Master of Applied Gerontology

Program Entry Date: Fall 2020

What type of undergraduate degree did you earn? 

I completed my Bachelor of Public Health Degree at Brock from 2016 to 2020.

Why a career with older adults? Why MAG at Brock? 

A career goal for me has always been to enhance the quality of life for older adults living in Long-Term Care. This is something I am very passionate about and wanting to achieve as a career goal. I chose MAG at Brock specifically for the practicum opportunity. Other programs I looked at had a thesis component, which is a great way to learn more about a specific topic being studied but having the hands on experience in a practicum is a great way to learn and better your knowledge in the field. My practicum also lead to an internship with the Niagara Region which was a great stepping stone to help start my career path with the Region.

Have you been able to positively leverage your MAG degree and/or practicum opportunity/experience? Did it lead to an employment opportunity and/or useful work experience? 

Having my Masters in Applied Gerontology has definitely been beneficial in explaining my education background in interviews, as well as backing up my career goals. I have also been able to advertise the program to fellow colleagues who like that they can still be working while taking this program, and like the fact that it is only 12 months. My practicum opportunity opened a door to a wonderful opportunity of employment with the Niagara Region. I was offered an internship, then I was the successful candidate for the Seniors Services Staff Educator position for the eight Regional homes, and now I am one of the IPAC Program Managers in one of the Region’s homes. I am very thankful that I had my practicum with the Region, and have been so successful in my career thus far.

Where are you now? 

I currently work for the Niagara Region in one of their Long-Term Care Homes as the Infection Prevention and Control Program Manager.