Since its inception, the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) has been a driving force in shaping Australia’s sporting success.
Behind every VIS athlete is a network of high performance experts working together to bring athlete’s ambitions to life – including the next generation of professionals stepping into the industry.
VIS athletes have stood on Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and World Championship podiums, setting new standards of performance and inspiring millions. From Olympic greats such as Catherine Freeman AC and Grace Brown OAM, to Paralympic icons like Emily Petricola OAM and Dylan Alcott AO, the VIS has consistently produced athletes whose achievements elevate Australia’s place in world sport.
But it’s not only athletes whose futures are shaped within the VIS.
Alongside developing elite athletes to compete on the world stage, the VIS recognises that supporting success also means investing in the wider Victorian community.
In line with this, the VIS People and Community team deliver embedded internship opportunities across a range of departments, creating pathways for university students to gain real-world experience in high performance sport while completing their studies.
By working alongside world-class athletes, coaches and performance experts, interns develop the skills, networks and confidence to succeed in their chosen careers.
Former interns from the People and Community program have gone on to build impressive careers, securing roles in major national news networks and globally recognised companies.
Jessie Rowe kickstarted her videography career with an internship at the VIS, beginning in late 2023. Specialising in digital storytelling in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, her keen eye for emotive storytelling, curiosity to learn, and passion for sport landed her a permanent position with the VIS as a part-time Digital Content Creator.
Rowe’s defining project was working on ‘The Moment Series’, a six-part mini docuseries featuring some of Australia’s best Olympians and Paralympians, reliving a moment in time that changed the trajectory of their sporting career or made a significant impact in their sports history.
Image: Jessie Rowe in the VIS gym capturing content of Formula 1 driver, Oscar Piastri.
Thomas Oliphant, a former VIS Marketing Intern and now an E-commerce and Digital Management Trainee at L’Oréal, gained valuable experience combining his passion for sport with hands-on campaign work.
A highlight of Oliphant’s time at the VIS was writing a profile on rhythmic gymnast Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva, who was based in Azerbaijan at the time. The article, first published on the VIS website, was shared through her international networks and gained traction in local Azerbaijani media.
“The VIS was a perfect environment to learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution to the marketing team’s output,” said Oliphant, reflecting on the culture that shaped his experience.
Image: Thomas Oliphant captured at L’Oreal Australia.
Joel Kennedy and Sam Irvine brought journalism into the institute through their roles as Sport Journalist Intern and Media Intern respectively.
Kennedy described having his work published on VIS social media channels as a defining moment. For the first time, his writing reached a public audience, an experience that confirmed his ambition to pursue a career in sports media.
“It was the ultimate thrill,” said Kennedy.
His advice to future interns stepping into their first professional environment: “Throw yourself into the opportunity and give it everything.”
Image: Joel Kennedy on camera in his current 9 News Sports Reporter role.
Irvine was drawn to the VIS by the opportunity to tell human-interest stories centred on hard work, perseverance and dedication. A standout experience was the VIS Open Day, where he connected in person with journalists from major media organisations, his first opportunity to do so since beginning his journalism degree.
“I learnt how to manage multiple deadlines, conduct interviews and identify what makes a strong news story, all while pushing myself out of my comfort zone,” Irvine said.
He emphasised the value of working in an environment alongside elite athletes and coaches, which strengthened his interpersonal and relationship-building skills. He credits the VIS with providing foundational experience that helped shape his journalism career.
Together, Rowe, Oliphant, Kennedy and Irvine highlight the diverse opportunities the VIS offers beyond elite sport.
For university students seeking hands-on experience in high performance environments, VIS internships provide a unique opportunity to contribute to athlete journeys, share their stories with the community and build a strong foundation for future professional success.
Interested in an internship at the VIS? Be the first to hear about new opportunities by following the VIS on LinkedIn and signing up to receive Career Alerts.
