REGINA — Amelie Sarauer is living her dream of working in sports with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“The best thing is walking onto the field. Every single fan is on their feet cheering for the team to win. Being part of the whole game day, start to finish, is exciting. You get to see that all the work leading up to the game pays off,” she says.
The Recreation and Tourism Management alumna credits her program with helping her pinpoint her specialization, as she had the opportunity to explore a variety of career options during her time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
"It meant so much to me to be in the industry learning at the same time as being in the classroom,” she says. “It motivated me. It was great to take what I was learning and apply that to a hands-on approach. Without that, I wouldn't be where I am now.”
Sarauer was drawn to the practical experience offered through the program as she entered the next stage of her education journey during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I really like being outside and I really love sports. Seeing that this program was community-based and had a lot of outdoor learning, like a week-long camping trip, made me realize this was the perfect program for me,” she says.
Sarauer was able to take her Sask Polytech diploma and transfer the full two years toward a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies at the University of Regina. The process enabled her to complete her degree in two years. Recreation and Tourism Management program head Josh Davidson knows the impact the opportunity has first-hand.
Sask Polytech program collaborates with University of Regina
"I did the same articulation. Laddering the Recreation and Tourism Management diploma into a degree is an exciting pathway for Sask Polytech graduates to further their education and careers," says Davidson. "Sask Polytech’s collaboration with the University of Regina reinforces our strong academic partnership in support of an important economic driver for our province."
Through her university program, Sarauer did a four-month internship at True North Youth Foundation through the Winnipeg Jets.
“They had three different branches, and I got to spend time with each department. It was really amazing because I got to learn about where I wanted to work in the future and what my interests really were,” she says.
After completing her degree, Sarauer joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders as a communications intern in May. As part of the eight-month internship, she acts as a liaison between the players and the media. She prepares media briefs and press releases under the guidance of the communications director. So far, she travelled with the team to Winnipeg twice and to Calgary.
“It's interesting because my job changes when we travel. It involves more problem solving. Staff, coach and player routines are different on the road,” she says, noting her job involves making the process of taking players out of their routines as easy as possible while adjusting to media needs in different cities.
Sarauer is proud of the work she does and is happy to be part of a sports organization she’s known her whole life.
“A lot of people learn about the Riders and watch them on the news,” she says. “I grew up watching the games, now being part of that is a really cool, rewarding experience.”
The Recreation and Tourism Management program prepares graduates for careers in recreation, tourism, sports, leisure development, facility management, special events and more. Learn more about the Recreation and Tourism Management program.
-Submitted by Saskatchewan Polytechnic
