INTERNSHIP REFLECTION: CORPORATE HOSPITALITY (CHRIS CALTHORPE)

STUDENT NAME:	Chris Calthorpe
DEPARTMENT:	Consumer (Hospitality)

CONTRIBUTION:  What were 3 key ways that you contributed to this department during your internship?

• HOSPITALITY PACKAGE ANALYSIS: I helped analyse the financial impact of including alcohol in hospitality packages on Game Day for shared spaces, such as Legends Lounge. This supported the broader Consumer team with assessing whether it was an effective business decision to continue including this in hospitality packages.
  

• GAME DAYS: I assisted with game day set up and operations for the hospitality team. As I became more experienced in this space, I was able to lead teams of other Eels Institute students who were also doing work experience in hospitality on game days.
  

• BEHIND-THE-SCENES: I helped with the day-to-day admin of the hospitality team, which consisted of helping finalise catering orders, distribute parking passes and complete internal transfers between departments.

NETWORKING: Who were 3 key people that you built connections with during this internship?

• Mel Brazzil (Hospitality Sales & Operations Manager) - Mel was my direct lead and is truly, one of the nicest people that I've ever met. I had so much fun working alongside her and I learnt so much about the importance of building relationships throughout my time with her... The club couldn't run without her!

• Ryan Filipic (Consumer Sales & Operations Executive) – I worked with Ryan frequently in the hospitality team. I learnt a lot about how to succeed in the sporting administration environment and he was kind enough to make me feel very welcome in the office.

• Alex Howard (Accountant) - Alex was someone who I really resonated with as we were a similar age. He became a mentor figure and gave me valuable insight about how to break into the industry, as well as the ins and outs of being successful once you're in it.

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: What were 3 key things that you learnt about the sporting industry during this internship?

• The industry moves at such a high pace. From days in the office to game days, there is no room for wasted time and inefficiency. Everything must be done with time in mind.

• The sporting industry must navigate an incredibly challenging relationship between people who are so emotionally invested in the Club and who are also making significant investment in the Club (i.g. hospitality packages, sponsorship, etc).

• Sport is all about relationships. The amount of people working in sport is very small and they all know each other. Getting into sport is hard, but once you're in, your relationships will continue to support your professional growth.

PERSONAL LEARNING: What was ONE key thing that you learnt about yourself / your career goals during this internship?

I learnt that sport administration is a great pathway that could take me far in sport. Whilst I didn’t think it was aligned with my natural interests, it has proven to be a great potential pathway for me to lead to other opportunities. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this team and would love the chance to stay with them, as the environment is amazing. This internship has also given me the chance to gain valuable industry insights and put real world skills, such as reliability and leadership, into practice.