SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
A different destination: Two grads find their place in tourism and recreation

When Stephanie Ritchie and Keely Mooney enroled in Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Tourism and Recreation Management program, neither imagined they would end up helping coordinate major concerts, hockey games and community events at SaskTel Centre.

Today, both graduates work as event manager associates at one of Saskatchewan's busiest entertainment venues, proving Sask Polytech's blend of hands-on learning and real-world experience can lead to unexpected career paths.

For Ritchie, the decision to enrol came after discovering that university was not the right fit for her.

"I took a gap year, lived in Banff, tried university and realized it wasn't for me," she says. "A former boss connected me with the Tourism and Recreation Management program and it was a great fit."

Mooney's path was equally unconventional. After training as a paramedic and working as a lifeguard, she wanted a change.

"I loved my paramedic training at Sask Polytech," she says. "The smaller classes, the instructors, the tight learning community. I wanted that experience again."

Both were drawn to the practical nature of the program, which emphasizes learning by doing. Students spend time exploring community organizations, developing tourism plans and gaining firsthand experience through field trips and outdoor learning. Ritchie recalls working with rural communities to create business plans and tourism strategies. She also participated in a memorable polar bear eco trip.

"There was always something hands-on," she says. "Every day was different."

The program's partnership opportunities also stood out. Students regularly visited Wanuskewin Heritage Park, where they learned Indigenous perspectives directly from Knowledge Keepers and staff.

"At Wanuskewin we took our learning outside," Ritchie says. "We often had lectures outside, other times we were learning hands-on about Indigenous culture, with teachings on the medicine wheel and animal tracks. I love learning outdoors."

One of the program's highlights was an immersive camp experience at Christopher Lake. There, students move beyond participation and take on leadership roles, planning and managing camps from start to finish. As winter camp directors, Ritchie and Mooney oversaw everything from scheduling and logistics to insurance forms, vehicle rentals, meal planning and activity coordination.

"You plan an entire week," Mooney says. "You're responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly."

The practical experiences continued through work-integrated learning placements at the end of their diploma. Ritchie worked with PIC Adventure Destinations, developing a high-end canoe trip in northern Saskatchewan. Mooney's placement with CHEP Good Food taught her about issues surrounding food insecurity and community food programs.

Today, the skills they developed are put to use at SaskTel Centre.

Their work involves coordinating communication between touring productions, venue operations, security, catering, ticketing and facility staff. When a concert or event comes to town, they become the central point of contact.

"We gather the information and get it to everyone who needs it," Mooney explains. "If a tour has questions, they come to us. We're the information holders."

The work can involve long and unconventional hours, but both enjoy the fast-paced environment.

"It's exciting because every event is different," says Ritchie. "You start with an email or a piece of paper and then suddenly there are 10,000 people at a show watching an artist they love."

For Mooney, the most rewarding part has been her professional growth.

"I feel more confident and comfortable every day," she says. "That's my favourite part."

"You don't know where you'll end up," Ritchie says. "I thought I'd work in tourism in northern Saskatchewan. Instead, I'm planning large entertainment events. Keely and I found opportunities we never expected."

With career opportunities spanning tourism, recreation, event planning and community development, the Tourism and Recreation Management program prepares graduates with versatile skills that can open doors almost anywhere.