about his perspective on his playing days as well as the Dons drug saga, as he was in a very unique position: father of club captain Jobe, Essendon legend himself, and then in the limelight as the Channel 7 sports reporter on the 6 o'clock news every night.
What’s book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
The Imperfects. That podcast has helped me personally in so many ways. Showed me it's okay to not be a perfect person because no one truly is, and that vulnerability is actually cool and nothing to be frowned upon and can actually help you out personally and professionally.
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Living in Melbourne. Ideally staying in Melbourne but would be opening to move
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
I want to learn, have a great manager and team who are supportive of growth, and care about each other.
What questions does Amelia have for employers?
What would success look like in this role in the first 6 months?
What are the key challenges the team is currently facing?
How does this role support athletes, staff or the broader sporting community?
How does the organisation support learning and career development for early-career employees?
How would you describe the culture of the organisation?
How does the organisation support wellbeing and work-life balance in a high-performance environment?
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