National Careers Week has arrived for 2025 and Australian Athletics is shining the spotlight on athletes extending their dedication beyond the track, with the initiative celebrating careers and career development.
A series of Q&A’s will provide an insight into what Australia’s best athletes are achieving in their chosen fields, beginning with Olympian Angie Blackburn – the Program Officer Aus Govt – Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Introduction:
Tell us about where you’re currently at with your career. Explain a little about where you’re currently at and the tools you have used to get there.
I am currently working as a Programs Officer on the Saving Native Species Program for the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. I work remotely from Wollongong where I am based for Athletics.
I’d always known that it was important to build a life outside of sport, but the real catalyst was injury that put me out of the sport when I was 20 years old. Afterwards, I focused on graduating from ANU with a Bachelor of Arts/Science, with the goal to securing a job at the end. Admittedly, I was a little lost after university – I had the choice to do further study and undertake a Masters in Archaeological Theory or find a job in a different field. I hadn’t planned on applying for the Australian Public Service Graduate program, but it offered an opportunity to build my professional skills and make relationships. I was also keen to earn a living!
Since joining public service, I have worked in a variety of areas from International Environmental policy working on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the International Union for Conservation of Nature to working on programs such as the Bushfire Recovery Program, the Remote Engagement Program and the Saving Native Species Program. I’ve enjoyed being able to build relationships with government, state and territory, non-government organisations and First Nations peoples. I’ve also really enjoyed developing cores skills such as communication, relationship building. strategic thinking and problem-solving.
As an athlete, you need to be adaptable and good at focusing/completing the small things that lead to our long-term success. We are willing to risk failure and have a try when faced with new unfamiliar tasks. My willingness to improve and try jobs that challenge me is because of my mindset that developed through Athletics. My ability to have a goal and long-term vision and plan for how I can make that happen has also helped me grow and move through my career outside of sport.
I started seriously thinking about my career during the time I had two operations on both of my feet to fix navicular stress fractures. I had always hoped that I would be able to return to Athletics, but I knew that I would need to find a way to support myself to compete at a higher level and after sport. My surgeries were the first time I really understood the costs of being an athlete and the importance of building up savings to travel/compete, but also just in case injuries do occur.
Initially, I focused on completing university and undertaking an internship in Human Resources at the Australian National University to help me transition into professional working life. I also spoke to friends and family and university career coaches to help me find what I was interested in outside of sport.
If anything, there has been a lot of luck involved with opportunities that have arisen outside of my sport. I didn’t really think about what I wanted to do outside of sport (sport has always been my one true passion). I studied a Bachelor of Arts/Science because I enjoyed English, Sports, and Health at school. But I didn’t really think about what job my degree would lead to…However, I look back on my university with a lot of love because I made some amazing friends, and I also studied something I found interesting.
When it comes to my public service life, it’s been my willingness to try new work roles that has led me to discover jobs that I didn’t even realise existed. My northern star has been knowing myself and purposely pursuing areas that can help me improve my skillset. I’ve also been really lucky to find great mentors and supervisors who have recognised and nurtured my strengths. They have provided me with job opportunities where I would strive and gain confidence. So, if it’s anything, it’s really important to surround yourself with people who have a willingness to help you grow, especially in the earlier part of your career.
On the work front, a challenge was working on a government program that I felt wasn’t aligned with my values. I also felt I was unable to make a real impact at my level. Initially, I focused on where I could add value (even if it was small) and how I could support and upskill my team members. Later, I reached out to mentors to assist me with transitioning into a different role/department that was better suited to me. I think it’s okay to recognise when something, whether it be a job, a relationship, or location is no longer working for you – growth is a natural transition in life. Not all change has to be scary or bad.
Not really, I’ve already had a mini post-athletic career in my 20’s. But in prepping for my next post-athletic career (whenever that may be), one thing I wish I had done in my earlier years, was reach out to Australian Sports Commission (ASC) career coaches and athlete wellbeing officers to help me 1) balance sport and career 2) find my passion outside of sport. I’ve found that we’ve got really good support out there and people who are passionate about helping us build all parts of our identity, not just the one related to sport.
I’d say don’t stress about it. It’s okay to try a variety of jobs to work out what you like. Also don’t compare yourself to other people – some of us have it all worked out and some of us are working it out as we go. I don’t really believe whole-heartedly that we make wrong choices because often a wrong choice can tell you what you don’t want to do. A wrong choice is like a detour that can help you understand what it is you need and will redirect you to what it is you want. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things and say yes to opportunities, even when you don’t feel quite ready. A lot of skills can be built on the job with the right support.
If you’re unsure how to build your own career, the Australian Sports Commission offers career coaching and support to athletes through the Career Practitioner Referral Network (CPRN). Also, if you want to do a trade or study, I highly recommend booking into to use free TAFE Counselling and Career Development Services or Careers & Employability consultants at your university. I started my first job working at my local bakery, so just asking friends and family if they know of a job going. If you’re already established in a work career, I’ve found career coaches useful for when you’re feeling stuck. Also, look for development programs. Often there are leadership programs aimed at driven people such as athletes which offer free learning and development opportunities such as funding for courses and travel. Also, look at alternative ways you can share, inform, and inspire people on what it takes to be an elite athlete. There’s a lot of unique job opportunities for athletes.
By Australian Athletics
Posted 12/5/2025
