THOMAS Miles joined The Border Watch sports department team recently straight from completing his Year 12 exams and with no past experience of full-time employment.
While completing his secondary education at St Martins Lutheran College, Thomas questioned which career path to follow, but knew it had to be related to sport.
“For as long as I could remember, I have been fascinated by all things sport,” he said.
“If something like the cricket, football or motorsport was on TV, I could sit there and watch it all day.
“I’m known to leave people amazed by how I can recall detailed cricket statistics, for example.”
This interest saw Thomas contemplate a range of different sports-related jobs, ranging from a greenkeeper to photographer.
But heading into Year 12, he still had no clear plan for his future and completed studies with an open mind, in search of any sports-related opportunity.
When exam studies begin to take focus, Thomas saw a sports cadet position advertised in The Border Watch which sparked memories of previous work experience with the local paper and aspirations of winning the position.
Recommended by family and friends as the ideal job for him, Thomas did not hesitate in submitting his resume.
“I have always aspired to have a career where I could be a journalist reporting on local or world-class sporting events,” Thomas said.
Thomas studied maths, fitness, English and photography in year 12, with the latter also key components to the job.
Little did he know these lessons would become such a major part of his working life straight after his secondary schooling came to an end.
“Starting work just days after my final exam has made the transition to work slightly easier,” Thomas said.
He found the first week on the job a “real eye opener”.
“Learning a new computer system, writing and camera techniques and just how hectic the work world is compared to school has been a surprise,” Thomas said.
Thomas has lived in Mount Gambier his entire life and has always been an active sports participant across the community, having played both football and cricket for East Gambier, as well as golf, and enjoys the mental challenge of football umpiring.
He also closely follows and watches his favourite sport teams and keeps fit in his spare time.
One day Thomas hopes he can report on his beloved sports teams and events across the world.
The opportunity presented by The Border Watch is the perfect pathway to hopefully one day reach this goal.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity at The Border Watch, where I hope I can develop not just as a journalist, but as an individual too,” he said.
