In its first year, the Brisbane Lions Institute of Business and Sport welcomed two intakes, with a total of 60 students enrolling in the unique dual diploma program.  

Each cohort brought together aspiring sports professionals eager to combine hands-on industry experience with formal qualifications in sport and leadership.  

Following the graduation of the first cohort in June, three students have been offered roles within the sporting industry post study. 

Isabella Harvey, Aleisha Gardyne and Jonas Kissel, who all graduated in the first ever BLIBS cohort spoke incredibly highly of the program and the tools it has given them to prepare them for their careers ahead. 

“Being part of the inaugural year of BLIBS has been an incredibly rewarding experience, it was clear that the program was built to provide real-world, hands-on exposure to the inner workings of an AFL club,” Gardyne said. 

“The access to mentors and industry professionals has been invaluable, and the sense of community among the BLIBS cohort made it even more special.” 

“The big start for me was in matchday WIL and speaking at events, public speaking comes quite naturally to me but it’s always a little nerve racking, this helped me get the membership position at the Lions,” Kissel said. 

“Luckily through meeting people and having confidence to put myself out there I managed to get a meeting with Brisbane Roar’s COO Zac Anderson, who then offered me a role working with him at the Brisbane roar. 

Signing up for the institute of business and sport was honestly the best decision I’ve ever made,” Harvey said. 

“The experience, opportunity and growth I’ve gained has been pivotal in my career. Studying within the home of an elite sporting club truly opened my eyes to the world of sport management.” 

Lions Education Program Manager, Anna O’Keeffe said seeing students take on roles within the football upon graduation shows that the BLIBS is on the right path.  

“We are thrilled to see alumni from our BLIBS program go on to take roles here at the Lions,” O’Keefe said. 

“It is a massive tick for the first cohort of this program and with the help of TAFE Queensland we are excited to continue to develop aspiring sports professionals.” 

If you’d like to get a better understanding of the dual Diploma program, you can take a look at our website here.  

The next Lions Institute of Business and Sport begins on July 14 with limited places remaining, for more detailed information on subjects, enrolment, fees and much more see the TAFE Queensland website.