Athletes around the world to benefit from Virtual Internships program

Snow Australia athletes Samantha Gaul and Fedele de Campo spend more than half the year training and competing overseas, but thanks to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Virtual Internship program, the pair will be able to undertake vital work experience over the next few months.

Gaul and de Campo are two of 11 athletes who have been selected to take part in the third edition of the Virtual Internship program, which provides flexible, remote work experience in an athlete’s chosen industry and support’s the mission of the AIS to allow athletes to win well both in sport and in life.

With the athletes to undertake internships with various companies based all around the world, Gaul said the program fits perfectly with the needs of the modern athlete.

“As an athlete who spends over half the year overseas, I'm excited to do a virtual internship as it gives me the chance to gain valuable skills and build my career experience in a flexible setting while pursuing my commitments to alpine skiing,” Gaul said.

As well as providing some much-needed flexibility, De Campo’s brother Seve also sparked his interest in the program, after the cross-country skier took part in 2023.

Another athlete joining the program is 2020 Tokyo Olympian Lena Mihailovic, who is hoping to expand her knowledge in environmental conservation while continuing to pursue a professional water polo career.

“I'm excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in my field, leveraging my background in biological and environmental science," Mihailovic said.

“This experience will be invaluable as I transition into life after professional sports, providing me with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in environmental conservation.”

For rising rowing star Eleanor Price, career development is a high priority, so completing an internship while continuing her training is an exciting opportunity.

“The experience will allow me to continue to work towards my goals in rowing while also pursuing professional development which is quite difficult around the demands of training and competition,” Price said.

“I look forward to working in and learning from a professional environment outside of sport and I have no doubt that my readiness to enter the workplace will be accelerated through this experience.”

Supporting them through the program will be an internship manager and career coach to help athletes make the most of their experience.

If you’re interested in participating in the next round of virtual internships email career_and_education@ausport.gov.au

2024 AIS Virtual Internship Program Participants:

• Amanda Tscharke, Table Tennis Australia
• Darren Cuomo, Wheelchair Rugby Australia
• Eleanor Price, Rowing Australia
• Fedele de Campo, Snow Australia
• Jessica Ewart-McTigue, Triathlon Australia
• Kayson Goh, Badminton Australia
• Lena Mihailovic, Water Polo Australia
• Maeve Plouffe, AusCycling
• Samantha Gaul, Snow Australia
• Sophie Fadaely, Squash Australia
• Sophie Fawns, Netball Australia