What attracted you to joining the Global Opportunities team at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)?
I was aware of the great work Queen Mary did in the study abroad sector and the study abroad program had a strong reputation! The role was very exciting as it combined the opportunity to work on marketing the program alongside providing pastoral care for and working closely with students.
Gemma in Batad, Philippines, 2015
Describe a typical day at work for you.
No two days are ever identical! One day I could be working on producing a video to promote study abroad at Queen Mary, the next helping students who are studying abroad with us, and the next I could be traveling around the USA visiting our partners.
Are you currently working on any special projects as the Global Opportunities Marketing Manager?
Yes! We’ve just finished producing our new study abroad video which shows a day in the life of one of our study abroad students from Monash University. I worked with some of our very own Queen Mary film students on this project. We are proud to provide opportunities for our students and create student led content.
I am also working on collaborative scholarships with IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) on ongoing scholarships to promote Diversity and Inclusion at Queen Mary. We offer scholarships in collaboration with IFSA’s ‘Work to Study’ scholarship program which allow students to create content—usually in the form of blogs—to promote diversity and inclusion in study abroad and at Queen Mary.
The students produce content documenting their own and other students’ experiences of being from diverse backgrounds. Their work is truly incredible and I am astounded by their creativity. I am passionate about showcasing diversity in study abroad and Queen Mary is committed to ensuring we give opportunities to a range of students from different backgrounds, cultures, social groups, and disciplines.
Gemma at NAFSA 2018 with colleagues Harry Gibney and Sophie Dilley
How does your background in studying history influence you in your current role?
That’s a tough question! I think that completing a history degree encouraged me to always see both sides of everything and consider varied opinions and interpretations. It’s a degree that opens your eyes to different experiences throughout history and how people are affected by various events. I like to think I take that with me in my work! I should also have a good head for dates, which comes in handy when you’re trying to keep on top of your travel schedule for work!
In what ways do you incorporate your own international experiences in gap years and working abroad in Asia, the Americas, Australasia, and Europe into your work? (Wow!)
I think I have a good idea of what students are going through when they come to a new city and try to settle in! I had my first long-haul experience abroad when I was 18 and had just finished school. I traveled to Japan and Australia and it was my first time traveling abroad. I was completely naive to things like culture shock—and arriving in Nagoya (Japan) was quite the experience. Traveling frequently for work also means I tend to understand the backgrounds and cultures that a lot of our students are coming from, so I can empathize with their experiences and give a lot of advice!
Gemma in Bali, 2017
What makes QMUL’s global opportunities unique and easy to market?
Our campus, our East End location, and our support services! Those three things always make it easy to promote Queen Mary and the study abroad experience. Also, our students! Their experiences and incorporating their opinions into our marketing activity is always a highlight!
What qualities do you think are important for someone taking part in global opportunities?
You have to be organized, creative, passionate and caring! If you’ve got those three qualities then we can teach someone the rest!
Why do you think it’s important to travel and experience new cultures?
Being globally minded and aware that there is so much out there to experience and learn is something I massively advocate. I wouldn't’ be the person I am without traveling the world and learning from other cultures. You have to understand that your own perspective on the world can be challenged so much by going outside of your comfort zone. They learn so much by speaking with other people and seeing other ways of life. I’ve still got so many places to travel to and cultures to explore! I don’t think I’ll ever stop wanting to travel.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is to fully immerse yourself in different culture and experience. You have to talk to local people, not just stay in a “holiday bubble”. Get out there as much as you can and truly experience the country you are in.
Are there any developments you hope to see in the future for QMUL’s global opportunities?
There are so many developments I’d like to see for Queen Mary’s Global Opportunities Office. I want us to engage more and more in supporting diversity and inclusion in study abroad, for one. I would like us to ensure we create a sustainable initiatives that give back as part of our outgoing mobility options. And finally, I want us to create global citizens that represent Queen Mary across the globe—we're already part way there on that front!
