Scott Hudson
Graduate, Advanced Diploma Business (Marketing) major in Sport Management & Marketing

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

1. What made you choose to study at APM?
   
   The highly regarded internship program and the length of the course over one year meant I could enter the workforce alot sooner (and with substantial work experience) than if I had done a degree.
   
   
2. What were you doing previously to studying at APM?
   
   Living and working in London and travelling throughout Europe. In London I worked for an event services company that had the security contract for some of the UK’s biggest events such as The Ashes, Premier League Football and various rock concerts.
   
   
3. What did you enjoy about the course you studied?
   
   The fact that all lecturers are industry professionals and the information they teach you is relevant, current and applicable to the industry. Also, it is very interesting to have the chance to apply this knowledge during your internship.
   
   
4. What was your goal when you enrolled at APM?
   
   To be employed in the sports marketing industry by the end of the course.
   
   
5. What is your current job title, company name and job description?
   
   Sponsorship Executive at the Penrith Panthers. My job is split into six months of sponsorship sales and six months servicing current sponsors. It also involves some event management working on our corporate functions during the season.
   
   
6. Describe what your current role involves?
   
   My role is quite varied and provides an excellent mix of the different areas of sponsorship. My role involves the sale of sponsorship packages ranging from lower tiered local business sponsors right through to our major properties. During the season, my role includes ensuring that the benefits that sponsors have paid for are delivered to them and also to assist with the event management of all our sponsor/player functions.
   I also coordinate match day sponsorship and sponsor activations including half-time entertainment, sponsors’ competitions, distribution of marketing collateral and product sampling. My match day responsibilities are quite demanding but I really enjoy the buzz of working in front of a huge crowd on a weekly basis.
   
   
7. How did you find your current job?
   
   My internship was with Sponsorship HQ and the Business Development Manager at the Panthers contacted them wanting to advertise the position on their website. The Director of Sponsorship HQ recommended me. After submitting my CV, I went for an interview and was offered the job the next day.
   
   
8. What were the most successful aspects of the APM course?
   
   Definitely the internship program and also the networking nights. They provide a really good opportunity to develop good industry contacts and open up so many opportunities with people who have already established themselves within the industry.
   
   
9. What advice do you have for other APM students hoping to break into your field?
   
   Volunteer for as many events as possible during the course, as they will add to your CV. Also you never know what further opportunities they may open up for you - not to mention the different skills you learn to assist you to stand out from other graduates looking to get a job in the same industry.
   Networking is very important as it can help you to get a foot in the door. Even if you don’t directly get a job through contacts in the industry, you can ask these people for advice and guidance through your career.
   
   
10. Did you find it easy or hard to get a job after you graduated?
    
    To my surprise, I found it quite easy and it is a great example of the kind of opportunities that can present themselves through the internship program. It was quite ironic that the day I submitted my last assignment to APM was the same day I was offered the job at Penrith Panthers.
    
    
11. What other career goals or aspirations do you have?
    
    There are extensive opportunities for career development at the Panthers so at the moment I am focused on progressing within the organisation. Athlete management is a long term goal. I am also considering returning to the UK or Europe to work with a Premier League or major Football Club.
    
    
12. What other initiatives have you taken to help your career?
    
    I am a member of the sponsorship industry body (ASMA) which gives me the opportunity to be invited to a range of networking events. I think professional development is important and completing a variety of short courses is something I intend to do through my career. At the moment, I am looking at doing a short course that will further develop my computer skills.