Since its inception the Victorian Institute of Sport has been a leader in career development and personal excellence and is justifiably proud of its scholarship holders who have not only succeeded in sport, but also in life.
This week the VIS Performance Lifestyle Team will be celebrating National Careers Week (NCW), an initiative of the Career Industry Council of Australia that aims to celebrate careers, career development and using the skills and knowledge needed to plan and make informed decisions about education, training and work.
At the Victorian Institute of Sport, our Performance Lifestyle team assists our athletes to balance their dual careers and live out the VIS motto: Success in Sport and Life.
Many Victorian athletes have been empowered by the VIS and its commitment to nurturing their development as a person, assisting them to build a dual career and to contribute to the Victorian community in both sport and life.
For NCW 2022, the VIS PL team is drawing attention and focus to dual career skill building, with a primary focus on the importance of participating in employability enhancing experiences whilst competing.
VIS Hockey Alumni, Krissy Bates credits the VIS’ Performance Lifestyle Manager, Leesa Gallard, for assisting with her career development as she transitions into the workforce.
“Leesa has provided me with a network of people and support services like career counselling, access to personal and professional development programs and scholarship opportunities to allow me to pursue success in life and sport.” Bates said.
Bates is grateful to the VIS who she says has “opened many doors” for her as she juggles a part-time job with a Barristers firm, whilst also completing her Law degree.
Other key themes include the importance of networking, and the role VIS alumni can play networking and mentoring, and the world of work in a post pandemic environment.
General Manager of High Performance and Alumni Coordinator David Madigan, insists that one of the driving factors in the development of the VIS Alumni program was to allow former athletes the opportunity to provide career support to the current athletes.
“That might be catching up to explore ideas, provide guidance, open opportunities for experience and develop mentoring partnerships with VIS athletes and staff.” Madigan said.
Careers Week 2022 provides an opportunity to bring current athletes and VIS Alumni together to connect, learn, share, and understand in a manner that reflects the essence of the VIS community.
To celebrate National Careers Week 2022, the VIS PL Team will host a Careers & Business Morning Tea. The Careers & Business Morning tea reflects our key focus for NCW and is an opportunity for athletes to develop their understanding of the world of work, transition into work, developing a dual career phase and the importance of mentoring, connections and employability enhancing experiences during their sporting career.
On Tuesday, May 17 from 12:30pm, the AIS will host a special 60-minute online event with a line-up of experienced athletes. Joining the panel will be James Matheson (Winter Olympian), Melissa Wu (Diving), Mitch Gourley (Winter Paralympian) and Hannah Buckling (Water Polo) to share their stories and advice around planning that next career step.
About Performance Lifestyle
The VIS Performance Lifestyle team deliver an innovative and proactive program that empowers VIS athletes to strive for success in the high-performance sport environment within a holistic framework. Supporting the wellbeing of the athlete and facilitating their personal and dual career growth for both now and through the myriad of transition points during their sporting career and beyond.
The VIS Performance Lifestyle Teams are part of the AIS national network of Athlete Wellbeing and Engagement (AW&E). This network includes AW&E Managers in many National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) and Advisers in other State and Territory Institutes/Academies across the National Institute Network.
