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UCM student secures Commonwealth Games intern role

Thursday, 30 November 2017

CGA Kiree Quayle

A University College Isle of Man (UCM) student has been awarded a prestigious internship with the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) ahead of the 2018 games in Australia.

Kirree Quayle from Baldrine began the year-long internship in July, and is gaining valuable work experience developing marketing plans, fundraising and building links within the local community.

The exciting role will see Kirree take a trip ‘down under’ with the Manx team next spring!

Twenty-year old Kirree is in the final year of her BA (Hons) Events Management and Marketing degree. She said:

‘When I first discovered the job application online, I was excited and felt that I ticked a lot of the boxes in regards to what they were looking for. The more I thought about it, the more I felt I was really suited to the role, and I realised it would be a great addition to my CV.’

The internship, which was open to Manx students studying at both the University College Isle of Man and its partner institution the University of Chester, is part of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s University Intern Programme (eqUIP).

The project is run across Commonwealth regions and assists local CWG Associations with projects to strengthen organisational capacity, develop team management and deliver world-class teams to the Games.

Kirree will balance her studies with the internship, working two-and-a-half days a week in the office, then attending lectures throughout the rest of the week.

She added:

‘The internship links closely to my degree course as I have the opportunity to develop the CGA’s marketing platforms. I also get to help organise events, such as athlete interviews and fundraisers. One of my main roles is to increase the CGA's online presence. I aim to increase our connection with the public through the website and social media, where I post details of events and share important information regarding the athletes’ progress and selection.’

Gail Corrin, Higher Education Manager at UCM, said:

‘We are delighted that for the second year running, a UCM student has been selected for the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association internship.

‘It is positive in so many ways - enabling Kirree to gain valuable professional experience, whilst simultaneously enhancing her studies. Working with organisations and businesses on the Island in this way is something we are very proud of on the Island. The success of which is in some part measured by the fact that 95% of our graduates are snapped up on or before graduation into relevant employment. Kirree is doing a great job managing her studies and the internship, and we look forward to hearing about her time down under’.

Tonia Lushington, Isle of Man CGA Secretary General, added:

‘Kirree is fast becoming an integral part of our small admin team.  It is a very busy time for us finalising the Gold Coast 2018 Games arrangements, but her willingness and enthusiasm to help with multiple projects is proving an invaluable asset.’

As part of the internship, Kirree also attended a three day workshop in London alongside other interns from Northern Ireland, England and Wales. In February, she is hoping to attend a mid-term workshop in Botswana, Africa. She will join the Manx team as an official at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

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