Ever wondered what it’s like getting paid to travel the world and work your dream job?
Earlier in the year, we sat down with 2011 Graduate Josh Kruse. Josh completed the SEDA Sports Development Program and went on to study a Bachelor of Sports Journalism at La Trobe University from which he graduated at the end of 2015.
Today, Josh is currently based in Italy and travelling the Formula 1 Circuit as a Communications and Digital Producer with Formula 1 team, Scuderia Toro Rosso.
Hear Josh’s story:
Josh, how did you find yourself living overseas and working for Scuderia Toro Rosso?
“I came to this role because I was previously a freelancing journalist in Formula 1 living in London. I was working my way around the world following the sport, which was a great experience. An opportunity came up with the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 team and I thought, “Why not have a shot at it?” Quite quickly one thing led to another then next thing I know, I’m moving to Italy!
What’s the best thing about living overseas and working in Formula 1?
“For me, the Formula 1 calendar has 21 races in a year, so that’s 21 different countries I get to travel to. I get to see a different country every second week, sometimes every week, it’s just amazing. You get to go to places like Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Mexico, China, Japan, Singapore, Monaco and Russia – just to name a few!
I get to travel around the world and use Italy as a base, that’s pretty much the dream isn’t it?”
What’s the most challenging thing about your role?
“I guess a big challenge in my role is just trying to stay fresh and not losing your creative spark. I’m running social accounts and creating content, so I need to have a good understanding of social media trends and making sure I’m creating engaging content.
I love being a part of the Red Bull brand and trying to figure out what’s cool and what people want to see”
How has SEDA helped you in your journey?
“I got thrown in the deep end when I came to SEDA which I loved. I took on more responsibilities and was able to maximise my own learning. At SEDA, you get out what you put in and I quickly recognised that this was my chance to show people what I had to offer and how valuable I was as an employee. It was a platform for me to showcase who I was as a person, separate from my resume. It gave me a really good work ethic, as well as great approach to life.”
What advice would you give to current SEDA students?
“One skill that SEDA always taught me was organisation. Whether it’s with assignments, events or even just getting yourself to a certain place on time. It sounds like a small thing but being five minutes late can leave a horrible first impression. Why should an employer put their trust into you to deliver work, if you can’t do the simple things on time?
I also think show initiative; don’t just go along with trends or do something because it’s easy. Show that you’re different, show that you have different ideas and show your willingness to learn. If you take pride in what you do, it really shows in your work.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
“It’s a hard question because you never know where you’re going to be in five years time. I get asked a lot if I think about coming home but I’ve got no plans on leaving (the Championship). I honestly don’t know. You never know what life’s going to throw at you.
As long as I can say I’ve made the right choices and don’t have any regrets, I’ll be happy.”
