Monash University Partnership
Monash University has been the Major Sponsor of the SMJFL since 2017. Our multi-year partnership has highlighted Monash University’s support of SMJFL football and shared commitment to fostering community sport for young people to grow and develop across many facets of life.
With a goal to foster both athletes and industry professionals, the SMJFL has worked to place media interns from Monash University to assist with marketing in the league since 2022. SMJFL internship program is a key pillar of our partnership with Monash University as it provides an opportunity for passionate students to gain valuable industry experience whilst significantly helping our team deliver our programs.
We recognise the impact an internship with our organisation can have on students taking the next step in their professional lives, an important reason why we also reward our interns with a permanent role upon conclusion of their internship. Since commencing this program in partnership with Monash University, we are fortunate to have had three amazing interns in Joel Micari, Soraya Rezal, and Tommy Colaci, all of whom have expressed the monumental impact the SMJFL internship program has had on their personal and professional development.
JOEL MICARI - 2022
Our 2022 intern, Joel Micari, highlighted the importance that the SMJFL internship program played in taking the next step in his professional career.
“My biggest takeaway from being with the SMJFL was that it gave me the reassurance that this was actually the field I wanted to be in, which is something that studying in a classroom really can’t prepare you for”.
Joel’s role at the SMJFL played a large part in him being accepted into Monash University’s Master of Journalism, which he recently completed with a distinction average.
Following on from his Master’s graduation, Joel gained a fantastic opportunity with GameFace, a Melbourne based digital media & video production company that specialises in providing a range of services to local sporting clubs & leagues. The variety of skills Joel gained from his time with the SMJFL was crucial in him seamlessly transitioning into a role that required a diverse skillset.
“(At Gameface) I did everything from interviewing, content creation, and team photos, to managing and training camera operators to capture games across the football and netball senior competitions”.
“This (SMJFL role) was my first practical experience of working in a team and witnessing first-hand how lots of little jobs performed by many people across different departments lead you to the final polished product that you see at the end of the day, and it was interesting to watch things come together bit by bit”.
Joel also shared how the operating environment within the SMJFL motivated him to continually develop his skills, stating; “I got to work with some really great people … who were not only good at what they do but were also proud of their work. Watching how you (SMJFL team) carried yourself in the workplace as both colleagues and mates really encouraged me to reach the bar that was set in front of me”.
SORAYA REZEL - 2023
Since concluding her role as Media Intern with the SMJFL in 2023, Soraya Rezal has endeavoured to build on her experience by undertaking a Master of Marketing Communications at The University of Melbourne.
Soraya shared that her SMJFL internship experience “was an experience that I will never forget, especially since it has sparked my interest in digital marketing”.
“Soraya walked in our doors with a plethora of skills” said Cam Watts, General Manager of Member and Business Services. “With a sharp eye for visuals, Soraya’s efficiencies in video editing and creation were incredible, which offered us a new dimension to our media and communications and was well received by our audiences”.
As an avid creative writer, Soraya hopes to pursue a career in marketing and communications off the back of her SMJFL internship and her Master’s. “When I tell people back home that I worked at a junior football league, they gasp!” Soraya said.
TOMMY COLACI - 2024
Our most recent intern, Tommy Colaci, joined us in 2024 in the final year of his studies at Monash University. Looking to expand on his previous marketing experience, Tommy aimed to diversify his skillset in a sporting and community driven environment.
“I’ve loved how multifaceted my role has been, I have been able to gain both strategic and technical experience which has been really pivotal in improving my candidacy for roles beyond my education.”
“Sarah and Cam have provided me with a wealth of knowledge and learnings, both have been great mentors to gain experience with. Their trust in allowing me to complete work in a self-directed manner has been crucial in consolidating my learning whilst also making me feel really valued in their team.”
In September 2024, Tommy will travel overseas to King’s College London to undertake study in the areas of international marketing and organisational communication. Tommy hopes that he can leverage his experience with the SMJFL alongside his international program to attain a marketing and growth role with a management consultancy firm, helping consumer and non-for-profit organisations enhance their practices to become more impactful in their markets and communities.
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