In a showcase of sports-related career opportunities, the Careers for Women in Sport event at Griffith University encouraged 140 young women to pursue their futures as professionals in the sports industry.
The event – run in partnership with the City of Gold Coast – highlighted the achievements of female athletes and industry role-models, underscoring the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in sports.
Championing equity and inclusivity
Griffith University’s Manager of Sports Engagement and Lead in the Women in Sport Strategy, Naomi McCarthy OAM, who is also a Sydney 2000 Gold medallist, emphasised the importance of introducing young women to the wide range of career paths available in the sports industry.
“This event has been an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of female athletes and industry role models,” McCarthy says.
“Through workshops, discussions, and networking opportunities, students have gained valuable insight about career options such as sport coaching, event management, sport communication and journalism, sport science, sport technology, and sport marketing.”
McCarthy highlighted the significance of engaging young women, saying that “engaging young women in events such as this is an important part of Griffith’s Women in Sport strategy, which aims to achieve better outcomes for all women in sport and support more women in sport careers”.
Diverse panel of experts
The event featured a panel discussion led by McCarthy and focusing on the importance of strong representation and the pivotal part it plays in creating greater recognition for women in sport. The panel included:
- Sam Hughes, Active & Healthy Team Lead at Venues Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, who ensures the activation of public spaces for community fitness and wellness activities.
- Dr Sarah Wymer, from the Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith Business School, whose research focuses on digital media and fan engagement.
- Annabelle McLaren, a PhD candidate at Griffith School of Health Sciences and Social Work, whose sports science research includes testing with elite swimmers, NRL’s Women’s Indigenous Academy, and the Australian Jillaroos.
- Taylah Favier, Titans Commercial Development Executive, who leverages business opportunities within the sports industry, ensuring sustainable development and impactful community engagement.
The event served as a celebration of the current achievements of women in sport but also aimed to shine a light on opportunities available to the next generation of sports professionals – highlighting the commitment from Griffith University and its partners to strive harder to foster an environment where young women can see themselves thriving in a variety of roles within the sports industry.
