University of South Carolina student Myrtle Yates spent three months in Australia during the spring semester of 2025, working and learning with one of the world’s most respected event management companies. The chance to live and study abroad was a dream for the sport and entertainment management major and Capstone Fellow, and it came true with help from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.
Yates, who expects to graduate in May 2026, has taken advantage of many of the countless opportunities available to her through the College of HRSM and the Capstone Scholars program, including a Maymester trip to Chile and work experiences at three major golf tournaments and the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
"While working at the MLB All-Star Game, I mentioned to [Department of Sport and Entertainment Management Internship Director] Steve Taylor that I was looking into doing an internship in Australia. He has taken students in the past to work with Incognitus at the Olympics and maintained a relationship with Craig Lovett, the founder who he graciously connected me with," Yates says.
Incognitus is an Australia-based global consulting and event management company that has worked on events including seven Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games, hundreds of Premier League and UEFA football events, more than 40 grand slam tennis tournaments, dozens of F1 grand prix races and countless others.
Taylor’s introduction opened the door for Yates. Her resume and strong interview skills impressed Lovett and the Incognitus team, and they offered Yates a three-month internship. College of HRSM Director of International Affairs Christina Sayers and Academic Advisor Kate Blanton offered guidance with the complicated visa process and coordinating the academic side.
Yates worked with Incognitus primarily on the Sydney Royal Easter Show, a two-week fair that drew more than 850,000 attendees. She assisted with recruitment, onboarding and rostering of over 100 staff for the event. During the show, she was tasked with handling time sheets and generally ensuring that things were running smoothly, dealing with the unexpected complications that arise during any event.
She also assisted with Mayday and Luke Combs concerts at Sydney’s 83,000-seat Accor Stadium and an Australian League Football game at Engle Stadium. With all of that, there was still time to explore.
"My time in Sydney was my first time spending an extended period of time abroad. Although it was scary going alone, my colleagues at Incognitus made me feel right at home," Yates says. "Although I'm tempted to say that the best part of my experience was meeting a koala or learning to surf on the beaches of Australia, it really was the people that made the place special. I love the culture, the sports, food, and active lifestyle. It really was the most beautiful place I've ever been and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity. I grew so much in my time abroad. The confidence I now have in knowing that I am capable of living and working on an entirely new continent in a new position is invaluable."