Rachel McLachlan – Employability at GCU

Our #EmployabilityAtGCU campaign aims to highlight the ways the University can help students with accessing a graduate career.

We want current students to be inspired by our alumni - we're proud that 93% of our graduates are in employment or further study, within 15 months of leaving GCU (Graduate Outcomes, HESA, 2022).

People like Rachel Mclachlan, who graduated in 2021 with a honours degree in Physiotherapy. Rachel’s commitment and dedication to rugby - which she first started playing at GCU - was recognised at the end of last year when Scottish Rugby awarded her a professional contract.

We asked Rachel about her time at GCU and any advice she has for current students to enhance their skillset and employability whilst studying.

She said: “If you put in enough hard work and determination, you can pursue any career you want. Find what makes you happy, go and follow it. Don’t get stuck doing something you don’t want to do.”

Rachel’s journey started in 2017 when she decided to join GCU Students’ Association’s Women’s Rugby Team. As a former Judo champion, Rachel quickly adapted to her new surroundings on the field and progressed to playing for West of Scotland RFC before making the move to Stirling County in 2018.

International recognition quickly followed for Rachel – receiving her first cap for Scotland Women Sevens just nine months after starting at GCU.

Since then, she’s become a key player for her country, winning an impressive 35 caps as a full international.

Following her graduation from GCU, Rachel’s put her professional skills into practice through a part time Physiotherapist role with Edinburgh University Ladies Rugby Football Club.

Reflecting on her journey, Rachel said: “Things happen for a reason, and I am a firm believer that I was very much meant to come to GCU. If I didn’t, I might not have played rugby, I might not be doing what I'm doing, and I'm so grateful that I am.”