Our Global OAs

Megan Kemp (2010)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

What years did you attend the College?

I attended the College from 2004 – 2009.

What influence did your formative Jesuit education have on you and how has that shaped your life?

It’s taught me to always strive to be better in all aspects of life and be supportive of others.

You have lived in Dubai since 2013. What prompted you to settle there?

I left St Aloysius’ College after 5th year and went straight to university. Being a triplet, my sister Hannah and brother Tom decided to stay on for 6th year. My dad was working in the UAE when I graduated in 2013, so I travelled to Dubai for a summer holiday and emailed marketing agencies enquiring about internship opportunities. Two agencies responded, one turned into an internship which converted to a full-time job, and I have worked in the UAE ever since.

What cultural barriers, if any, did you have to overcome?

If you are respectful of local culture and act sensibly, then there are no real barriers to overcome.

What career path did you choose and why?

I studied Marketing and Accountancy at the University of Strathclyde and knew I wanted to pursue a career in Marketing. Working in agencies I was exposed to many forms of Marketing, and I always preferred experiential marketing for entertainment brands, including Netflix and gaming brands, which is where my focus is now.

As Head of Gaming at ITP Media Group, what is your typical day like?

ITP Media Group is one of the largest media groups in the Middle East, publishing regional editions of household magazine such as Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, Esquire, Cosmopolitan etc.

I joined the company in early 2019 to help launch a new media division, ITP Gaming. As Head of Gaming, I work with game publishers such as Sony PlayStation and Epic Games to launch their game titles in the region through events, activations, influencer marketing, PR and content, as well as working with non-endemic brands who want to target a gaming audience.

A typical day includes client meetings, presenting strategies and concepts, overseeing project execution with my team, along with new client development. We launched PlayStation 5 with an event on the Burj Al Arab helipad which was special and some of the projects I’m working on currently include the launch of FIFA23 and Call of Duty Modern Warfare II.

What do you miss most about Scotland (if anything!) and what do you like best about where you live now?

I miss my family the most! I try to come home twice a year to visit friends and family.

The best thing about Dubai is the sunshine. Writing this, the humidity is making it feel 48 degrees outside, so I’m looking forward to the weather cooling down in a few weeks.

What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?

Everything happens for a reason! Things won’t always go to plan, but I’ve learnt that there is a solution to every problem - think logically and everything will work out.

Sarah Smith (2010), Vancouver, Canada

I attended St Aloysius’ College from 2003 to 2010 and look back fondly on the time I spent there. The independence I gained from attending school in Glasgow could be attributed, in part, to my travels during University and ultimately, moving more than four thousand miles away from home.

From the College to the University of Strathclyde, I studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. I would spend my vacation every year teaching children to sail at Summer Camp in New Hampshire, USA. They were fabulous days of endless fun and joy followed by travel at the end of season. I gained friendships across the globe, fell in love with exploring and travelling and realised that, after graduation, I would leave Scotland.

I relocated to Vancouver, Canada in January 2016. Commonly known as ‘Hollywood North’ due to the scale of Film & TV production work. Walk around the city and you will stumble across a film set. I intuitively knew I had to experience what it was like to work behind the scenes, and it was not long before I got the opportunity to do so, starting off as a Production Assistant.

I joined the Assistant Directors (ADs) as a Trainee in 2017. ADs help facilitate the running of a film set. I worked hard to succeed: PA, Trainee AD, 3rd AD and now positioned as 2nd AD having completed Season 1 & 2 of “Superman & Lois” for Warner Brothers. Scoring my first ever credit on a Netflix show was indeed a very special moment. As 2nd AD I have both on and off set duties. From planning/scheduling the Shoot to Rolling & Cuts, we do it all. Cast organisation, strategy & timing, even lunch requests. I facilitate the Director requirements to enable the best shot, co-ordinating with all departments. One of the most exciting parts is calling those famous words: “Action and Cut “– contrary to widespread belief it is rarely from the Director!

Film life is everything you imagine, but also very tough. Long days, 15 hours plus, all different. It is exciting to be part of something magical. From stunt work at its finest - car chases in city streets, explosions in the air - to cast transformed through hair & make-up miracles. Working in the Film industry is a job like none other and recently I have been fortunate enough to pass into the International Cinematographers Guild, allowing me to also work within the Camera Department.

Glasgow and Vancouver have one thing in common: rain. Besides that, it is quite different from home. I can escape easily to the Mountains, hiking in Summer and weekends outdoors in the wilderness. Winter brings Snowboarding & Snowshoeing through the backcountry. I go to work each day appreciating what I have, enjoying the fact that I made this happen and always remaining grateful to my family who have supported me every step of the way. People often ask me what I miss most, my answer is short and simple, my family….and Irn Bru!!!

Life is good, in fact, life is great, when you have the courage to pursue your dreams.