College of the Rockies
College of the Rockies
Contact Us: 1-877-489-2687

Skip to navigation

Sharing Canada's National (and Natural) Treasures

Sharing Canada's National (and Natural) Treasures ~When Kevin Gedling enrolled in University Transfer courses at College of the Rockies in 1997, he had plans to become a Social Worker.~

When Kevin Gedling enrolled in University Transfer courses at College of the Rockies in 1997, he had plans to become a Social Worker. However, summer employment at the Invermere Tourist Infocentre, and a peek at his roommate's school work, had Kevin reassessing his professional goals. "His homework looked better than mine," he recalled. College of the Rockies was close to home, convenient, affordable, and allowed him to enjoy the Rocky Mountain lifestyle. It was an easy decision to re-enroll in the fall for the Recreation Management program.

From 1999-2000 Kevin served as President of the College of the Rockies' Student Association. He believes that this extra-curricular experience allowed him to develop professional skills, while also gaining practical skills and knowledge in his studies. Since graduating, he has been able to meet his professional goals, and has enjoyed steady, rewarding employment in a variety of exciting positions. He has been a park interpreter for BC Parks, an interpretive hiking and tour guide in Yellowknife and Banff National Park, conducted guided icewalks and snowshoe tours, and worked for Parks Canada in Banff.

In his current position as Visitor Experience Product Development Officer for the Fort St. James National Historic Site, Kevin's responsibilities are split three ways: marketing and promotions, interpretation, and special event management/volunteer engagement. "It's an amazing position with lots of opportunity to move around in future," he said.

"COTR was the right base for beginning my career and the Recreation Management Diploma gave me experience beyond what a normal tourism diploma would have allowed," he explains. "Representing Parks Canada in my present role is the professional high point of my career and I am happy to have got my start in Cranbrook."

Learn more about our Tourism programs

<< back Archives Archives | submit a profile | more articles >>