PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE WITH JAMES ELLIS
A graduate of the Carlton College of Sport in 2020, James Ellis has enjoyed a productive and wide-ranging first few years working in the sports industry, having thrived first at the Carlton Football Club and now at Cricket Australia .
Always passionate about sport, James enrolled in the Diploma of Elite Sport Business at Carlton College of Sport (CCoS), with designs on learning more about how a career in sport could look.
“I have always been very interested in how the behind-the-scenes parts of sporting organisations work,” he said. “It’s a passion of mine and studying at the College helped me to unlock it.”
James also spent time completing a Bachelor of Sports Management at La Trobe University but felt the placement and networking opportunities at CCoS were unrivalled.
“I loved my time in the Membership team at the Club and particularly enjoyed working on acquisition campaigns.”
“There was also always the chance to make real connections with people in the industry.”
Evidently his willing attitude was well received, as James was offered a position as Membership Sales Officer at Carlton FC at the completion of his studies.
An opportunity that precipitated exciting career growth, James worked at the Club for three years, progressing in the Membership team to the position of Operations and Data Coordinator.
Although James loved his time at Carlton, the chance to work for cricket’s governing body as a Ticketing Specialist, was one he couldn’t turn down, even if the timing was less than ideal.
“I was going through an extensive interview process, all while Carlton’s men’s team was challenging in September for the first time in a decade,” he laughed. “It was a bit of a juggle, but I was thrilled to get the job at Cricket Australia.”
A role that sees him responsible for match operation, ticket inventory and stakeholder engagement for all men’s and women’s internationals across New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT, James puts a lot of his current success down to his time at CCoS.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the connections and skills I learned at Carlton College,” he reflected. “It allowed me to break into the industry with placements and I really believe that’s the reason I’m still working in sport today.”
Hopeful one day to return to Australian Rules, perhaps in recruitment or football operations, James is enjoying every step of his career in sport and urges others to embrace everything it throws at them.
“I truly believe the best option is just to take every opportunity that comes your way.”
“You will find the right people and the right place if you just keep putting yourself out there.”
