The Kings XI Punjab are based in Mohali, India and compete in the world’s most-attended twenty20 format cricket competition.
The team features Australian cricketers Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh who will be padding up for the 2017 season.
The five students are taking on the internship as part of the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) degree. The students have also received funding from the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan Mobility Program.
The Colombo Plan provides funding to Australian universities and consortia to support undergraduate students to participate in semester-based or short-term study, internships, mentorships and research in countries across the Indo-Pacific region.
La Trobe Sport Management lecturer and program coordinator, Dr Pam Kappelides said the funding was a great opportunity for students to learn overseas.
“The funding allows for students to take part in this experience that perhaps otherwise would not be able to,” Dr Kappelides said.
“Students will gain a very rich and diverse experience while on internship in India.”
With the new season starting on April 8, the students will have to adapt quickly to the routines of working within a sports organisation. They will gain first-hand experience in various areas of the business, such as marketing and event management.
La Trobe University Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research Development, Professor Russell Hoye, said the internship was a great opportunity for students and highlighted La Trobe as the leading tertiary institution for sports.
“The sports industry is a very competitive market so to have our students develop their skills in a fast-paced foreign environment will be invaluable to them in kick-starting their careers,” Professor Hoye said.
“Our strong relationship with Kings XI Punjab is one of many that La Trobe Sport has built up and will help to grow the University’s reputation internationally.”
Brad Riley is studying the Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) and is taking part in the internship to experience how India runs its twenty20 competition.
“I’m excited by this opportunity to head over to India and work with Kings XI Punjab and to not only learn but to also put the skills I have learned into action,” Mr Riley said.
“I’ll be able to come back and feel confident in knowing I have what it takes to join and contribute to a top sporting organisation in Australia or anywhere around the world.”
The students leave at the end of March in time for the first match on April 8 where they will play a vital role in managing the event.
Students taking part in the 2017 internship as part of the New Colombo Plan:
- Brad Riley – Sport Management
- Alexander Jovanovski – Sport Management
- Daniel Dowd – Sport Management
- Thomas Robson – Sport Management
- Angus Boyle - Sport Journalism
Media Contact: Dylan May – d.may@latrobe.edu.au - 9479 5353 / 0407125909
Photo (L to R): Alexander Jovanovski, Angus Boyle, Thomas Robson, La Trobe University Sport Management lecturer and program coordinator Dr Pam Kappelides, Daniel Dowd, Brad Riley, La Trobe University Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research Development Professor Russell Hoye.
