Caitlin McAllister

If Caitlin McAllister's journey from Glasgow Caledonian University to Managing Director at Ministry of Sound teaches us anything, it's the importance of seizing every opportunity.

Graduating from GCU's BA (Hons) Entertainment and Events Management course in 2012, Caitlin has tirelessly climbed the ladder, turning her dream career into reality.

“The course itself was the main thing that attracted me to Glasgow Caledonian. At the time, Events Management courses were quite new, especially at degree level. I liked the onus on practical learning, which not only allows you to experience the field you are studying first hand but is so beneficial to marry up with classroom learning.

“The facilities at GCU were great; the library and labs were modern, encouraging a group studying and learning environment.

“It’s so important to be able to bounce ideas off your peers, especially at the beginning of university with the transition from school to a much more independent environment.”

In fact, Caitlin made some of her best friends during her time at GCU – one of which she’s set to be a bridesmaid for next month!

Among making lifelong friends and learning life-changing lessons, another of Caitlin’s highlights was studying abroad at Northern Kentucky University which she describes are one of her “core life memories.”

The degree she earned at GCU was instrumental in shaping her career path and teaching her the value of hard work.

“You had to complete 300 hours of work experience to move into the third year, so from a very early stage, I was out in the field (sometimes literally) applying what I had learned in lectures to real-life scenarios.

“I learned what it actually meant to be an event manager, which was fundamental when choosing what sector I wanted to work in. I ended up being more steel toe cap boots and hard hat than high heels and clipboard, much to my surprise!”

Caitlin’s career journey post-graduation began with an internship at Glasgow Life in their events team.

“I continued to work with them on a freelance basis while studying for my degree and after graduation, I went on to full-time employment with Glasgow Life.”

During her five years there, Caitlin worked on notable events like Glasgow on Ice, World Pipe Band Championships, World Youth Netball Championships, the 2012 Olympics, and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

From there, Caitlin moved to Ministry of Sound as an Assistant Project Manager in 2015.

“In just under nine years, I went from Assistant Project Manager to Group Managing Director of one of the world’s most famous brands by making sure if there was a gap, I was filling it!

“My biggest piece of advice to anyone would be to be tough but be a nice person. Everything is about relationships, and you never know when one might come full circle in your career.”

Caitlin’s parting wisdom to students looking to follow in her footsteps is about humility and persistence.

“Don’t turn your nose up at any job. In my first year at GCU, I volunteered at an event and ended up holding open a fire door for eight hours. Not the most exciting job, but I did it. I made sure I met the organiser and was available for any other opportunities. A year later, I was the event manager’s go-to student for volunteer work; she later became my boss and now a lifelong friend!

“Get practical experience, don't wait until you graduate to start building your network and don't worry about the exact job you think you might end up in. Twelve years on from graduation I'm in quite a different role than I had ever imagined but you build up so many transferable skills along your journey so be open to opportunities.