What can Milan do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
I've worked as a Retail Team Member (Bakery) at Coles Supermarkets for 2 years and 9 months where I prepare, pack and label bakery products in a team-based environment to deliver high quality customer service.
Throughout the 2024-25 A-League season, I volunteered on matchdays for Western United FC in pre-match fan activations, ticket scanning, and stretcher bearing.
This year I will commence my role as an Academic Tutor & Mentor for VCE students via Art of Smart Education.
Across 2025 I served as Year 12 College Captain at Good News Lutheran College, where I will be interning on the College Board throughout 2026 in monthly meetings to conduct the affairs of the College.
Notably, I was recognised as an Australian Olympic Change Maker in September 2025 and as the One Wyndham Young Person of the Month for April 2025.
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
I currently do not hold technical or industry-specific skills, however I am looking to expand both my hard-skills through tertiary education and via the SportsGrad Method Program. I carry interpersonal soft-skills in areas of communication and leadership where I am committed to contributing to the success of the whole team through adaptability and critical thinking.
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
I am enrolled to study a Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) at Deakin University, projected to graduate at the end of 2028.
Other than this, I hold a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
I was also recognised as the One Wyndham Young Person of the Month for April 2025 and as an Australian Olympic Change Maker for 2025.
Time and time again I have used my youth as a strength in any pursuit that I follow. I bring fresh perspectives, longevity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn in the sport industry - one where I hold so much passion.
A key that separates me from others in the industry is my youth. Being a seventeen-year-old, I understand that my age may initially be seen as a liability - however time and time again I have used my youth as a strength in any pursuit that I follow. I bring fresh perspectives, longevity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn in the sport industry - one where I hold so much passion. Despite my age, I bring a mature work ethic, a high standard of responsibility, and exceptional communication skills. I've proven to be a proficient operator, regularly working with experienced professionals such as principals to deliver exceptional results.
What steps has Milan taken to break into the sport industry?
At the end of Year 11, I sent cold emails to sporting clubs with the hope to land casual or volunteer roles in. From the Geelong Cats in the AFL to Western United FC in the A-League. To my surprise, a response from Nathan Perrone (SportsGrad alumnus) saw myself land a volunteer gig at Western United. This was a big eye-opener to me that the sport industry is about WHO you know rather than WHAT you know.
Throughout the year, I kept following SportsGrad from watching reels to short podcast clips - gaining knowledge about breaking into the sport industry. I have actively used LinkedIn to discover individuals working in the industry, connecting with them, and learning about how they got where they are in their career.
And of course, joining the SportsGrad program is what I hope to be the pinnacle of breaking into and growing in the sports industry.
Milan’s interest in sport all started when they were young
Since I was young, sport has always acted as a vessel to connect me with my family, friends, and community. From watching the Geelong Cats and Melbourne Storm on a weekly basis with my dad, to travelling to the MCG with my friends to introduce them to the AFL - sport has always been a source of joy and passion for me. Notably in 2025, I was able to organise the 'Harmony Cup' at my school, which was a 'World Cup-style' football (soccer) tournament, represented by students of various diverse nations at the College. First hand, I witnessed the power of something so small - two nets and a football, unite the College community through tactical plays and celebrating heritage. I am a firm believer that individuals should work in a role that they love. As my LinkedIn bio reads - 'If you do what you love, it will never feel like work'. For me, what I love is sport - and it's an industry where if I spent five days a week working in for the rest of my life, I would feel fulfilled, contributing to the success of an industry that has acted as connection for myself and my community. This is why, for so long, I have been passionate to work in the sport industry - even despite being very early in my 'career'.
Where does Milan want to go?
Next six-12 months | Next 5-10 years |
|---|---|
In the next 6-12 months I hope to gain industry-knowledge from my Business (Sport Management) degree which I hope to synthesise and apply to a casual/part time role in the sport industry. Though the 'goal' of SportsGrad is to land a full-time job in sport - I believe that this goal is different for me, being so young. By landing a casual/part time role in sport, I hope to break through the industry in 2026 by connecting with like-minded individuals via SportsGrad and beyond, priming myself for the back-half of my university studies. I hope to do this by regularly posting on LinkedIn to divert from cold emails to being headhunted by recruiters in the sport industry. | Following my university studies in 2028, the goal, as with SportsGrad's mission, is to land a full-time role in sport. For so long, my goal has been to land a role at the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, which I hope to do so after priming myself via the SportsGrad Method Program, undergraduate and possibly postgraduate studies. I believe that the gap between 2028-2032 is an opportunity for me to continually grow my soft- and hard-skills through self-improvement (kaizen), where I hope to land roles in sport in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics. Aside from working at Brisbane 2032, I hope to work in the sporting sector ranging from national and international levels. |
What sporting problem keeps Milan up at night, and how would they solve it?
