From Classroom to Canberra: My Journey into the Sports Industry
By
Chirag Singhal
SIAS UG Cohort of 2019 – 2022
If someone had told me during my undergraduate studies in Economics that I would eventually build a career in Australia’s sports industry, I probably would not have believed them. Looking back now, I realise that journeys rarely unfold exactly as we imagine. Sometimes, the experiences that shape us most are the ones we never planned for.
Finding Direction Through Exploration
I joined Krea University in 2019 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics, while also exploring concentrations in Psychology and Business Studies. Like many students beginning their undergraduate journey, I entered with goals but also with a degree of uncertainty about what the future would hold. University became much more than lectures, assignments, and exams. It was a space to explore different interests, perspectives, and possibilities.
Studying Economics helped me develop skills that initially seemed relevant only within a traditional academic or business setting. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding how organisations operate became part of the way I approached challenges. At the time, I did not realise that these skills would later become useful in a completely different field.
Discovering a New Path
Shortly after completing my undergraduate studies, an unexpected opportunity introduced me to the sports industry. I joined Procam International for a six-month internship in their philanthropic department, where I had the chance to support major long-distance running events, including the Tata Mumbai Marathon. While I initially saw it as an opportunity to gain experience, it soon became much more than that.
Being involved in large-scale sporting events gave me my first real glimpse into an industry that combined strategy, operations, community engagement, and passion in a way that immediately resonated with me. It was during this experience that I discovered I wanted to explore a future in sports and contribute meaningfully to an industry that creates experiences for so many people.
Studying Economics helped me develop skills that initially seemed relevant only within a traditional academic or business setting. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding how organisations operate became part of the way I approached challenges. At the time, I did not realise that these skills would later become useful in a completely different field.
Taking a Leap into a New Country
That realisation eventually led me to Australia, where I pursued a Master’s degree in Sports Management. Like many students who choose to study abroad, the decision brought equal parts excitement and uncertainty. Moving to a new country meant adapting to a different environment, meeting new people, and stepping outside familiar routines.
Interestingly, as I progressed through my Master’s, I began to realise that Economics and Sports Management were not as different as I had once thought. Economics had taught me how to think critically and understand systems, while Sports Management introduced me to the practical and strategic side of the industry. Rather than feeling like I had shifted from one field to another, it felt more like I was adding another layer to my understanding.
Some of my biggest lessons during my time in Australia, however, came from experiences outside the classroom. Alongside my studies, I took on volunteering opportunities and casual work to both support myself and gain practical exposure. One such experience was working as a Retail Consultant at Telstra.
At first glance, retail and sports may appear to be very different worlds, but the experience taught me lessons that extended far beyond the workplace. Interacting with people from different backgrounds, understanding customer needs, and balancing multiple responsibilities strengthened skills that continue to be valuable today. Communication, adaptability, relationship-building, and learning how to work effectively under pressure were lessons that could not always be found in textbooks.
Balancing studies, work, and volunteering was not always easy, but those experiences reinforced something important: growth often happens in the spaces outside our comfort zones.
Melbourne also became an important chapter in my journey. Often referred to as the sporting capital of Australia, it provided opportunities that allowed me to immerse myself in the industry. Whether it was being involved in marathons, experiencing the Australian Open environment, or contributing as a track marshal at the Formula 1 Grand Prix, every experience added a new perspective and a new lesson.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Today, as I continue my journey in Canberra within the sports industry, I often find myself looking back and appreciating how each stage contributed something meaningful. Economics shaped the way I think. Sports Management expanded my perspective. Volunteering and work experiences taught me how to apply those lessons in real-world settings.
If there is one thing I have learned so far, it is that careers are rarely linear. Opportunities that seem unrelated at one stage of life often become the experiences that shape our future. Looking back, every classroom discussion, every challenge, and every unexpected opportunity played a role in bringing me to where I am today. As I continue to build my career in the sports industry, I remain grateful for the journey so far and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
