From UEL graduate to Inter Miami CF executive

Ten years ago, Chris Allan graduated from the University of East London with a degree in Film Studies. He was unsure of what the future held, and his career took on a twisting journey. Today, he works as Vice President of Fan Strategy and Engagement at Inter Miami CF, working closely with global football legends David Beckham and Lionel Messi.  

Recently, Chris returned to UEL, where his journey began, to share his remarkable story and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Initially arriving through clearing, Chris found his place at UEL, where he developed a diverse skill set that eventually propelled him into the sports industry.  

Chris said, “Looking back, it’s easy to think that what you study is what you have to do in your career, but that’s not always the case. My film degree taught me a variety of skills - directing, producing, and marketing - that I use every day at Inter Miami. It wasn’t just about filmmaking; it was about learning how to tell stories, connect with people, and bring ideas to life, all of which are crucial in my current role.”

Accompanied by Camila Jocelyn-Holt, Director of Community Engagement at Inter Miami CF, Chris met with key members of the UEL directorate, including Professor Paul Marshall, Vice President Global Campus & Pro-Vice-Chancellor Careers & Enterprise, and Charlie Werren, Head of Alumni. Their discussions focused on exploring collaboration opportunities and potential ambassador roles, laying the groundwork for future initiatives that could benefit the University and its students.

Despite Chris’s busy schedule, he made time to return to his alma mater, crediting UEL with providing him the opportunities that launched him into his current high-profile role.

During his whistlestop visit, he presented personalised Inter Miami shirts customised with the name "UEL" and the number 10, a nod to both Messi's iconic shirt number and the 10 years since Chris graduated from UEL. The shirts will be auctioned off in support of UEL’s community engagement projects. He also talked with students and staff, offering invaluable insights into the sports industry and sharing advice on how to make the most of their time at UEL.  

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without UEL,” Chris said. “They didn’t just teach me film - they equipped me with a toolkit of skills. UEL was where it all started.”

A standout moment of the visit was when MA Global Sports Journalism student Gregg Baxter interviewed Chris, delving into questions about David Beckham and the effect of Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami.  

Afterwards, Gregg said, “It was brilliant to get to interview Chris, it couldn’t have gone any better. He was so easy to chat. It was a great opportunity and will be a great addition to use on my blog as part of my university portfolio.”

This engaging interview is set to be a great asset for Gregg as he begins his career in the sports industry. The opportunity also allowed UEL film students Brian Edmond and Xavier Edwards to film a segment in which Chris shared his passion for Arsenal Football Club, where he was once part of the club’s renowned academy as a boy. This experience reflects UEL’s commitment to providing meaningful industry connections and opportunities for its students as part of its careers-first strategy.

Nothing was too much trouble for Chris. He also met with UEL’s fashion department, chatting with course leader Wes Hartwell and students about their collaboration on sportswear projects with Umbro China and the Ukrainian football team Shakhtar Donetsk FC.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment from his time at UEL, Chris recalled a challenging project that highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration - lessons that have profoundly influenced his professional journey.  

“We had a filming assignment that seemed daunting at first, but with the support of fellow students and staff, we completed it successfully. That experience taught me that asking for help and working together are key to overcoming challenges,” he said.

And what one piece of advice would Chris offer current students?

“Follow your passion and don’t be afraid of hearing ‘no’ or taking risks. Be persistent, make the most of every chance you get, and you’ll be surprised where it can lead you.”  

To find out more about UEL’s Sports Journalism courses, visit the course page.

To find out more about UEL’s Film courses, visit the course page.