National Careers Week, held from May 11-17, 2026, is an opportunity to spotlight the pathways athletes pursue beyond the pool, and how education can complement elite sport. For Aussie Sharks player Marcus Berehulak, combining high-performance water polo with university study has become a defining part of his journey.
Berehulak is currently undertaking a psychology degree at Australian Catholic University (ACU), driven by a genuine curiosity about human behaviour and performance.
“I’m doing a psychology degree at ACU. I chose this degree because I love learning about how the brain and body interact, as well as developing the skills to understand and help others who seek it,” Berehulak said.
“Combining this psychology degree with sport would ultimately be the end goal.”
Like many elite athletes, Berehulak’s career has taken him overseas, where he has been based for the past two and a half years. Despite the distance, he credits ACU’s flexibility and support as key factors in allowing him to pursue both his academic and sporting ambitions.
“ACU has been incredibly supportive while I achieve my sporting and academic goals,” he said.
“I am currently based overseas and without their continued support, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.
“Their flexibility, understanding and willingness to help are just a few of the reasons why I chose to study at ACU while chasing my sporting dreams.”
Balancing international competition with university commitments is not without its challenges. For Berehulak, managing time zones, training loads and academic deadlines requires constant adjustment.
“The distance and time zone would be one of the biggest challenges I have faced. Classes, assignments and exams all clash with training times,” he said.
“I have to constantly reschedule and defer assessments, as well as study in my ‘recovery time’.
“Another challenge is load management, athletes already have a lot on their plate, and adding university can make it difficult to stay disciplined and motivated.”
To stay on top of both demands, Berehulak has developed strong organisational habits and routines that keep him accountable.
“Sticking to a routine is the biggest strategy I have in place. I have a calendar and whiteboard in my living room where I plan my weeks almost hour by hour,” he said.
“Having that visual aid to tick things off keeps me accountable. I also create daily checklists each morning, which helps me stay disciplined and motivated to compete and study simultaneously.”
As National Careers Week highlights the importance of exploring future pathways, Berehulak encourages fellow athletes to embrace education alongside their sporting careers.
“Time management and discipline are skills that take years to master,” he said.
“Building a schedule that works for you will not only teach you those skills but also help you balance multiple commitments.”
Berehulak’s journey reflects the growing emphasis on dual careers in sport, where athletes are supported to thrive both in and out of the water. His experience is a reminder that with the right structure, support and mindset, it’s possible to chase excellence in both arenas.
