Reuben’s recommendation
What can Rory do?
Give a quick overview of your work experience (jobs, internships, volunteering)?
Recently I have been volunteering at Melbourne University Cricket Club where I assist with match day operations and online data entry for scoring.
Previous roles within sport have been as an Administrative Assistant with the Ulster GAA where I assisted volunteers through a background check and ensured details were all correct and present. However, I got to experience different departments within the organisation.
Also I have recently secured a job at Ranged marketing consultancy firm as Sales and Commercial Administrator and am excited to learn more from this industry.
Do you have a track record of delivering measurable outcomes or KPIs?
My most impressive statistic is reviving my universities Economics Societies. From a society that was dormant for a year I revived membership to 100 members. Using this revival, I planned and organised events and funding, created a 5 a side soccer team, successfully designed and released new merchandise and started a podcast. Most importantly I created a platform so that the society could be passed on and vote in its now new president.
What technical or industry-specific skills do you bring?
I know the process behind running successful events both in admin and getting people to come to said event. Being a casual and new fan to Australian sports such as rugby league and the AFL I believe I bring a new perspective as to how to market to people like me. I know first hand how special sporting moments are and believe I know what experience fans want.
What tools/platforms/software are they proficient in?
I am proficient in all of Microsoft Office, Canva and minor experience in photoshop. I am proficient in all social media platforms/
What qualifications, certifications, or degrees do you hold?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from Queen's University Belfast. I also hold an RSA qualification for the state of Victoria.
I do not know everything there is to know about the industry but I am so passionate about learning.
Sport is transformative and I have seen it help others and me on so many occasions. This industry is something I truly love, and I want to learn all about it and work to help it. I have wanted to give everything I have to a role, and I know how difficult the industry can be, but I have the grit and resilience to learn from my mistakes and keep going.
What steps has Rory taken to break into the sports industry?
I have been actively volunteering. Most recently I volunteered at the STWS conference at the MCG where I got to listen to fascinating talks about the world of sports technology and learn about the fascinating ways that sports are implementing new tech into both performance and commercial. I am currently a volunteer at Melbourne Cricket Club where I help match day operations and input online scoring. Through LinkedIn I have been posting regularly even producing a short article on why I want to work in sport, I have also been using the platform to connect with those in the industry. Once connected I reach out for the opportunity to chat with them about their role and how they got it. This has allowed me to learn so much about the industry and build my own network within it.
Rory’s interest in sport all started young, growing up surrounded by sport
Having growing up surrounded by sport I know how formative the industry is. Many of my best memories come from experiences in or watching sport. As a fan and player it has allowed me to break down social barriers and create new friendships which has been pivotal in moving to a new country. From early on I knew, as many of us do, that I was not going to be a professional sports player. So being a fan for as long as I have of a wide variety of sport,I know what is important to the most important consumer. I want to bring sports back to the fans and create the unforgettable experiences I have been so lucky to have.
Since then, Rory has gone on to work in various data and customer facing roles, achieving things like
Reviving his Economic Society at University | Preparing a report for a data analytics company | Taken on a volunteering role at a local cricket club |
|---|---|---|
From a society that was dormant for a year I revived membership to 100 members. Using this revival I planned and organised events and funding, created a 5 a side soccer team, successfully designed and released new merchandise and started a podcast. Most importantly I created a platform so that the society could be passed on and vote in its now new president. | I prepared a market research report for Datatics appearance at the Singapore FinTech festival. The experience allowed me to learn about all the different roles and processes within the business and I got to ask questions to learn from professionals across various departments. | Recently I have been volunteering at Melbourne University Cricket Club where I assist with match day operations and online data entry for scoring |
Where does Rory want to go?
Next six months | Next 12 months | Next 5-10 years |
|---|---|---|
I want to learn as much as I can from as many different parts of the sports industry as possible. Before joining this programme I have met with so many interesting people learning and asking questions about their roles and how they got into the industry. This has helped me narrow down where I see myself fitting in this industry. | I want to be in the commercial side and I want hands on experience in what it takes to be commercially successful in the industry. | In 5-10 years I would love to be working within a sporting organisation helping them improve fan experience and innovating the next steps of the industry. Whether this be engaging new partners or working with revolutionary technology. |
What sporting problem keeps Rory up at night?
