Saying Yes to Sport: Ryan's journey to a fulfilling career

After graduating from Taylors Lakes Secondary College in 2014, Ryan pursued a Bachelor of Arts, imagining a future in journalism or law. However, it wasn't long before he had a realisation, that fulfillment wouldn’t come from just any job, and that his career needed to encompass something he was genuinely passionate about. That epiphany steered him in the direction of the sporting industry, and eventually to the Carlton College of Sport (CCoS), a decision that would become a true turning point in his professional life.

Ryan began at CCoS as a mid-year starter in 2019, having enrolled in the Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development. Immersing himself in the program, Ryan embraced every opportunity the College offered, from placement experiences such as managing social media content for the Carlton AFLW team on gameday, to networking with industry professionals. This myriad of opportunities gave him a real insight into what goes on behind the scenes in elite sport, and only further confirmed his desire to work in the sporting industry.

Before stepping into sport, Ryan’s first job was at McDonald’s, where he worked his way up from crew member to shift supervisor. Despite the fast paced, high pressure nature of the job, Ryan credits this early experience with developing key soft skills, the skills of multitasking, prioritising, and communication. It was this foundation, combined with the applied learning and industry exposure at CCoS, that set him up for his first job in sport as a Membership Sales Officer at the Carlton Football Club in 2021. Though demanding, Ryan found the role incredibly rewarding, as it offered a crash course in communication and customer service and allowed him to further network and build relationships with other employees at the Club.

Fast forward to present day, and Ryan now serves as the Student Recruitment and Football Development Coordinator at the Carlton College of Sport. His responsibilities include promoting the College at schools and expositions, hosting open days, and managing the operational side of the Football Development Program. His role blends his passion for sport with education, a space he’s only become increasingly drawn to as his experience has increased. 

Alongside his full time position, he also volunteers as a Development Coach in the female program at the Northern Knights in the Coates Talent League, showing his commitment to growing the game at the grassroots and development levels. This coaching opportunity emerged through a chance connection facilitated by the Carlton College of Sport’s partnership with the Northern Knights. Through this link, Ryan was able to build a relationship with the head coach, which ultimately led to an invitation to join their program.

Ryan’s progression has never been about a perfect plan, but rather, about saying ‘yes’ to opportunities, all while continually learning. He’s currently pursuing a Masters of Sport Management, and though he’s open to even further study, his main goal is to stay involved in sport in a meaningful way. Coaching has become a particularly strong interest, and he aspires to become an assistant coach in the Coates Talent League in the near future.

Reflecting on his journey, Ryan’s advice to aspiring sports professionals is simple but powerful, volunteer. It’s through unpaid opportunities that he’s built relationships, learned hands on skills, and found himself in player rooms, and even in coaches' boxes at Marvel Stadium. His story is proof that with persistence, passion, and a proactive mindset, it’s possible to turn a love of sport into a thriving career. For anyone looking to follow a similar path, Ryan’s journey offers both inspiration and a blueprint for success, one built on saying yes, staying curious, and never being afraid to take the first step.