Graduate profile

Bachelor of Sport Development, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 2011

Currently: Stadium Manager, Horsham Amateur Basketball Association Stadium

Dylan Taylor's job running Horsham's basketball stadium is a mixed bag - and so is the degree that prepared him so well for it. 'I might be attending a council meeting, then later in the day I am coaching kids,' Dylan says. 'The business administration side of my job is quite high too so I am doing different things all the time.

Deakin's Bachelor of Sport Development attracted Dylan because he knew it would provide him with skills and knowledge in exercise science topped up with a good dose of business. 'I knew I wanted to do something in sport but I wasn't sure exactly,' he says. 'I wanted the exercise science side and the personal training experience but I also wanted the business side. I thought this course would open up pathways for me because I would still do things like marketing and sports leadership.'

While at school, Dylan says he found out that Deakin was 'known for delivering good sports courses', and a visit to Burwood's Open Day cemented his choice. 'It was really good. They gave me information on the design of the course, which was only in its second or third year, and explained how they went to industry to see what skills they wanted people to have.'

He particularly enjoyed the subjects Sports Marketing and Sports Development, he says. 'And the coaching units were great because I am doing a fair bit of coaching now.' But the most useful subjects are not always the most fun, he explains. 'Business Communication was a fairly dry unit but pretty applicable to everyday life. I have to write numerous emails, they all require a different approach and that subject taught me how to write these emails effectively.'

Dylan runs the basketball stadium single handed and is the first full-time employee to be placed in the role. He describes the complexity of the politics and relationships as 'amazing' and says he faces some difficult challenges.

'Sport in particular can be very emotional, especially for parents if they think their child is missing out.' Studying Sport Leadership and Governance has been helpful here, he says. 'Understanding the different roles people have and all the power struggles - your decision making becomes really important and you have to be able to stand up for yourself,' he says.

The practicum he completed at Knox Basketball Stadium proved a great experience and helped him get the job, he says. 'It was the best thing ever because you get to apply the things you learn in the course. I also made some really good contacts there who have helped me in my current job.'

Initially he imagined himself taking a job involving a single component of his course, Dylan says, so he feels fortunate to have obtained a position where he draws on the different aspects covered in his degree.

Becoming CEO of a large basketball organisation is Dylan's dream job. He is already planning to take on a Deakin MBA as he wants to broaden his business knowledge beyond the sporting field. 'The course I did is very sport specific and I have played a lot of basketball. The MBA would take me beyond that and give me very good business skills.'