National Careers Week 2025 | Squash Australia Interns

As part of National Careers Week, Squash Australia is proud to shine a spotlight on the next generation of professionals looking to establish their place in the sporting landscape.

Deakin University students Salamatu Ibrahim, Jai Innes, and James Clark have taken significant steps toward their future careers – gaining real-world experience, contributing to national projects, and developing a clearer vision for how sport can play a transformative role in society.

Salamatu Ibrahim: From public health to Sport for Social Change

When Salamatu Ibrahim, a Master of Public Health student at Deakin University, joined Squash Australia as a Sport Development Intern, she expected to gain experience in data analysis and sport participation trends. What she didn’t anticipate was how profoundly the experience would reshape her understanding of public health.

With a background in Biomedical Science and an initial interest in communicable disease control, Salamatu was curious about how sport could support broader health outcomes. Her internship provided those answers, and more.

“Sport is not just about competition – it’s a tool for inclusion and long-term health benefits,” said Salamatu. “This experience changed the way I see public health. Access to sport is a powerful intervention in itself.”

During her internship, Salamatu led the development of the Squash Participation Report, a strategic document analysing participation trends and identifying opportunities for growth.

The project not only honed her technical skills in research and strategic planning but also highlighted how data-driven decision-making can promote equity and inclusion in community sport.

She credits the guidance of Shaun McEachin, Squash Australia’s Sport Development Manager, with deepening her understanding of the broader impact of her work.

“Shaun’s mentorship helped me look beyond the numbers and understand their impact on communities,” she said. “That insight was invaluable.”

Looking ahead, Salamatu is more committed than ever to a career that bridges public health and sport policy. Her time with Squash Australia has shaped a new ambition: to develop programs and policies that recognise sport as a vital pillar of community health and well-being.

Jai Innes: Combining sport science with strategic insight

Jai Innes, a final-year student of Exercise Science and Sport Management at Deakin University, also discovered new career possibilities through her internship with Squash Australia.

With interests ranging from strength and conditioning to sports marketing and research, Jai was drawn to the opportunity to engage in both the practical and strategic aspects of sport administration.

Jai’s primary contribution was in the development of the Squash Australia Survey – a tool aimed at better understanding participant satisfaction, retention, and key areas for growth within the sport.

“I’ve always loved the hands-on side of sport, but this experience gave me a new appreciation for the planning and research that shape what happens on the ground,” she said.

Working within a national sporting organisation revealed the behind-the-scenes intricacies that often go unnoticed.

From stakeholder engagement to language appraisals and iterative drafts, Jai came to understand the level of care and collaboration required to produce even a simple-looking public document.

“It’s shown me how every role contributes to the bigger picture,” said Jai. “Seeing a community outcome come to life from research and planning is incredibly rewarding.”

As Jai prepares to graduate in June, her time with Squash Australia has helped solidify her interest in roles that blend community engagement, performance development, and sport research.

James Clark: Gaining big picture perspective through real-world experience

James Clark, a Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) student at Deakin University, is currently completing his final trimester and preparing to graduate in June 2025. While still exploring the specific role he hopes to pursue in the sporting industry, his internship with Squash Australia has brought him closer to finding that passion.

“I’m still unsure on the exact career path I want to take, but I’m confident that through experiences like this, I’ll find where I belong,” said James.

James discovered the internship opportunity through Deakin’s ‘Sport Industry Experience’ unit – a required part of his degree – and despite having no prior background in squash, he dove into the opportunity with enthusiasm.

Since joining the team, he has contributed to several high-impact projects, including the Participant Journey major project, the Squash Stars business case, and assisting at the Australian Junior Open Championship.

“I didn’t know what to expect from a national sporting organisation, especially a smaller NSO like Squash Australia,” said James. “But I’ve seen how widespread the impact is – from Shaun and Mia traveling nationwide to the reach our work has within the squash community.”

He was particularly struck by the scale of influence that even remote work can have in a national context.

“At first, I expected more office-based work, but I’ve come to understand that remote work is just as viable and impactful in this space.”

While James has found that a research-specific role may not be his long-term goal, the experience has been eye-opening and valuable. He credits a conversation with former intern and current staff member Mia as a key moment in helping him shape his post-graduation mindset.

“Mia gave me practical advice about job hunting and building a career after graduation. It didn’t give me all the answers, but it gave me a great starting point.”

Looking forward, James hopes to work in a large-scale, high-impact environment—whether that’s with a national sporting organisation, a major club, or a global sports brand.

A Launchpad for Future Careers

Internships like those undertaken by Salamatu, Jai, and James are a testament to Squash Australia’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in sport, health, and community development. By offering students meaningful, hands-on roles, the organisation is helping bridge academic knowledge with practical experience – setting young professionals on paths filled with purpose and impact.

During National Careers Week, we celebrate the achievements of these interns and all students taking proactive steps toward their futures. As Salamatu puts it:

“If you’re considering an internship with Squash Australia – go for it. You’ll gain more than skills; you’ll gain direction, confidence, and the chance to make a real difference.”