Gold Coast Suns Event Coordinator Gavin McKean wasn’t sure what he wanted to do before he began his studies. After high school he worked full time in various construction jobs, trying to discover his passion. Then he spotted an ad for Griffith Business School that led him to his dream career.
“I’d stopped researching what I wanted to do for my career for a year or two when I stumbled upon Griffith University offering a Bachelor of Business that let you major in sports management and event management,” he explains. “I’d always had the passion of sports in the back of my mind but I never really thought of it as a career possibility until then. And I am a details and people person, so the event management really tied in well.”
Having not gone for an OP or ATAR score while at school, Gavin took advantage of Griffith’s alternative entry pathways to secure his spot and before he knew it, he was uncovering a world of business opportunities that really excited him.
Gavin says the opportunities that the Business School offered really helped him get the practical experience to secure his job with AFL’s Gold Coast Suns. “There are so many opportunities both built in to the Business degree and just generally on offer through Griffith channels, and I wanted to take advantage of as many of them as I could.” These included positions within the Queensland Government’s Sports and Recreation Department, the Brisbane Broncos, Ticketek and even some volunteering with the Queensland Reds rugby team through a Griffith partnership.
“I put my hand up for as many different roles with as many organisations as possible to really narrow down what was a good fit for my career. Griffith really allowed me to dip my toes into so many different options, it was so helpful.
“Not only did this give me on the job experience, but it really helped me build my networks… they say it’s not what you know but who you know… I say it’s who knows what you can do.”
When not impacted by COVID-19, Gavin’s role sees him working for the Gold Coast Suns organising big and small events for the football club, from community-based functions to large gala balls requiring a large amount of creativity and flair. And while he is currently stood down from his job until pandemic restrictions ease–and enjoying spending more time at home with his baby daughter–Gavin is looking forward to getting back to it all as the industry picks up again.
“I found my current career path because I took the time to really uncover my passion, and that’s something Griffith really helps you to do.”