Meet Angus Yeates, Asia-Pacific Graduate Management Trainee at Adidas.

Angus has been a SportsGrad Member since 2022, and has comfortably been the most active Member in that time.

He’s attended 90% of speed networking nights, Job Fairs and Ask SportsGrad webinars. He’s even flow interstate to attend in person meetups!

He’s one of the most committed people we’ve met, which is why it’s no surprise that he has landed a dream job in sport.

This is how Angus got his job at the global giant that is Adidas.

What made you want to work in sport?

I wanted to work in sport because we are a part of global market connected by many exciting opportunities. Sport has always been a part of my life. I have been fortunate through my journey to play Field Hockey and Golf at the highest level. I have worked in community sport, retail and a variety of sports businesses in Australia and internationally. Sport will always be a passion of mine.

What was the biggest challenge you found trying to get your foot in the door?

Creating a point of difference. Why should an organisation hire you? The competition for roles is highly competitive, especially in the sports industry. It is critical that you create a point of difference. In a digital world I believe it is crucial to showcase your experience beyond just your CV. Utilising social media like LinkedIn and SportsGrad is crucial to building your network.

What have been some of your key work experiences?

1. PGA Associate Professional at Royal Hobart Golf Club- Australia (2 years)

Working in golf provided me with some incredible opportunities, especially learning the key functions of a small business. Applying my skills in a private club gave me the skills for management, retail, maintenance and operation skills. Working within a small business exposed me to many skills a larger corporation do not.

2. Data Analytics Internship at Vector Foiltec- Germany (6 months)

Working internationally is a great experience. In Germany, I learnt to navigate the language barriers, Salesforce skills, excel and contractual negotiation skills with international clients. I worked closely with the Head of Sales for Europe and the Middle East. The company specialises in environmentally friendly roofing solutions. Some of the projects included major sporting stadiums, shopping malls and other buildings across the globe.

Can you recall a question from your recent job interview that you aced? How did you answer it?

Q: What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

A: Changing my life potential. Living in Tasmania, Australia, I had a very comfortable life. I had a secure job in Golf, a long-term relationship, a new unit and the same old friends. Life was sweet. But for some reason I didn't feel I was reaching my potential. I made a very bold decision to quit my job, leave my friends, relationship and family behind to pursue a contract playing Field Hockey in Germany. This was the biggest learning curve I have experienced so far. Learning a new language, experiencing a new culture and taking on new challenges including an internship was the best thing for my development. I believe you learn more in the hardest times of life and I experienced many of those in Germany. But from living and working with so many amazing people, I developed my passion for combining work and travel. I overcame the difficult times by re-aligning what I valued and what I wanted to do with my career. The outcome has been many recent trips in Europe, USA and Asia working. Taking calculated risks and challenging your potential has improved every aspect of my life.

How has networking played a role in your journey?

Networking is key to everything we do. If there is someone you want to talk to, make the effort to stand out from the crowd. Here are 3 key points that have stood out for me from people I have spoken with:

Ryan and Reuben- Maximise social media to promote your personal brand beyond your CV.

Keith Vince, Golf Psychologist at Club Zur Vahr: "Never try. You either DO or you Don't".

Damien De Bohun, General Manager at Golf Australia: "Take Calculated Risks".

What does a day in your new role look like?

My current day-to-day in Melbourne involves the delivery and management of the Adidas brand between Consumer to Consumer. This is focused around relationships with wholesale companies and the Adidas brand. My role will be changing every 6 months with a cycle across 4 components of the Adidas business. This will mean more work internationally which is exciting. As part of my new role, I have recently been in Shanghai, China working with other graduates from Singapore, China, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

How did being a SportsGrad Member help you break into sport?

SportGrad assisted me in building my network. I was fortunate to have many great conversations with podcast and webinar guests. It's great to hear about so many different pathways within the sports industry. Having a supportive community to bounce ideas off promotes a strong community feel. SportsGrad is the place to be if you want to get a start in a competitive market like the sports industry.

What do you love most about working in sport?

Being able to combine your passion with work makes for an awesome experience. Working with individuals who also share your passion is an exciting space to be in. Sport has facilitated numerous opportunities so far in my career and I can't wait to see what's next!

What advice would you give to someone else trying to break into sport?

Get out of your comfort zone, take risks, and ask questions. People are always willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance as this can speed up the process of getting to where you want to go.