Angela Collins

Graduate Diploma in Sports Law

Executive Assistant to the CEO of Netball Victoria, Australia

What is your professional education and work background?
I had always wanted to do law and began my tertiary studies at Victoria University by completing an Arts/Legal Studies Degree. Upon completion of this degree I was accepted into the Graduate Law Program, also at VU, and graduated in 2004. The law course at VU was new, so my class was only the second group of students to graduate.

I had quite a difficult time securing a position as an Article Clerk, with there being so many graduates, limited positions available and graduating from a new and relatively unknown law course. I eventually managed to secure a position with a sole practitioner who suggested I complete the online College of Law program because this would allow for my admission to practise in six months rather than twelve. I completed the program and was admitted to practice in December 2005. I continued to work with this firm until the end of 2006, where I mainly practised in criminal and family law.

In 2007 I began working as the Associate to his Honour Judge Howie at the County Court of Victoria and although my intention was to only stay in this role for approximately 18 months to 2 years, I remained there for almost 4 years. I had always intended on going to the Bar and distinctly remember a conversation that I had with his Honour about my career prospects, whereby I told him that I had lost the passion to go down that path. I am so passionate about sport that I decided then and there that this would become my specialty area. I enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Sports Law soon after and am very thankful I did.

I have been working as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Netball Victoria since September 2010 to gain first-hand experience and insight into the way sporting organisations run. The CEO has been very supportive of my studies and is acting as wonderful mentor for me. I can without doubt say that I love my job and am learning so much in my role.

How did you come about studying with Melbourne Law School?
When I decided that I wanted to specialise in sports law, I did some research as to what courses were available and found that Melbourne University offered a post graduate program. Upon reading the information provided by the university about the array of subjects that were offered, especially in terms of sports governance and employment law, I couldn't resist enrolling.

Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters. What have been the highlights so far? What have you enjoyed most?
The way in which the sports law subjects are coordinated and structured, through the intensive format, allows for strong interaction and participation by all who are undertaking the course. Each class member brings with them different experiences and opinions, which can often make for lively discussions! The classes are run in a tutorial-style format which makes it much easier to get to know fellow classmates. I've enjoyed listening to the stories people have told about their work backgrounds and have loved the fact that everyone is encouraged to contribute to class discussions and conversations.

Why did you choose to undertake the subjects you did? Were they particularly relevant to your field of work, believed they would fulfill a passion in that area etc.?
I am interested in pursuing a career within a sporting organisation such as Netball Victoria, working with athletes and in game development and operations. I therefore chose to undertake subjects that focused more on sports governance, commerce and employment issues. Having followed and played sport as child, I thrive on seeing a sport develop, not only at the elite level, but from grassroots. I felt that these subjects would help my work in that particular area.

What networking opportunities has the Melbourne Law Masters provided you with?
The Melbourne Law Masters has definitely provided networking opportunities. Throughout the four subjects I undertook, there was an array of guest speakers and highly qualified lecturers. Having the opportunity to meet and converse with these people was definitely a highlight for me. Having said this, I believe the biggest networking opportunity the course provided was through my fellow classmates and their knowledge in different areas. I am grateful that I have stayed in touch with many of them.

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about this?
In my current role, I have the opportunity of being across everything that is going on within the organisation – a 'bird's eye view', so to speak. I am learning how the different departments run, i.e. Netball Operations, Game Development, Finance and Commercial Operations, and am enjoying learning from those who have been in the industry for long periods of time.

How do you think your studies will help you in your current role and in the future?
I hope to continue working within sporting organisations and feel that my studies and the experience I am gaining in my current role will no doubt give me an added dimension to my skill set. I am particularly putting into practice, in my role at Netball Victoria, the knowledge I've acquired from my sports governance and commerce subjects. I have no doubt this knowledge will hold me in good stead as I head further into my career in the sports industry.

What if anything, surprised you about studying with us?
I was surprised at how well the subjects were run, and in particular, at how comprehensive the subject guides provided to us were. I was also surprised at the level of class participation, which to my mind, is a reflection of the engagement of the lecturer/s and the material they are teaching. I must say that I was also a bit surprised to see how many young women are undertaking the sports law course. As a growing area, it's great to see women pursuing careers in the sporting industry.