From the Essendon Education Academy to AFL: Blake's journey to success

Discover how Blake, an Essendon Education Academy graduate, leveraged his education and passion for AFL to land his dream job in the industry.

Blake graduated from RMIT’s Essendon Education Academy (EEA) in 2022 to score a job in the world of the Australian Football League (AFL). He’s now kicking goals as a digital coordinator at Essendon Football Club.

His journey is not just a career breakthrough but a testament to the power of education and passion.

"What I love most about footy - and sport in general – is how well it lends itself to tell stories that have an emotional impact on people,” said Blake.

His love for AFL and storytelling led him to EEA, where he found the perfect blend of academic rigour and practical experience.

"Early on, I just wanted some clarity around my career interest of working in sport.”

Much like the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences central to RMIT, Blake found the WIL projects at EEA incredibly rewarding.

"Navigating the entire AFL and AFLW season was the most exciting project," he said.

These real-world projects allowed Blake to apply his skills in dynamic scenarios, significantly elevating his learning experience.

If you’re willing to go looking for opportunities, the EEA experience will give you a massive advantage in progressing your career.

Blake with Deputy Vice Chancellor VE & Vice President Mish Eastman.

Blake credits his time at RMIT for preparing him for professional life.

"Approach the course with a wide lens," he advises, emphasizing that it prepares you for working in all types of industries.

He also shared his experience with one of the course instructors, emphasising the importance of having a good mentor during your studies.

"Having Esteban Franco as a teacher was most helpful. He's really good at identifying people’s skills and encouraging you to hone in on your strengths."

Blake has some sage advice for those about to graduate from EEA.

"Make yourself as available as possible, stay flexible, and be willing to take whatever comes your way.

“Look for feedback from staff members and teachers on how to improve.”

His advice for future graduates is clear: be open, be flexible, and never stop learning. With these principles, Blake believes that the sky is the limit for what the next generation of EEA graduates can achieve.

Story: Giulio Mancuso

Find out more about Essendon Education Academy

15 September 2023

More student news

Inspiring Student Achievements Honoured at 2024 Vocational Education Awards

11 Dec 2024

RMIT’s Vocational Education Student Awards celebrated top VE achievers of 2024 at Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre.

Engineering students reach new heights at EnGenius showcase

02 Dec 2024

RMIT’s EnGenius event offered students an opportunity to present their final-year capstone projects to industry, with the winning designs ranging from a brake system for rockets to enhancements in clean energy technology.

RMIT students among first recipients of new Dylan Alcott Foundation Scholarship

26 Nov 2024

Amy Roland and Jamie Pozdeeva will receive up to $10,000 for each year of their studies.

Celebrating Graduate Cam Moray-Smith's Journey of Reinvention

25 Nov 2024

After a 26-year career in funeral services, RMIT graduate Cam Moray-Smith embarks on a new journey in law, driven by a passion for advocacy and inspired by the memory of his late mother.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information

From the Essendon Education Academy to AFL: Blake's journey to success