While all footballers work hard to develop their game and skills on the field, Carlton’s young brigade recently took time out to focus on their off-field professional development.

Carlton sponsor Acquire Learning delivered its Rising Star: Pitching You program to first year players, along with Jason Tutt and Patrick Cripps.

The program provided players with tools to create standout cover letters and resumes, as well as tips for how to present themselves professionally online through platforms like LinkedIn.

Rookie Fraser Russell said the workshop planted some seeds for thinking about life beyond football.

“It’s been a really good insight into how to work in the outside world and to really make use of the networks and the people you get to know in the club environment,” Russell said.

“To have Acquire come in and tell us how to do that has been really helpful.”

Meanwhile, Jason Tutt said the workshop made him realise how important a professional resume is for future career prospects.

“It sets you apart from everyone else outside in the professional world,” Tutt said.

“Obviously there’s a lot of competition for jobs, so standing out from the crowd by having a good CV, where a person will have a look and say, ‘yep, I want that guy as an employee,’ is important.”

The workshop is part of the Carlton Football Club’s commitment to developing its people.

Visit Acquire Learning for more information on how to reinvent yourself.