Developing opportunities on and off the field
by Linda Hein
Emerging
Adelaide Crows defender, Scott Stevens, is not only developing his
place on the footy field, he’s also forging his future with a
Bachelor of Management in Human Resource Management at UniSA.
From Kelleberrin, a small farming community in Western Australia half way between Perth and Kalgoorlie, 26 year old Stevens says that while footy is definitely a dream, it has always been important to keep his career options open.
"It’s only the last three years I’ve been a regular in the senior’s team. Before that I was in and out of the side, and you get one and two year contracts, so often you’re not really sure of your future.
"[By studying] I’m doing something for the future. If footy doesn’t work out I’m at least half way through a degree with a few subjects under the belt."
The challenge for the tall (194cm), affable Stevens is balancing the demands of playing, training, studying and living life.
His training schedule is close to a full-time commitment and travel for match days often involves an entire weekend.
On his day off Stevens runs a life choices program that works with Year 9 high school students about their decisions around alcohol, drugs and other major life choices.
"We do quite a lot of the work ourselves; we write proposals for funding, do the finances and then train people who want to do the program," he said.
"There’s lots of other demands on time as well, fulfilling sponsors, game development in schools, and even at the club with meetings as the game becomes more technical and scientific."
With
an intensive schedule and the pressure of elite performance, Stevens
has access to added guidance, advice and flexibility through UniSA’s
Elite Athlete Friendly Program, but says so far he’s been able to
manage the balance.
"I organise my tutes around training and the Uni is great; the tutors are understanding if I’ve ever had a problem and the support is there if I need it.
"The only time I really need the flexibility is when an exam clashes with training or a match, and if there’s a clash with training, the club will likely let me do the exam."
"It is tough [to balance it all]. You just have to make yourself do it and know what you have due and when. That’s why I only do one or two subjects!" he said.
While he’s not yet decided on where he’ll apply his study, he prefers the "people side" of HR and sees all of his current activity as a possible stepping stone toward corporate performance development and helping people work at their best.
"A lot of what I hear in my lectures and tutes applies to what’s happening at the footy club with team development.
"One of the things I’ll be able to take away from footy is being able to operate in a high pressure situation in a team and in terms improving your performance, you have to do it instantly or you’re out.
"The club is just like any other organisation; but under a lot of pressure and a lot of scrutiny so you have to operate well together. I think some of those attributes and lessons can be transferred to workplaces."
Stevens hopes to finish his degree next year.