Anthony Micallef
Graduate, Advanced Diploma of Business (Marketing) major in Sport Management & Marketing

Anthony’s thoughts on his time at APM are below:

1. What made you choose to study at APM?
   
   APM Training Institute was a simple decision. Three main factors contributed to my decision.
   Firstly, the internship program allowed me to spend two semesters working two days per week within a reputable organisation. Secondly, APM is so unlike what friends had told me about university, since the lecturers at APM are current industry practitioners teaching you. And finally, the students that attend APM are on the same wavelength as one another. Unlike other educational options, the students at APM are all there for the same reason you are – to learn and to get a great job – and fast.
   
   
2. What were you doing previously to studying at APM?
   
   I enquired about APM whilst I was holidaying in Malta. I was at a crossroads as to my career path. Before that I was driving trucks and working in warehouses across Sydney, for different employers on different days and unlike my current role, there was no satisfaction from the work I was doing.
   
   I had a real passion for sport. My three-year stint as a storeman for one of the leading professional rugby league clubs in Sydney had briefed me on the expectations of the industry and I was at a position in my life where I would do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure a career transition.
   
   
3. What did you enjoy about the course you studied?
   
   The entire class had a common bond from day one – sport. The course reinforced my previous knowledge about the industry and covered all bases, leaving no stone unturned before I entered the workforce through the internship program where I gained a place at the NSW Sports Federation, the state’s peak governing body for sport.
   
   
4. What was your goal when you enrolled at APM?
   
   My goal was to attain a formal qualification in sports management and get employed within the sports industry.
   
   
5. What is your current job title, company name and job description?
   
   I am a Brand Sales Executive for Kombat Clothing, looking after Western Sydney and Western NSW. Kombat Clothing is a dominant player at professional, national, state and club level in the supply of team wear with a commitment to customer satisfaction.
   
   Since graduating, I have also become certified by the National Rugby League (NRL) as an Accredited NRL Player Agent. This qualification has led me to commence running my own business – A1 Sports Management. Throughout this venture, I specialise in management of athletes through contract negotiation, sponsorship and endorsements, as well as providing financial and legal direction and guidance for professional athletes.

   I also act as a consultant regarding the coordination of event management plans for sporting functions and events in such approaches as general event management, public relations, marketing and casual labour hire.
   

6. Describe what your current role involves?
   
   Networking, relationships and sales. Based out of Queensland, we are working hard on putting the Kombat brand on the backs of athletes across a range of sports from social level competition through to the professional scene both nationally and internationally.
   
   
7. How did you find your current job?
   
   Networking. Whilst I saw the position advertised on www.sportspeople.com.au, a good friend of mine, already employed by Kombat, was able to assist me in putting forward a good application for the position.
   
   
8. What were the most successful aspects of the APM course?
   
   Apart from the formal qualification, it was the network and life long friends I have made. One lecturer said early on that our ‘biggest network is going to be these people around you right now’. And quite simply, they couldn’t have put it any better.
   
   
9. What advice do you have for other APM students hoping to break into your field?
   
   Put your head down and bum up and make the most of opportunities that will be provided to you through openings such as networking nights, coffee clubs and the internship program and last but not least – the lecturers themselves And don’t give up once you have attained your qualification. Gaining a position in any industry is as much about ‘who you know’ rather than simply ‘what you know’.
   
   
10. Did you find it easy or hard to get a job after you graduated?
    
    It was harder than I expected. But once it rained – it poured! During the time that I was searching for employment, I continued to commit to my internship where I was employed in a part-time capacity. I also completed every short course that I came across – in order to enhance my curriculum vitae. In the same week that I accepted the new role with my current employer, I was offered two other sought after positions.
    
    
11. What other career goals or aspirations do you have?
    
    In the short term – my position with Kombat Clothing is one that I wish to consolidate on.
    
    
12. What other initiatives have you taken to help your career?
    
    I am always keen to learn of experiences in the industry from those who have been involved at the highest level. The odd phone conversation or a good lunch never goes astray. As I like to say, these seasoned professionals can ‘make more sense in five minutes, than you and I ever will’.