Tom Allwright

Can you tell us about your time at Deakin? Is there anything you especially remember?

I played AFL with Geelong Cats, so a lot of my study was done in the Cloud and off-campus. Deakin was very understanding of the commitment that was required and made amendments where possible. One thing that really sticks out is the flexibility and understanding of the position that I was in during my playing days and also post football.

What has been your journey since finishing your course?

I have ventured into my own high-end adventure company called Adventure Abroad where we get to inspire people to do inspirational things. It wasn’t that long ago that we were hosting a long-lunch in the Arctic. As previously mentioned, I played AFL with the Geelong Cats while undertaking my studies. Since graduating, I have always run my own business – initially I started as a personal trainer where I was a partner in a gym and now I am following my deep passion for adventure travel, which has led to Adventure Abroad.

What has been the biggest influence on your career?

I’ve been able to meet so many amazing people during my journey and build some fantastic relationships, which has helped me a lot.

Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on?

No, but I knew I didn’t want to have an office job. AFL was my childhood dream and it wasn’t until a few years into my personal training business that I realised I wasn’t actually that passionate about what I was doing. It took me a while to find my passion and a lot of soul-searching. It came to me when I was re-evaluating with a friend and I realised there was a common denominator to what was making me happy, which was travelling and building relationships with guests that end up becoming my friends. I love the thought of challenging people to do things they didn’t think they could.

What advice would you give graduates wanting to pursue a similar profession?

I think there is a lot of pressure for young graduates to know what they want to do as soon as they finish. For me, I think it’s more important to find out who you are before what you want to do. I am a big believer in the ‘gap’ year after school, to give future students a chance to work out where they sit. For graduates, my advice is to have a really deep understanding of ‘why’ you want to do whatever it is you want to do. It shouldn’t be superficial, such as money or fame – that’s just a result. If you are doing something with a passion and vision, and with a deep understanding of your ‘why’, then you are going to go a long way in your chosen field.

What do you believe Deakin University has shown you/given you as a person?

Deakin has given me flexibility with my study and career aspirations. I think as a university, they have an open vision where not all roads lead to the same place. There are some great initiatives involved at Deakin that have helped my career.

How would someone describe you?

Ambitious.

Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your career?

Focus on the one reason you should do something, rather than the hundreds of reasons why you shouldn’t.

What is something that amazes you?

People. I honestly believe that we are so much more capable than we really think we are. I think these limitations come from people not having an understanding of the purpose to their career.