Interview with a Paralympian Rebecca Dubber
Rebecca Dubber is a former para-swimmer from Auckland, New Zealand, and an advocate for the Paralympic movement. She represented New Zealand at the 2012 Paralympics in London, and won a bronze medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Starting from the age of eight, Rebecca was always focused on a career in swimming, and so it remained for over a decade. But in 2019 Rebecca announced her retirement from competitive sport to focus on a career in communications and to look after her long-term health.
A beneficiary of Adecco’s Athlete Programme, we caught up with Rebecca to talk about the transition into work and the Adecco Group’s Athlete Programme.
The first obvious question is: Why swimming?
Rebecca Dubber: I love the water. It makes me feel free from my disability and gives me purpose. When I was 12, I knew I had opportunities in a sports career. The goals to achieve were first on a national level, then competitive thoughts brought me to the international level.
I started dreaming about the Paralympics in London, which I trained for like never before in my life. After London, I began experiencing problems with my elbows and was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans, a condition that affects the cartilage of a joint. Wanting to achieve even more in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, I kept training regardless, which was the biggest challenge for me. Injuries really tested my resilience.
Was it hard to transition from sport to the corporate world?
My entire life was focused on swimming, so much so that I was 25 when I finished my Bachelor’s degree. The competition in the labour market in New Zealand seemed too high for me, even for entry positions. Personal judgements also came in – as a high performer in the sports world, the place I was at in corporate life felt demoralising. It is not always easy starting at the bottom all over again, and my expectations were not even close to my reality back then.
How did you cope with this psychological barrier?
It’s been a long journey of soul searching. I compared myself negatively with others, but then came more constructive thinking. But it was never easy fighting my unhealthy thoughts.
When it came time to enter a corporate environment, how did you hear about the Adecco Group’s Athlete Programme in New Zealand?
I knew about it before my retirement. The Adecco Group has been supporting athletes’ sports career and performances throughout the Paralympics and kept in touch for future career transitions.
I was contacted by Tracy Smith, the New Zealand country manager’s executive assistant, before my performance in London in 2012. She checked in and offered her support.
I love the idea of the Athletes Programme. It makes me feel that the Adecco Group appreciates my sport achievements and heavy investments in the national and international arenas. The programme gives back and guarantees support after retirement. It is a privilege to have access to it.
With Tracy being your first mentor, what is your relationship with her now?
She is someone I trust. She’s a fantastic resource. She always checks in, and is still sending me career opportunities. When I have questions or need help career-wise, I go straight to Tracy. Sometimes we go out for coffee and chat. She is a lovely person.
Where do you stand now on your career journey? What is your current role and are you enjoying it?
I have always been interested in digital marketing and marketing communications, and so now I am dedicating myself to charity communications for young people with disabilities. I am enjoying communications and the storytelling. I think it’s a very powerful tool.
I write for newsroom.co.nz as a LockerRoom columnist, covering stories of female athletes.
In your opinion, is there anything the Adecco Group could do to improve the Athlete Programme?
I would like to express my appreciation for the Adecco Group’s support. I always know you guys are there to help me. But I want every other athlete to feel this way too, so I wish more people knew about such a fantastic opportunity.
For more information about the Adecco Athlete Programme, contact Tracy Smith 09 309 7572 or tsmith@adecco.co.nz