Sophie’s event career comes full circle

When Sophie Lamb returned to TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus as a guest speaker, she had plenty to share with the next generation of event professionals.

Since completing the Diploma of Event Management (SIT50322), Sophie has built experience across weddings, festivals and major sporting events, recently travelling to Glasgow to work at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Returning to speak with Year 10 Career Taster students gave her an opportunity to reflect on where her career began.

“I remember having guest speakers come in and speak to us when I was studying, and I found it really valuable hearing about their experiences and where a career in events could take you,” Sophie said. 

“So to now be on the other side and sharing my own experience with the next group of students felt like a real full-circle moment.”

TAFE Queensland’s Career Tasters give Year 10 students an opportunity to explore different industries through practical activities before choosing a study or career pathway.

Sophie hoped sharing her experiences would show students just how many directions a career in events can take.

Her own interest in the industry came from a love of bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. 

“I’m naturally quite organised and detail-focused, so events felt like a career where I could combine those strengths with something creative and people-focused,” she said.

“I also love that no two events are ever the same, there’s always something new to learn and a new challenge to work through.”

Sophie chose to study at TAFE Queensland’s Robina campus because she wanted practical experience and opportunities to connect with people already working in the industry.

“I wanted to study somewhere that would give me more than just the theory and would actually help me connect with people working in the events industry and gain practical experience,” she said. 

During her studies, Sophie volunteered at events including Groundwater Country Music Festival, the Mudgeeraba Show, Cooly Rocks On, Blues on Broadbeach, Retail Fest, the AACTA Awards and the Gold Coast Fashion Festival.

She also completed internships with the Gold Coast Marathon, Cbus Super Stadium during a FIFA World Cup qualifying round and wedding business Under the Arbour.

In the classroom, Sophie and her classmates planned and delivered events including an ice cream pop-up and trivia night.

“These projects were really valuable because we were able to take what we were learning in the classroom and actually put it into practice, from planning and logistics through to working as a team and delivering the event,” she said. 

The combination of practical projects, industry experience and support from her teachers helped Sophie transition into paid roles.

“The biggest thing was that I didn’t feel like I was starting from scratch when I entered the industry,” she said.

“My teachers gave me a really good understanding of what was expected in a professional events environment, from communication and teamwork through to planning, problem-solving and attention to detail.”

Since graduating, Sophie has continued developing her experience through roles in weddings and stadium events. 

Those skills took her to Glasgow, where she worked as Deputy Manager Spectator Services at Scotstoun Stadium during the Commonwealth Games athletics competition.

“Working at an international event of that scale is something I’ve always wanted to do in my career, so it was definitely a bucket list moment for me,” she said.

“There were so many moving parts and such a large team involved, and it really challenged me to adapt, communicate and stay organised while working in a fast-paced environment.”

The experience strengthened Sophie’s interest in large-scale events and left her excited about where her career could take her next. 

“I definitely have my eyes on the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and would love the opportunity to be involved in an event of that scale here in Queensland,” she said.

Sophie is now moving into a full-time role with Under the Arbour while continuing to work selected events at Cbus Super Stadium.

She has also become an authorised celebrant, opening another avenue as weddings become a greater focus in her career.

Her advice to students considering events is to gain as much practical experience as possible and remain open to new opportunities. 

“My biggest piece of advice would be to say yes to opportunities!” Sophie said.

“You never know where one opportunity or connection might lead.”