Saloni Allot

Media Marketing Coordinator, Phoenix Bowls Club

Media, marketing and communications
Saloni

Despite some initial setbacks Saloni's perseverance paid off and she found herself a role with Loughborough Phoenix Bowls Club managing social media accounts and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Whilst not a sport Saloni was familiar with she threw herself into the opportunity taking time to learn about the sport and use her knowledge and experience to help improve the media channels of the club.

I am an energetic, enthusiastic individual. I have played cricket professionally for more than half of my life. I represented my state, Vidarbha Cricket Association from the age of 12 as a wicketkeeper/batter. I did my under-graduation in Chemical Engineering and was the 3rd topper in my department! But, I did not sit for companies as I wanted to play and explore myself, and what I really wanted to do. I realised that sport genuinely gives me happiness and so, I decided to pursue sport management for my masters! I got lucky to get Loughborough University for my masters! Apart from playing cricket I have also played throwball, basketball, discuss throw and shot-put throw at the school level. I also play guitar, music helps me hold on my nerves! I also joined Jiu-Jitsu club at Loughborough University to learn some kick-smacking moves! I tried to make the most of this opportunity of being at World No. 1 University for Sports!

I had already applied to join the CVA before even coming to the UK. I always felt the experience which I would gain if I am given an opportunity to work would be very rewarding because I would get an insider view of how the sport industry works in the UK. This was very important for me being an international student because everything was going to be new for me. And that is how it turned out. I applied for a few positions but got rejections initially, but I finally got my catch with Loughborough Phoenix Bowls Club where they wanted a media marketing co-ordinator. I was able to do something which I really enjoyed doing, managing social media accounts and maintaining stakeholder relationships! I love talking to people and getting to know them, so it was not a completely different, I have enjoying but having fun at the same time.

I got into media and marketing profile through CVA and I developed interest for the same. I got to know about the various courses they offer for the personal development of the candidates. These courses turned out to be very essential for the eligibility for many job roles in the UK especially for international students.
It has been absolutely rewarding and a huge learning curve for me. I got to meet new people and know the under-workings of the sport industry. I also got introduced to Bowls, a sport which I did not know before. I got an opportunity to work collaboratively with my colleagues which helped me improve my knowledge and understanding. It motivated me to work hard and deliver the best from me.

This year was very difficult due to covid and I feel meeting new people was very restricted this year. Honestly, others who were not a part of CVA did not even get a chance to make contacts. Through CVA I was able to get to know few people form the industry and also I got the chance to work and explore myself and the options I can have. Today I know what kind of work is expected of me if I join an organisation with the same profile of work I did through CVA. I am atleast not clueless. I developed interest and have been looking forward to join an organisation for the same role.

I would say GO FOR IT! I think this is a once in lifetime opportunity, to be in the World No 1 University for Sports and honestly, we have time apart from academics to invest in it too. This investment will only turn into rewards as it will help you get an inside view of how the sport industry works and especially if you are pursuing the sports field then CVA is a must that you should do.
I think the impact which it creates (personally and professionally) is the most imperative aspect of volunteering. When you contribute in changing people's life with selfless hard work, when you keep other's needs before yours, when everyday you learn something new and when you try to deliver the best possible results, it teaches you so much more than what you learn in the classrooms!! You are not afraid to fail, because you know that you will learn and do better next time. It is personally relieving and boosts confidence!

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