Ben Clayton – Sports placement in Australia

Before the trip

What’s your background (which uni / course)?

University of Bath studying BSc (Hons) Sport Management and coaching.

Why did you choose to do a Sports placement in Australia placement as part of your degree?

Because I wanted to gain experience and knowledge in the professional environment where I can put my theory into practice to enrich my understanding of my course and theories.

How did you first discover us?

I was looking for placements and I found your company who were able to help find overseas placements.

Were you finding it hard to find a placement?

Yes, I was. I found some placements but none that fitted what I wanted to do.

Did you think this was unachievable on your own?

Not unachievable on my own just very difficult as I had assignments and exams coming up while trying to look for a placement or an overseas placement. By going through your company relieved a lot of stress.

Why did you choose Placement Year International over other services?

I saw what previous students had done with Placement Year International and the types of placements they had secured in destinations I wanted to be in. As well, I saw that the company supported you throughout your year whether you were in the country or not, unlike other companies.

How easy was the process from interview to getting to your placement with our help?

This process was extremely easy as Placement Year International made sure I had everything ready from my visa to making sure I knew what I needed to take with me, to my flight and accommodation.

Ben enjoying time off at Bondi beach while doing a Sports placement in Australia, arranged by Placement Year International

On placement

What are you doing for your placement?

I am working with a professional sports club where I am working in the coaching and management department as well as helping with the marketing and promotions of the club.

What is your role?

My role is to help develop the skills and knowledge of players in a variety of sports at the club while helping to grow and expand the different teams. In addition, I am also writing newsletter articles for the club’s newsletter as well as approaching possible sponsors and making proposals for the club to the government.

What skills or knowledge have you gained so far during your placement?

I have learnt how to successfully write news articles that appeal to the members of the club, different coaching techniques to develop my knowledge, multiple marketing strategies and ways to approach schools as an initiative to get more kids to join sports teams. And finally, how to locate a good sponsorship partner and how to approach them.

Did you find it difficult adapting to a new working environment?

I didn’t find it difficult as the team are very welcoming and made me feel comfortable straight away. I only found it a challenge with their specific software at the start because it was things I hadn’t used previously so was all new to me.

Have you received good support & advice from your work colleagues at the host company?

So far during my time at my host company I have received great support and advice from work colleagues around me, with how to do specific tasks on the club’s software and many other things.

How has your placement helped you develop as a person so far?

So far, my placement has made me open my eyes to more opportunities. Before I would do what I felt comfortable doing and every now and then doing something out of my comfort zone. Whereas now I feel comfortable getting thrown into anything as I know I can ask for support if I need, and I take every opportunity that has come to me since being here. Such as, I have never played cricket before in my life other than at school and now I am coaching cricket weekly with my placement.

Since joining Placement Year International, what have we done well?

You have supported me since I joined and helped with multiple things from developing my CV and cover letter to making me not have a single worry about moving to the other side of the world for a year as I have the office out here which can support me as well as constant communication with the Placement Year International team in Brighton, so I never feel like I have no one to go to if I have something wrong.

If you were to recommend us to friends, what would you say?

I believe Placement Year International is a brilliant company and you do a lot more than other companies in the same field of work. I personally wouldn’t change a thing you do as a company; for me it’s perfect.

I have already recommended you to one of my friend’s and they have joined me on a placement year here in Australia. I remember telling him that you guys are great, and they support you with your cover letters for the companies so you don’t have to worry about writing 20 different ones for each company you apply for while you’re trying to do your assignments. I also remember saying how kind and friendly all the staff I had spoken to were and that it feels so smooth and easy to get the placement in the place you want.

Ben standing in front of the Sydney Opera House during his time in Australia doing a Sports placement arranged by Placement Year International

Find out more about our Sports placements in Australia.

More info: Click here to read more about Sports placements in Australia, or click here to send us a question or email us at: [email protected] for more information.