Timothy Francombe

Former Australian Army Major Tim Francombe has successfully transitioned to an exciting career and life in New York City in part thanks to his Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science degree.

What was your UNE qualification/s?

Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science.

Online or on-campus study?

Online and attended campus for intensive schools.

How was your experience with UNE lecturers?

It was great - the lecturers are professional and create a positive adult learning environment. Studying online can sometimes feel disconnected, but the lecturers were always engaged and made themselves available to answer questions and provide help after normal work hours. From my perspective, the lecturers and administrators understood that the majority of online students were managing multiple responsibilities such as full-time work and/or families – often trying to get through study and the curriculum late at night or early in mornings, but they accommodated for this in the courses developed and made it really manageable to complete in your own time and at your own learning pace.

What was your reason for studying at UNE?

After I got married and started my family, I was knew I wanted to start planning to retire from the Australian Army and a key part of this was diversifying my experience and qualifications. I was interested in Exercise and Sport Science, and I found that being highly engaged in the topic, motivated me to put in the effort at nights. In my research, I found that UNE offered the best online learning experience when compared to the other online institutions, and it was complemented with coordinated intensive schools that helped you to feel a part of the university community while cognisant of people with limited time.

Your current job?

I am a Senior Manager, Business Planning & Strategy within American Express Insights (Market Research). I am currently based at the American Express headquarters in New York City. The job is similar to a Chief of Staff position that directly supports the Senior Vice President American Express Insights (who is also an Australian).

The personal qualities needed to do your job?

Organisational Skills, Interpersonal Skills and Adaptability.

I need to be organised to ensure that the department is coordinated, informed and aligned. I need interpersonal skills to develop meaningful relationships; it is how everything gets done. I need to be adaptable and comfortable with rapid change; this enables the department’s agility.

If you weren’t in this line of work, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I would really like to be involved on coaching or sports team organisational management (head office). I have always been interested in sport and personnel management.  One of the main attractions for me moving to the United States is the professional sporting culture.

Your advice for anyone interested in pursuing this type of career?

Take risks to get the opportunity and once you get the opportunity, work as hard as you can to make the most of it. Always maintain your integrity.

The biggest challenge and biggest achievement you’ve experienced in your work or life in general?

My personal biggest challenge is having the self-belief to take the risks and trust in my ability. I think one of the biggest successes has been my transition from Army Officer to corporate career; it very daunting to leave a 15-year military career and leap into the corporate world in another country.

How has your UNE qualification aided you in your career?

I think two major skills that I use regularly are systematic problem solving and communication. The ability to look at information, summarise and then communicate in a succinct method is critical, and while I don’t specifically work in the sport science industry, scientists are good at problem solving and using a methodology to come to a conclusion.

What inspires you inside work and outside work?

I am inspired to leave every job and team in a better position than when I arrived. Outside work I am inspired by personal development and making myself and the people around me better.

Do you volunteer your time for a community project or organisation?

Three days a year we complete community service days as a team with American Express, although this year we have only done one so far due to COVID-19.

I am the head of the Veterans Network at American Express. I also coach junior baseball and soccer.

In this time of Covid-19, how has the virus impacted your work?

The entire company has transitioned to a virtual work environment. Slowly as the situation improves in some states essential workers are returning to the office. Our office environment is understandably very different to the one we left, the number of colleagues on each floor has been significantly reduced and the access the building have been slowed due to temperature checks and lift limitations. I suspect that this will continue well into 2021.

Anything else you would like to share?

Job hunting in the US is very difficult; it’s all about who you know and leveraging that relationship. I was fortunate enough to be connected with some American Express veterans and I now look to repay that favour with veterans I meet looking for work in a corporate environment. American Express is a great company to work for and they really look after their employees.