Alumni Spotlight
From the prestigious sports events of Monaco to the dynamic business landscape of Sydney, Australia, Zoé Gibson’s professional journey highlights the impact of adaptability and a proactive mindset.
As a graduate of the MSc in Sports Business Management at IUM, Zoé has successfully built a varied international career. Today, she balances her role as a B2B Digital Marketing Coordinator in Sydney with a thriving freelance business, managing social media, content creation, and photography for major global events like the Monaco F1 Grand Prix and the Australian Open.
Embracing New Professional Horizons
Life after graduation often brings unexpected opportunities. For Zoé, the defining moment came when she decided to relocate to Australia, a country she had never visited before, to push her professional boundaries.
“Since graduating, the most unexpected turn was making the choice to start a new chapter by moving to Australia,” Zoé shares. “While it wasn’t part of my original post-graduation plan, it has turned into a significant growth journey both personally and professionally. I’ve adapted to a new culture, developed new skills, and gained valuable insights by working alongside global professionals.“
In her corporate role in Sydney, Zoé coordinates B2B digital campaigns across paid social, Google Ads, e-commerce, and email marketing, focusing on performance tracking and ROI optimization. In parallel, her freelance projects keep her deeply connected to the sports industry, managing digital content on the ground for world-class sports events.
The IUM Impact: Networking and Practical Immersion
When reflecting on the most valuable assets gained during her time at IUM, Zoé emphasizes the power of networking and experiential learning.
“Networking was strongly reinforced throughout my studies, and I continue to apply it in my professional life,” she explains. “I make a consistent effort to connect with professionals in any environment I’m in, build meaningful relationships, and expand my network over time.“
Rather than focusing solely on theory, the MSc program exposed students to the fast-paced and competitive nature of the industry. Through direct feedback from industry professionals on complex topics like media rights and event management, Zoé developed the strategic problem-solving skills required to adapt quickly to changing real-world environments.
Strategic Advice for Future Sports Executives
For students aiming to enter highly competitive sectors such as Formula 1, Zoé offers a grounded, realistic perspective: success is a long-term journey built step by step.
“While ambition is a key driver, it is equally important to understand the actual structure and demands of the sports sector. It is a highly competitive field with limited opportunities. Success often requires staying open-minded, starting with foundational roles, and progressing toward larger goals. There are no shortcuts, and every experience adds value.”
She recommends the program to proactive individuals who are ready to take initiative, stay curious, and leverage the unique access that Monaco’s sports ecosystem provides.
A Growing Global Alumni Community
Looking back at her time in Monaco, the international relationships built with classmates stand out as a major highlight. Today, this global network continues to serve as a source of professional inspiration, with alumni frequently crossing paths at international events.
As IUM celebrates its 40th anniversary, Zoé feels a deep sense of pride in being part of this expanding community.
It is inspiring to see this network of successful professionals continuing to grow across the world. It’s reassuring to know it is a community I can remain connected to and rely on throughout my entire career.
Zoé Gibson
B2B Digital Marketing Coordinator
If you would like more information about our MSc in Sports Business Management program, please visit our website.
Feel free to also contact the Admissions Team directly at admissions@monaco
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