What can Polly do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
I have extensive experience in hospitality, having worked in cafes since I was 15, most recently working as a manager of a fast-paced Cafe in Canberra. I have coached a high school netball team, as well as doing an internship with the Brumbies. I volunteer in a wide variety of roles for my local AFL club, including event planning, canteen, junior coaching and general match day organisation. I also currently work as a development officer for AFL Canberra, mostly going to schools and getting kids involved with AFL.
Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?
I have contributed to increased engagement and participation in junior AFL programs through strong relationship-building and program delivery in schools. I am consistently trusted to independently manage sessions and represent AFL Canberra professionally in community environments
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
Ability to work in fast-paced team environments and adapt quickly
Strong communication and customer service skills
Administrative, organisational, and time-management skills
Ability to engage with diverse groups of young participants and other stakeholders
What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Point-of-sale and cash handling systems, Canva, Social media platforms, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
Higher School Certificate from Canberra Grammar School
Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) from the University of Canberra
ACT Working with Vulnerable People
I don't just want to work in sport, I actively seek out opportunities in it, I show up consistently and I'm willing to start in the thick of it and learn by doing rather than waiting for the "perfect" role.
Someone should take a punt on me because I've already spent time in the environments I want to build my career in (community sport and participation-based roles), through AFL Canberra and volunteering at my local club. That has given me a practical understanding of what it takes to deliver programs, work with schools and participants, and keep things running smoothly on the ground. I also bring a strong mix of people skills and resilience from fast-paced customer service work, where I've had to communicate clearly, problem-solve quickly and stay composed under pressure. What I think sets me apart is that I don't just want to work in sport, I actively seek out opportunities in it, I show up consistently and I'm willing to start in the thick of it and learn by doing rather than waiting for the "perfect" role.
What steps has Polly taken to break into the sports industry?
I have completed my Bachelor of Business (Sport Management), which gave me a strong foundation in how the industry operates. Alongside my studies, I completed an internship with Brumbies Rugby where I gained hands-on experience in community program delivery, match days and administration. I also now work for the AFL as a Development Officer in Canberra, which has given me even more practical experience, and I have started to make professional connections through this role. I also volunteer in a range of roles at my local AFL club to gain additional experience, support the running of the club, and further develop my skills within a community sporting environment. I have also developed strong transferable skills through my cafe work, including customer service, communication and working in fast-paced environments.
Polly's interest in sport all started from a lifetime of playing sports and watching the impact it has on people and communities
I have always been passionate about sport and have played a wide variety of sports my whole life. I genuinely enjoy the positive impact it has on both people and communities. Through my experiences so far, I have enjoyed being able to build relations, create positive sporting experiences and be part of an environment that brings people together for shared enjoyment. The sports industry combines my passion for sport with my strengths in communication, organisation and working with people in dynamic environments.
Since then, Polly has gone on to work in [area of experience], achieving things like
Achievement 1 | Achievement 2 |
|---|---|
Grew engagement and participation in junior AFL programs by building strong relationships and delivering sessions directly in schools across Canberra. | Completed a Brumbies Rugby internship, gaining hands-on experience across community program delivery, match days, and administration. |
Where does Polly want to go?
Next 6 - 12 months | Next 5 - 10 years |
|---|---|
I'm looking to land a full-time role in the sports industry, with a strong interest in the community sport sector based on my experience so far. I want to continue developing my skills in program delivery, operations, and stakeholder engagement while gaining more responsibility in a professional sports environment. My goal is to build a long-term career in sport where I can keep learning, growing, and making an impact. | My goal is to be working in a senior role within the sports industry, ideally in community sport, participation, or operations, where I can help design and lead programs that increase engagement and make sport more accessible. I'd like to have built strong experience across program delivery, stakeholder management, and team leadership, and be trusted to manage larger projects or initiatives. Ultimately, I want to be in a position where I'm contributing to the growth of sport at a broader level. |
What sporting problem keeps Polly up at night, and how would you solve it?
Increasing female participation in traditionally male-dominated sports
What is Polly like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
I thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented, and people-focused environments where no two days are the same. I enjoy roles where I work closely with others and contribute to a shared goal. I enjoy being in a positive, supportive environment where there's a strong sense of purpose and everyone is working towards improving the experience for participants or customers.
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
One time I had to demonstrate resilience was when I moved to Wales for a university exchange without knowing anyone. Moving across to the other side of the world without knowing anyone required me to step outside my comfort zone, build independence and stay resilient when things got tough. I've also experienced a number of setbacks in my job search within the sports industry when applying for roles. It has been challenging, but it has pushed me to stay persistent and continue to gain experience wherever I can. I've also had to stay resilient in my fast-paced working environment, as some days are tough and require me to balance a number of competing priorities, all while staying positive and providing a positive experience for customers, even when things aren't going to plan.
What about Polly interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work I mostly spend my time going for a run, doing pilates, at AFL training/playing AFL, reading or watching TV with a cup of tea, or spending time with friends and family.
What is your favourite sporting moment?
At the Elite level, I have always loved watching the Australian Diamonds consistently be one of the top netball teams and when they beat England in the 2023 World Cup. Personally, my favourite sporting moment to date has been when my siblings and I all won grand finals in our sporting teams, for the same club, on the same day.
What’s your ideal holiday?
Going to Europe, going to a number of different countries, and fitting in as much as I can while I'm there.
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
I would like to pick Sam Kerr's brain. She is one of the best footballers in the world and is a key figure in women's football, and I would be really interested in her mindset around performing at the highest level, how she deals with the pressure, and her perspective on the growth of women's sport and what more can be done to build more opportunities for the next generation.
What’s one book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
I don't have one specific book or podcast I'd point to, but I do make an effort to stay engaged with the sports industry through articles, AFL-related content, and learning from people around me in my roles. Most of my growth has come from hands-on experience and reflecting on how I can improve in real situations.
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Living in Canberra, but open to work anywhere in Australia and the UK
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
Good team culture, growth opportunities, supportive leadership, community impact
What others say about Polly
Dat Huynh, previous manager of Espresso Room - "Polly is a valued member of our team who is reliable and has made my life so much easier by just getting on with the job without needing to be asked twice"
Jake Traynor, training manager, Espresso Room - "Polly redefined what a high-value employee looked like"
Mackenzie Haitsma, colleague AFL Canberra - "Polly communicates really well with participants and makes sure everyone feels included and comfortable"
What questions does Polly have for employers?
How would you describe the team culture?
What opportunities are there for learning and professional development?
What impact does this role have on participants or the community?
What does the onboarding/training process look like for someone new in the role?
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