Tue Sep 24 03:30:14 UTC 2024: ## Former AFL Star Dane Swan Encourages Students to Build Networks and Pursue Passions
**Craigieburn, Victoria** – Former AFL star Dane Swan shared his insights on life beyond the football field with a group of Craigieburn Secondary College students on Tuesday. The talk, part of the school’s VCE Vocational Business Academy program, saw Swan speak candidly about his journey from professional athlete to entrepreneur.
Swan, known for his successful career with the Collingwood Football Club, emphasized the importance of building networks and following one’s passions. He shared his personal experience of transitioning from the AFL to the business world, revealing that while he initially focused solely on his football career, he gradually cultivated relationships with sponsors and business people during his time as a player.
“Once you guys finish this program and are out in the real world, if you guys have had relationships or networks with people who are in successful businesses that you guys enjoy – well there’s your first step into getting an apprenticeship or getting one-day-a-week work,” Swan advised the students.
He also discussed the significance of turning adversity into opportunity, recounting how his 2003 arrest served as a pivotal moment in his life. “Sometimes the worst things that happen to you can actually be the best things,” he stated.
Swan’s talk aimed to empower the students with practical advice on navigating the world of business and pursuing career aspirations. He encouraged them to seize opportunities, learn from their experiences, and cultivate strong professional connections.
The VCE VM Business Academy program, designed to equip students with modern business skills, provides them with a platform to build networks, explore entrepreneurial ventures, and secure traineeships or apprenticeships. Swan’s inspiring message served as a valuable addition to the program, offering real-world insights into the transition from sport to business.
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