Ian Alcock

Ian Alcock (MAG)

Master of Applied Gerontology

Program entry date: 2020

What type of undergraduate degree did you earn?

Bachelor of Kinesiology from Brock University.

Why a graduate degree in gerontology? Why a career with older adults?

Long-term care is a massive and growing industry that always needs qualified and caring individuals. I previously worked as a PSW and learned first-hand how wonderful older adults are to work with and how many opportunities there are in the industry.

Why MAG at Brock?

I had the opportunity to be a part of the first cohort of the MAG program at Brock. The timing and structure of the program were a perfect fit to aid in the transition from school to career.

Where did you complete your MAG practicum? Was this learning opportunity valuable? Why?

I completed my MAG practicum at the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being with the SeniorFit program. The opportunity to work with older adults in a fitness and well-being setting was an incredibly valuable experience that I continue to benefit from today. The SeniorFit team has tremendous mentors and fantastic resources for all things fitness-related.

Do you feel your MAG degree has better prepared you to achieve your career aspirations goals – academically and otherwise?

The MAG degree continues to positively impact my career. Gerontology is a growing field, and a Master’s in Applied Gerontology is a valuable and recognized degree in the industry. The excellent faculty in the MAG program come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences that have helped me to become a more well-rounded practitioner and prepared me to transition into the industry.

Where are you now?

I am currently the Manager of Recreation at Foyer Richelieu in Welland, Ontario.