I definitely would love to contribute in making sport a more inclusive environment for all ages - particularly in areas of gambling. Since I started watching sport, ad-breaks and commercials have always been riddled with betting ads with the cliche 'gamble responsibly'. As you could imagine, me, alongside many Australians have found the irony in this. I hope to 'solve' this issue through public education and awareness in partnership with Federal and State laws about the harms of online/sport gambling and its effects to individuals. I believe that regulation on these advertisements are necessary to make both watching and playing sport a more friendly and open environment for Australians. Most importantly, I believe that youthful voice, such as mine, is integral in doing so.
What is Milan like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
I thrive in an environment where the people around me are committed to achieving a shared goal - one where they understand the intention and reason behind what they are doing. This is why I've loved serving as one of four College Captains in 2025, surrounded by three amazing individuals who are highly motivated like myself. This is also why I hope that the SportsGrad community is one that allows be to be surrounded by goal-driven, like-minded personalities who allow me to be better everyday.
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
Resilience to me is something that often goes unrecognised unless you intentionally take time to reflect on both your highs and lows. Personally, tackling Year 12 studies alongside leadership commitments (College Captaincy) came with both highs and lows. From disagreements with peers regarding school 'leavers jackets' designs to the workload that came with VCE. Both of which, upon reflection, demonstrated to me the importance of resilience to grow both independently and as a team. With regards to disagreements at school while being in a formal leadership position, I remember having to work alongside my fellow Captains to settle the situation down by choosing the most appropriate action - one which aimed to fulfil the needs of the entire student body. Despite the stress that this came with, resilience was an integral part as a team to stay connected through disparity while also serving the Year 12 cohort through faithful leadership.
What about Milan’s interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
While sport is one of my most prominent interests, outside of work I have a strong interest in youth empowerment, service and leadership. From volunteering for my local rotary club to tutoring students in my community, I understand the importance of being a responsible global citizen.
What is your favourite sporting moment?
A sporting moment that is very close to home is coordinating Good News Lutheran College's first ever Year 12s vs. Teachers Football (Soccer) match at the end of 2025. Let me set the scene for you. One week before Year 12 graduations, a week full of advertisements and posters for this match across the Year 7-12 student body. The reason this is my favourite sporting moment is because of the sheer unity, cheer, and joy that this match brought both students and teachers from all across the Secondary Years. Around the field, hundreds gathered to watch the Year 12 team win 4-3 after a last-minute goal. The excitement, the collaboration, and seeing a small event bring together an entire school community highlighted to me what sport is all about - togetherness.
What’s your ideal holiday?
My ideal holiday would be spent in Japan or Korea exploring the change in culture between these countries and Australia. From foods, to traditions to sport (such as baseball in Japan), I would love to travel to these countries to explore not only their monuments and attractions but their hidden cultural gems.
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
Joel Selwood - Geelong Cats Football Club. For almost the entirety of my life, I've seen Joel Selwood captain the Geelong Cats. With that, I've been inspired through his acts of leadership, selflessness, and of course - his course. For me, a key pillar about his character has always been that he was never the flashiest player, or a ball magnet - but consistently delivered, and consistently served. I've modelled a lot of my leadership (even in areas of schooling life) from Joel. I would love to pick his brain to ask him what motivates him to do what he does. Most importantly, what allows him to be so resilient even through challenges?
What’s book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
Before 2026, I was never big on reading books or listening to podcasts but I've definitely made it a goal to do so regularly this year. Aside, the SportsGrad Podcast has been one that has informed me about the hidden job market that comes with working - not just in sport, but in any industry.
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Living in Tarneit, Victoria, but open to work anywhere in Melbourne
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
An entry-level, casual position with career development opportunities and a strong network that will back with.
What others say about Milan
Fiona McAuliffe - Good News Lutheran College (College Principal) ‘Over several years, Milan has consistently demonstrated the College values of grace, respect, integrity, and courage through his selfless dedication to the wellbeing of others. As College Captain and an active member of the Student Led Council, Milan has worked collaboratively to strengthen student voice and foster a culture of inclusion and care. His leadership in the Mission and Worship life of the College through prayer, Chapel involvement, and faith based initiatives has inspired others and nurtured a vibrant spiritual community. Milan’s quiet strength, humility, and genuine desire to serve, make him a worthy recipient of the John Belani Award, honouring a legacy of loving, service, and faithful commitment’.
Joanne Wegener - Good News Lutheran College (Campus Principal) ‘Milan has demonstrated exemplary service to the College throughout the duration of this year. As an SLC representative, he has diligently attended meetings and has been an initiator of the Rubbish Bin Project. Additionally, he has assisted many College Tours throughout the year'.
What questions does Milan have for employers?
What do you look for in an entry-level employee?
What are some qualities that you see in unsuccessful applicants for job positions?
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