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When I first entered Canada as an international student from Esfahan, Iran, I was struggling with different language, cultural, and social barriers on top of working on my PhD. All of these constraints prevented me from participating in recreational activities that could support mental and physical health. When I found out about employment opportunities with Campus & Community Recreation (CCR), I was intrigued by the opportunity to work as a recreation facilitator to help other international students like myself reduce their depression, stress, anxiety, and cultural/social shock. As a student pursuing a PhD in tourism marketing in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR), CCR also supported my academic success by providing me with experiences and opportunities to develop skills and gain confidence for my professional future.
For three years I worked as a Recreation Facilitator and I assisted CCR with planning, developing, and conducting a variety of recreational activities and events for international students and the U of A community. Then I worked as a Research Assistant for the Physical Activity and Wellness Series (PAWS) for international students. As an RA I developed and implemented marketing initiatives and recruitment campaigns, and conducted focus groups, interviews, and surveys for evaluation and research purposes. Both of these experiential learning opportunities helped me connect the management and marketing theories and knowledge I learned in the classroom to real situations. It also helped me achieve the industry expertise of using research-based planning and evaluation of recreation programs.
During my graduate internship in 2018 as Program and Research Facilitator with KSR's International Summer School, I facilitated meaningful recreational and educational programs to visiting students from Beijing Sport University. Because of relationships that I had cultivated within CCR when I worked as a Recreation Facilitator, I was able to plan a range of activities. My students told me these activities were the highlight of their visit and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment!
In addition to working for CCR and studying in KSR, I have participated extensively in CCR programming through my degree program, including International Student Engagement, Intramural Sports Refereeing, Club Sports, Customer Service, Physical Activity and Wellness Series (PAWS), and Outdoor Recreation. Doing so not only contributed to my PhD research, but also helped me navigate language constraints and familiarize myself with the cultural and social settings of Edmonton and Canada. This set me up to achieve my career goals of working in Canada's recreation and tourism industry and equips me in using research-based planning, development, and evaluation of recreational programs and activities.
Working for CCR also taught me invaluable habits to incorporate into my personal life. Through teaching, motivating, and encouraging other students as a Recreation Facilitator, I learned how to create a balance between my demanding PhD studies and my mental health — as well as the importance of teamwork.
CCR is a place where students can foster skills to apply to their personal and professional goals. I believe some of the main advantages of working in CCR for students outside of KSR are improved time management skills and self-discipline, which are not often taught in courses, and building relationships with staff throughout the campus and broader communities. I encourage all students, not just PhD candidates or KSR students, to take advantage of CCR’s great employment opportunities!
CCR is currently accepting applications in all areas. Visit uab.ca/ccrjobs and apply online today!
About Farshid
Farshid Mirzaalian graduated in June 2021 with a PhD from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.