Minerva Network is proud to celebrate the remarkable path of Lucy Coleman, a Minerva athlete and Australian Rower, who has successfully transitioned from elite sport into the professional engineering sector through a rewarding internship with Aurecon, one of Minerva’s tremendous corporate partners.
Lucy, who is currently completing her honours while navigating life beyond elite sport, began her internship with Aurecon in 2024. From the outset, she was embraced by a team that recognised her potential, not just as a student and emerging engineer, but as a former high-performance athlete with a unique skill set and mindset.
“From the start of my internship, I felt genuinely welcomed by the team at Aurecon,” said Lucy. “Coming from a full-time elite sport background to wanting to start my career in the professional engineering space while completing my honours, I naturally felt unsure as to how things would pan out. However, the team at Aurecon saw value in my experience and gave me the support and confidence to find my place and excel. Thanks to Aurecon and Minerva, the transition out of sport has felt incredibly positive and I'm excited to be continuing with Aurecon.”
Aurecon’s commitment to supporting diverse talent aligns closely with Minerva’s mission to empower women athletes to thrive both on and off the field. Through this internship program, Aurecon has not only provided Lucy with technical experience and exposure to industry-leading projects, but also offered the kind of guidance, structure and culture that helps high-performing individuals soar in new endeavours.
Lucy’s journey is a compelling example of how the skills honed through elite sport, such as resilience, time management, strategic thinking, and a strong work ethic, can translate powerfully into corporate environments. The success of this internship is also a testament to the importance of partnerships that bridge sport and business, helping athletes reimagine their futures and build sustainable careers beyond their sporting achievements.
Minerva Executive Director, Victoria Momsen, shared her pride in Lucy’s achievement and the impact of the Aurecon partnership: “Lucy embodies what Minerva stands for with determination, adaptability and leadership. We are incredibly grateful to Aurecon for recognising these qualities in Lucy and providing an environment where she could thrive. This partnership continues to open up meaningful opportunities for our athletes to explore what’s next and build bright futures.”
With Lucy continuing her journey with Aurecon beyond her internship, this success story serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when elite athletes are supported through pivotal career transitions. It also underscores the broader impact of Minerva’s corporate partnerships in driving long-term outcomes for women in sport.
As Minerva continues to grow its network and open doors for more athletes across Australia, stories like Lucy’s showcase the lasting value of empowering women to lead confidently beyond sport.
www.aurecongroup.com/careers/early-careers/intern-programme
