ALUMNI FOCUS

Founding members of the MQ Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB) – Alistair Booth

Meet Alistair Booth, young alum. In addition to his current role with the US State Department in Sydney, he’s a professional MC, hosting live and virtual tours in Australia and around the world. While straddling two continents, he says the connection with MQ has been a constant in his life and provided many great opportunities, which is why he encourages other young alumni to get involved – even after they’ve thrown their mortarboard to the sky.

Words: Megan English

Fresh out of MQ and keen to take advantage of the J1 visa that allows Australian graduates into the US for a year, Alistair landed at JFK Airport. With no job, no connections and nowhere to live in the Big Apple – just a suitcase and a healthy dose of cautious optimism – he remembers, ‘It was a massive risk, but an adventure I was determined to undertake.’

And, it was one that was made just a little bit easier by attending an MQ alumni event at the Harvard Club soon after he arrived. ‘Fancy!’ was how Alistair described it, but more than that, he says, ‘In a city of 8.5 million people, it was incredible to think almost all the MQ graduates living in NYC were together in one room.

‘As we shared a laugh and a drink, swapping stories and feeling at home with other Aussie accents, it was just a surreal moment. Here I was, on the other side of the world, hanging out with complete strangers, yet they all shared a similar journey to me – it was then I realised the global impact and power of the MQ Alumni network.’

Interestingly, Alistair points out the term alumni can often be misunderstood. ‘Many seem to steer clear of being involved with alumni activties or networks because they think it’s all about fundraising or being hit up for a donation,’ he says.

‘From my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. The MQ Alumni network is a truly extraordinary and unique way for people to connect through the shared experience of their time at Macquarie.

‘Whether it’s forging business connections, finding clients, looking for a job, learning something different, or even just making new friends, this common foundation is a strong one,’ he says, and it’s why, when he was asked to join the YAAB, he jumped at the opportunity.

‘Not only is it such an honour to be part of the inaugural team helping to shape and grow the committee during its infancy, by being involved, I can remain connected to the MQ community and help recent graduates transition smoothly into the next chapter of their life.’

Networking remains a key part of Alistair’s professional life, too. As the Protocol Advisor at the Consulate General of the United States of America in Sydney, his role is to help foster the strong alliance between the US and Australia, advise the Consul General on protocol and diplomacy matters, plan events and forge local relationships and connections.

‘My studies at MQ, particularly the LLB, helped prepare me for this position by not only providing me with knowledge in law, government policy and international relations, it also refined those essential, transferable skills such as formal writing, analysis and critical thinking that I draw on daily.

‘I’m enjoying my role at the US Consulate General,’ he says, ‘and look forward to being part of the State Department family for a long time.’ And, no doubt, he will remain part of the MQ family, too.

Connect with Alistair on LinkedIn

 

‘I had such a wonderful experience at Macquarie that when I graduated, I didn’t feel it was a journey that needed to end. The MQ Alumni program, driven by an incredibly passionate team, is a such a well-developed one that offers graduates so many opportunities.’

 

About the MQ Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB)

Our Young Alumni Advisory Board has been set up to increase opportunities and support for graduates 35 years and younger as they embark on their professional careers.

This team of passionate Macquarie graduates and emerging leaders represent the interests of the young alumni community, bringing innovative ideas and a fresh approach to Macquarie’s young alumni program.

Throughout the year, the YAAB will offer a mix of both social and professional events and dedicated programming to build your career.

mq.edu.au/macquariematters/yaab-on-a-mission/