Maddie's Journey: Finding the Right Path in Sport
Carlton College of Sport students have achieved so much across their time at the Carlton Football Club. Hear from one of our current students who has taken full advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
For Maddie, a lifelong love of AFL naturally evolved into a passion for pursuing a career in sport.
After finishing high school, she wanted to find a study pathway that would combine her passion for football with real-world experience and industry exposure.
"I've always loved sport, especially AFL, and knew I wanted to build a career around something I genuinely enjoy."
Maddie first discovered Carlton College of Sport at the La Trobe University Open Day and immediately felt it was the right fit.
"I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do."
Throughout her studies, Sport Management quickly became the favourite subject in her timetable.
"I loved learning about the management side of sport and gaining an understanding of how organisations operate behind the scenes."
One of the aspects Maddie values most about the CCoS experience is the balance between classroom learning and practical opportunities.
"There are so many opportunities on top of the theory learning to get involved in a practical sense. You can do as much placement and industry exposure as you like."
Like many students balancing multiple commitments, managing study alongside work has presented challenges.
"Working a lot while studying can be difficult, but good planning and organisation make all the difference."
Maddie's placement experiences have provided valuable insight into different areas of the sports industry. Her highlights include game days, media placements and her ongoing internship with the Northern Knights.
"Placements give you a real understanding of what it's like to work in the industry and help you figure out the pathway you'd like to pursue."
The experience has also revealed just how many moving parts contribute to successful sporting organisations and events.
"There are so many roles involved in every sporting event. I didn't realise just how many people contribute behind the scenes."
Through her placements, Maddie has discovered a strong interest in fan engagement, media, operations and recruitment.
Rather than narrowing her opportunities, the experience has helped her better understand where her greatest strengths and interests lie.
"Being involved in different placements has definitely helped me identify what I enjoy most."
Today, Maddie continues to build her industry experience through her internship with the Northern Knights, supporting media and operations across their boys' and girls' programs in the Talent League pathway.
Reflecting on her year, she believes CCoS has helped her gain clarity about both who she is and what she wants her next steps to look like.
When asked to sum up her biggest takeaway from studying at CCoS:
"CCoS has helped me learn more about myself and what I want in my future."
Her three words of choice for the CCoS experience …
“Enjoyable. Transformative. Enriching.”
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