As they begin to wrap up their placements with companies based all around the world, the inaugural class of the Australian Institute of Sports (AIS) Virtual Internship program is encouraging all athletes to apply for the 2023 intake.
Launched in October 2021 and delivered through the Australian Institute of Sport Professional Development Team, the program aims to prepare participants for their post-athletic careers. This accessible internship gives athletes the opportunity to gain firsthand work experience in their field of study while allowing for the flexibility to fit the placement around their demanding schedules.
In between training and competing on the World Cup Tour, dual world champion Freestyle Skier Laura Peel completed a virtual Accounting Associate Internship with South African company ACCUledgr.
"As an athlete who spends 9+ months a year on the road, gaining experience in a traditional workplace has always been a challenge. A Virtual Internship was a great opportunity to be able to gain some experience while continuing in my sport," said Peel, who produced the highest scoring jump of the season to win gold at the World Cup aerial skiing event in Le Relais, Canada during the course of her internship.
"The internship gave me confidence that I could be successful in a different kind of workplace in life after sport."
