STEPH PHILLIPS | FINDING THE SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE TO THRIVE
Always passionate about sport, Stephanie Phillips found that after studying at the Carlton College of Sport (CC, she was equipped with the skills and confidence to turn that passion into a rewarding career.
A graduate of the Diploma of Elite Sport Business in 2021, Steph went on to secure a role at the Geelong Cats as Membership Sales and Customer Experience Officer.
“There is no doubt that studying at Carlton College of Sport gave me the confidence to go out and apply for a job in sport,” Steph reflected. “I did not know anyone involved in the process at Geelong, it was down to the skills I had acquired and the confidence I was able to put forward.”
The continuation of an abiding love for sport, Steph first became involved in volleyball in her hometown of Bendigo. A coach and umpire in those early years, she felt straight away that she would be well-suited to a role in sports administration.
“I grew up around all sorts of different sports and fell in love with it,” she said. “I’m glad to have worked out what suits me best.”
During her time at CCoS, Steph particularly enjoyed the chance to work closely alongside current player, Adam Saad, as part of his Adam Saad Pathways Program.
“It was a wonderful opportunity and so great to see his passion and the development and enjoyment from all the kids participating.”
More broadly, she recalls that the warmth and generosity of everyone at the College made her time particularly fulfilling.
“The best part about the College was the people, no doubt. Everyone around was so supportive of our journey into the industry.
“It was also great to do classes at IKON Park and get to see first-hand all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a football club operate successfully.”
That experience and learning made her a prime candidate for a role at the Geelong Football Club where she started in 2022.
A wide-ranging role, Steph’s day-to-day can include anything from executing sales across both membership and ticketing, to developing membership sales strategies and delivering insights and reporting.
An all-rounder, Steph also helps with member enquiries and even joins in banner making sessions to help the Cats’ Cheer Squad.
“I am hoping to keep gaining experience leading a range of programs, particularly within the membership space,” she said. “I am keen to develop my knowledge and skills within the operations and events side, too.
“I’m open to it all and want to keep growing and developing my connections in sport.”
Steph is proud to have found a career in sport and believes that a willingness to try different things and gaining as much experience as possible is the best route to success.
“Saying yes to a range of opportunities is so important,” she said. “Getting experience in as many things as possible is the only way to get an idea of what you really want to pursue.”
For more information on the Carlton College of Sport and the Diploma of Elite Sport Business, click HERE
by Andrew Young
