2014 Sport Management grad Kacian White is now working for FIFA — soccer’s international governing body

Brock University’s Sport Management program is renowned across North America.

Toronto Blue Jays assistant general manager Andrew Tinnish (BSM 01′) and Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas (BSM 07′) are just two examples of graduates that have gone from Brock campus to career.

The Department of Sport Management is always looking to expand its program and provide progressive leadership opportunities for students – enter the Major Games Field Course (SPMA 4P98)

“We recognized that event management was part of the changes in the sport industry, and then we thought we should be really do something to prepare our students for careers in this area,” said Laura Cousens, Sport Management associate professor.

“Sport Events is the fastest growing area of the sport industry in Canada. It’s worth $6.3 billion annually in Canada alone.”

And Cousens is the first to admit the newest addition to the department’s curriculum is a perfect tie in with the upcoming Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

“When we first approached (the) Pan Am (Games Committee) – they were recruiting 100-thousand plus volunteers, but we wanted an opportunity for our students to experience more senior roles at the games,” Cousens said.

“Right now we have 54 students in the course, and I think what is key for Brock is that our students will engage in the application and interview process, and if successful will look forward to more senior management and supervisory positions by taking this course.”

One such student is Kacian Whyte.

The 22-year old Negril, Jamaica native is a 2014 graduate of Sport Management at Brock, who took the Major Games course. Prior to graduating she accepted a job with FIFA – soccer’s international governing body.

“By participating in the Major Games course it allowed me to gain hands on experience and put what I was learning in the program into practice,” said Whyte. “It also added something different to my resume which made a huge difference when I was interviewing for the Accreditation Coordinator position with FIFA.

The FIFA venue general manager later told me that she selected me because of my presence in major events like the Ontario Winter Games and the Canoe World Championships. Having a deeper understanding of how major events work was something that set me apart from other applicants.

During my time at Brock I tried to volunteer as much as I could to build a strong resume, gain hands on experience, and network as much as possible.”

Niagara will be home to two 2015 Pan Am/Parapan events. Rowing competitions will be held at the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Centre on Martindale Pond in St. Catharines, while Canoeing and Kayaking will take place at the Welland Flatwater Centre.

Brock will house over 500 athletes, coaches and officials in their residences over the course of the games.

For more information on becoming a volunteer visit here – or if you’re a current Brock Sport Management student and want to learn more about becoming involved email Laura Cousens at lcousens@brocku.ca

“This course is for students interested in careers at major games. It serves as a launch pad for their careers. These experiences are very invaluable for their resumes,” added Cousens.