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Six sportspeople, including a Commonwealth games silver medalist, will complete the inaugural 12-week course.
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PwC Australia offers athletes a head start in post-sport career
16 December 2022
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PwC Australia has launched an elite athlete employment program designed to give work experience useful for a career after sport.
The firm said the program would allow athletes to integrate work around their training and competition requirements while supporting them in planning career paths.
“PwC Australia is committed to creating a positive impact with athletes and recognising their potential to become successful business leaders,” said PwC Brisbane markets managing partner Chris Rogan.
“Our elite athlete employment program will provide Australia’s top athletes with the skills they need to have a thriving professional career alongside their sporting career, as well as long after sport, and we’re excited to welcome the athletes to the firm.”
“The program is inclusive to gender, ability, cultural backgrounds and sports, where PwC celebrates the unique experiences of all participants.”
PwC Australia said the inaugural program had attracted Olympic swimmer and Commonwealth games silver medalist Jenna Strauch, Paralympic swimmer and silver medalist Monique Murphy, wheelchair basketball paralympian Samuel White, as well as three aspiring Olympians in Darcy Roper, Mackenzie Duffy and Ruby Harris.
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Mr Rogan said the participants would get to build corporate experience and understanding by joining client-facing teams and working on current projects.
On top of flexible employment, the program would also provide athletes with the opportunity to connect with colleagues through events and broaden their corporate network. They would receive support through their eventual career transition with enhanced corporate skills and employment avenues, said PwC.
The firm said more needs to be done to support athlete development and wellbeing.
“Elite athletes have to manage a sustainable short-term career within sports but also a career transition to develop sustainable long-term careers after sport,” said Mr Rogan.
“Many deals with the challenges of financial and mental health concerns after retiring from sports and we want to empower our athletes and show them that there can be a fulfilling professional life after sport.”
A report by the Australian Sports Foundation revealed that 50 per cent of aspiring Olympians and Paralympians earned less than $23,000 a year — well below the national minimum wage.
“Elite athletes possess critical skills acquired through sport such as communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience and discipline,” Mr Rogan said.
“These skills can be adapted in the corporate world and are important aspects in athletes transitioning to a successful professional career.”
PwC Australia said the participants of the program would be paid at the graduate salary pro-rata, and confirmed that all PwC graduates were paid above the minimum wage.
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