SASKATOON — Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Sask Entertainment Group (SEG) recently joined forces for the third consecutive year to host a careers in sports and entertainment night. This event provides Sask Polytech students with a great platform for networking and exploring the vast array of career opportunities available in the sports and entertainment industry in Saskatchewan.
This year nearly 80 students from the Recreation and Tourism Management diploma and Hospitality Management diploma programs attended the event at SaskTel Centre. The evening started with an insightful panel presentation from SEG's leadership team, featuring the director of marketing, building operations manager and hospitality manager. Following the panel, students walked down to the arena to watch the Saskatoon Blades win against the Calgary Hitmen. With the Saskatoon Blades win, students received free tickets to their following game on Saturday.
“It’s a great event that brings like-minded people together,” says Ryan Crilly, ticket sales executive with the SEG. “It’s a huge benefit for our SEG team to meet Sask Polytech students who want a career in sports and hospitality. We look forward to working with students as interns and volunteers, they always have a fresh perspective and great ideas. Our interns work on a variety of projects including social media, marketing, videos, ticket sales and sponsorship fulfillment.”
SEG includes the Saskatchewan Rush Lacrosse Club, the Saskatoon Blades Hockey Club and the Saskatoon Berries Baseball Club franchises. SEG also hosts live events at SaskTel Centre, offering lots of diverse internship and career opportunities for Sask Polytech students.
Allison Hlady is an alumna of the Recreation and Tourism Management program and currently works for the Saskatchewan Rush as the brand and promotions manager. She shares, “The careers in sports night with SEG shows students different career opportunities that are available in Saskatchewan. When I was taking the program, the focus was on municipalities or event venues. There are so many exciting options!”
“Our students regularly work with SEG as interns,” says Josh Davidson, program head for Recreation and Tourism Management. “Our program includes a 150-hour practicum, helping prepare students for their future careers. The Recreation and Tourism Management program has arranged internships for students with the Saskatoon Blades for over 30 years. From ticket sales, event management, sponsorship contracts and even to calling the game, there are so many opportunities for students in sports and event management.”
Davidson adds, “The careers in sports and entertainment night not only raises awareness about the range of career opportunities after graduation but also promotes a sense of community and inclusivity. Watching the hockey game together after the event is a lot of fun.”
Hlady started with the Rush in 2017 as an intern and her career progressed from working in the office, to game day events manager and now the brand and promotions manager. She shares that the program helped prepare her for a career in sports entertainment. Similar to sports, the Recreation and Tourism Management program emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, strategy and encourages students to learn in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
“Working with the Rush is exciting, it’s something different every day. I like the variety. I work on radio promotions, marketing, game day operations event management. Embracing ‘other duties as assigned’ is a key aspect of my role as well,” she laughs.
Graduates of the Recreation and Tourism Management diploma have access to a world of opportunities, both locally and internationally. Many practicums lead to full-time employment. Recreation and Tourism Management graduates are in demand with a high employment rate; 100 per cent of students find a job in their field within 12 months of graduation.
“I’m a graduate of the diploma program myself,” reflects Davidson. “Recreation and Tourism Management allowed me to travel the world! It’s a fun career. This industry offers a dynamic profession where graduates can organize engaging community events, collaborate with sports organizations, contribute to national parks and help families enjoy unforgettable experiences. If you are willing to put in the work, you’ll have an exciting and interesting career.”
Hlady completed Sask Polytech’s diploma and laddered into the University of Regina Sport and Recreation Management bachelor degree program, earning a diploma and degree in four years. Her advice to others interested in the program? “Take the shot. Sask Polytech’s program has small class sizes and you learn with people who have similar interests. I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but knew I was passionate about sports. You can continue your education to earn a degree or start working right away. There are lots of options.”
Learn more about Sask Polytech’s Recreation and Tourism Management diploma.
— Submitted by Sask Polytech Media Relations
