Alumni

Calum Eastwood

Career Path: Former Area Manager (Recreation & Aquatics) YMCA Northern Territory Ltd. Currently Executive Manager (Store Operations) ALDI Australia
Location: Darwin, Australia

When I graduated with my sports degree I wanted to pursue a career which combined sport/recreation with management, although I wasn't entirely sure as to where or how I would find what I was looking for. I also decided that I would like to look for opportunities further afield, so I got a job working in a restaurant and saved up some money to move to Australia.

When I arrived in Australia it took me until my second year to find my first role in the sport & recreation sector where I started off as a duty manager in a stadium facility. From there I was afforded several more opportunities, both within my current organisation and through other channels, all of which I grabbed with both hands.

I managed an entire Recreation & Aquatic portfolio consisting of 5 x swimming pools & gyms, over 100 staff and working with several tiers of government in the management of both assets & funding.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I wanted to study there as I knew it was one of the best universities in the country to study a sports degree and I had some friends who had studied there previously and loved it.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

The study at Northumbria was great, I really enjoyed the mix of lectures/seminars and I met some great people during my time there.

How connected was your course with industry?

My course was better connected to the coaching and teaching industry sectors of sport, but the content covered through the course was inclusive of multiple facets of the sector.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course was the life experience and skills I got from living away from home and meeting some really awesome people.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria and obtaining my degree helped give me the edge when applying from some of my first roles within my chosen sector as it set me apart from most of the field as I had a degree.