Interview with Rose Inglis 2024/25 President
How did you first get involved with GCFS, and what made you want to become president?
I was first involved in GCFS as a brand rep for the 2020/2021 campaign! It seemed like a great opportunity to get involved in something creative and meet new people, but alas as it was Covid times, every meeting (and even that year’s show!) was online. We still managed to raise an incredible amount given there were no in-person events, but I knew I wanted to wait to come back when things had returned somewhat to normal. I took a couple of years out from studying, attended the show as a guest twice to see friends who were involved in modelling and committee, and upon returning to uni I took on the role of social and welfare convenor for Dreams (2023/2024). At the end of that year, having seen the incredible growth of the society since my first campaign,(and in person finally!) I knew I wanted to take on more responsibility. I saw so much potential in GCFS as a creative outlet that showcased the ability of students in Glasgow, all while connecting people with incredible causes, and I wanted to grow the community to give opportunities to as many people as possible. As someone with no exec experience, I wasn’t sure what my next steps would be, but when I got the chance to become President I jumped at the opportunity!
What was your favourite moment from your time as president?
It’s so hard to pick one moment as there were hundreds! And it may be the obvious answer, but it was definitely the ESSENCE Show. The whole society had worked so incredibly hard to get to that moment, and to see it finally coming to fruition was very special. Even though I had the flu (excellent timing I know) and croaked my way through show day, I felt so supported by the entire team. I remember having a quiet moment sitting on my own on the floor of the Old FruitMarket, all bundled up in scarfs and watching the dress rehearsal while I sorted the last bits of admin. Watching the models come out in all these amazing garments, on the stage and in-front of the screens we had designed, while committee members bustled in and out setting up, I was just in awe of what we’d managed to achieve.
What did the experience teach you?
It was definitely one of the biggest learning curves I’ve ever had, and it really taught me to be confident and grab every opportunity that comes your way, even if it makes you nervous. Before becoming President, the biggest event I’d organised was the Christmas dinner, and I’d not really been involved in any aspect of show planning, sponsorship, or even charity liaison. Suddenly I found myself recruiting an entire committee of 80+ people, scouting venues and sorting through over one hundred charity nominations. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by incredibly talented committee members who carried the campaign with me and taught me so much, and I quickly learned that leaning on the strengths of the people around you is an essential element of success across so many situations.
What made the GCFS community so special to you?
GCFS is incredibly special to me, in part because it is such a unique collective that gives students and creatives an opportunity to step into a world that can often be so inaccessible, providing professional level opportunities across multiple fields. However, it is also a place to make genuine connections, and it really did shape the later years of university for me. I still have amazing relationships from my time in the society, and it’s been so lovely to see and hear of other people whose university friendships and personal growth have been so positively impacted by their experience with GCFS.
I also love how the GCFS community connects more students and societies with fundraising opportunities. I remember our incredible community fundraiser at CHAS, Ben, telling us they’d seen a noticeable spike in fundraising for their hospices from universities across Glasgow since the start of the ESSENCE campaign, and I felt so proud to be part of something that platformed the amazing ambition and generosity of the wider student body.
Has being part of GCFS influenced what you’ve gone on to do since?
Being a part of GCFS has massively influenced my life post uni, most clearly evidenced by the fact that, a year and a half on from graduating and finishing my time as President, I’m about to step into a new role as a Charity and Fundraising Executive at Cash for Kids, which is the official charity of Bauer Media. This comes off the back of a four month internship with the STV Children’s Appeal, which has been an incredible experience, and one I would never have had the opportunity to do without my time at GCFS.
I was primarily encouraged to pursue work in fundraising, as my experience as President showed me that I wanted a career that allowed me a lot of versatility, working on projects that spanned creative direction, marketing and PR, events and more. This is something I’ve been lucky enough to do in my time at the Appeal, including working on major fundraising campaigns, partnering with STV Radio, and partnering with incredible sponsors and community members.
What advice would you give to the current committee?
Take every opportunity that comes your way and soak up every moment of it! It is so tough to find opportunities that allow you that much creative freedom in the wider world, and the breadth of experience you can gain is incredible. Also, take as many chances as you can to connect with your chosen charity. I learned so much from the people at CHAS, and their work was a constant inspiration and motivation.
Don’t be scared to take risks, follow your gut, and have fun! Remember that for all the amazing professional experience, it’s also still a society, and you should remember to have a laugh and make pals (and maybe even go for one or two drinks at the pub post committee meeting).
By Scarlett Oswald,
Press & PR