Rugby Union is a struggling sport. In Melbourne the Rebels recently went under. The sport is crying out for a shift in attitude from the top down. The sport has disillusioned entire fan bases with outrageous ticket pricing and old fashioned approaches to new markets. There is no relatability anymore and its incredibly difficult for a kid to dream of playing for Ireland unless they are from Leinster. I want the sport to grow and be bold in this new market. I think the game is fantastic and I would love to see a team back in Melbourne.
What is Rory like?
What kind of environment do you thrive in?
I thrive in a communicative, team driven environment. I don't care what my position in the team is as long as I am helping aid the performance of the team overall. I like everyone to feel involved and of equal importance, these are environments I try to create when I am leader, where everyone is on the same page and working in unison.
When have you had to show resilience in your life or career?
I have recently completed a marathon and to this day it is the hardest thing I have ever done. Balancing marathon preparations with part time work and upholding my grades in a final year of university meant a lot of early mornings and certain sacrifices. Every time I did something I did not want to do it got a bit easier, this taught me a lot about my own limits and my mental strength and resilience. When the day came I finished with a time I was incredibly proud of. This experience taught me so much and has helped me immeasurably in my move to Melbourne.
What about Rory’s interests outside of work?
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy personal fitness whether that is running or in the gym. This is just as much for the mind as it is for the body. I am huge sports fan I consume a variety of sports from all over the world and love watching and discussing all different types.I also enjoy trying new food and music, a big reason for my love for Melbourne is the melting pot of cultures allows you to experience so many different cultures of food and music.
What is your favourite sporting moment?
My favourite sporting moment is Ireland beating the All Blacks for the first time in history at Soldier Field in Chicago. This was nine years ago I remember my whole family gathered round the TV watching a nail biting game from start to finish. One of the most poignant moments in the game is Ireland lining up in an eight formation to face the Haka as a tribute to the late great Anthony Foley who had passed earlier in the week. It meant so much to the country to win that game that week.
What’s your ideal holiday?
My ideal holiday is to Donegal in Ireland. Sprawling green hills and, weather permitting, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I am fortunate enough to have a holiday home their and have made so many great memories with family and friends when I have been there. It is truly special to me.
If you had 30 minutes to pick the brain of anyone, who would it be and why?
Phil Jackson a former NBA coach with eleven rings to his name. Managing the likes of MJ's bulls and the Kobe and Shaq Lakers. Also the unique perspective of being a player himself. Having read his autobiography recently his coaching philosophy was so unique and ahead of its time. I would love to delve deeper in to his discovery of his coaching identity, how he managed all of these egos and what advice he has for creating unity in a group working towards one goal.
What’s book or podcast that’s helped your career you recommend?
A podcast that really sticks with me is called Acquired and it talked about the formation of the IPL and how successful it is. The journey of the IPL is fascinating it delved deep into the marketing and commercial success across India. It made me realise how interested I am because after hearing it I could not stop talking about it and I then went on to listen to their podcasts on the formation of the NBA and NFL which I equally nerded out over. Listening to them talk about something I am so passionate about made me realise I really want to turn this passion into a career in sport.
Additional details
Where in the world are you located, and where are you open to work?
Hawthorn, open to working in and around Melbourne
What is the most important consideration for you in your next role?
I want to learn about the industry and wear as many hats as possible. The commercial side really interests me, and I would love opportunity to progress somewhere.
What others say about Rory
I do not have any testimonials but one thing I have heard time and time again about myself is that I am kind and that I care. I believe in listening to peoples passions, asking questions with intent and caring enough to remember what they enjoy and trying to learn about it the best I can.
What questions does Rory have for employers?
What can I do to really stand out in this role?
What, if any, opportunities do I have to progress in this company?
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