SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Theatre, creativity and analytics unite in co-operative education work-term

Reid A. Martin always knew they wanted to venture beyond their small-town Saskatchewan roots. When it came time to decide on a career path, Martin's high school math teacher suggested looking into the Business diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Intrigued by the blend of creativity and analytical thinking that the marketing speciality offered, Martin decided to enrol at Moose Jaw campus. They appreciate the smaller class size and hands-on approach that Sask Polytech offers, a perfect fit for someone looking for more interaction from instructors.

During their first year of studies, Martin landed a part-time job as a tour guide and ticketing agent at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, a year-round tourist attraction that entertains and educates guests with unique productions of Canadian history. Martin is a self-proclaimed theatre-kid and put their acting skills to work as Gus, one of Capone's goons in the Chicago Connection tunnel tour. On weekends, Martin would guide guests through the tunnels, beginning at Miss Fanny's club and continuing through an underground passage. "Taking guests through our tours can be tiring, as you are on your feet all day. But it's cool to tell the story, use my acting skills and interact with people," Martin shares. They add, "It's also very rewarding to see the reactions and looks of shock and awe from visitors."

As part of the Business program, Martin was excited for their co-operative education work experience. However, they were having a hard time finding a co-op position with a January 2024 start date. With the deadline looming and assistance from the co-op education team, Martin asked their manager at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw if they could create a co-op position for them. Within days of the deadline, the necessary paperwork was completed and Martin was promoted to business operations assistant for a year-long co-op.

In this new position, Martin's responsibilities expanded beyond guiding tours and selling tickets. "It's neat to see how things work behind the scenes," says Martin. "I'm in more of a leadership role now, helping with day-to-day operations and working on special projects."

A challenge Martin tackled as a co-op student was how to enhance visitor engagement by creating a virtual photobooth using Snapchat filters. "People always want to take photos in the tour spaces but we are on a tight schedule and it isn't possible to stop for photos," says Martin. "Now visitors can scan a code and take photos with various sets. Right now we have six filters available and over 11,000 views. It's a nice feature for guests that is easy to use if you have Snapchat."

Martin also took charge of relaunching the Tunnels of Moose Jaw's YouTube channel, making it a useful educational and marketing resource. "The tunnels are entertaining and educational, the YouTube channel is a great resource for teachers who are bringing their class on a fieldtrip. It's also a resource for people who are generally interested in Canada's unique history," they add.

"Co-op education at Sask Polytech is a great launching point towards your future career," says Martin. "The hands-on learning at Sask Polytech, the small classroom sizes, the experience and connections I'm making during my co-op at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw it's amazing."

Martin's advice to fellow students is clear, "If you want to learn hands-on and build meaningful connections, take Sask Polytech's Business diploma and enrol in co-op education. The experiences and relationships you form are invaluable."

With just one semester left in their Business Marketing diploma, Martin looks forward to the future with excitement and confidence. The co-op work term at the Tunnels of Moose Jaw has been an incredible journey, blending their love for theatre with their academic pursuits, and setting the stage for a promising career in marketing.

Are you an employer interested in hiring a co-op student this academic year? Join Sask Polytech's webinar on August 13 at 1:30 p.m. CST to learn how co-operative education can boost your business. This webinar is for business owners, HR professionals, industry leaders and anyone looking to harness co-op education to drive innovation, enhance productivity and fuel your organization's growth. Register now and add the Zoom link to your calendar.

"Co-operative education is an important component in a variety of Sask Polytech programs," says Ian Morrison, Co-operation Education program head. "Allowing students to earn while they learn, co-op placements give students on-the-job training and the opportunity to develop important soft skills best learned in real workplaces, where interpersonal communication and developing a professional network are more than just assets they're essential."

For more information about co-operative education visit saskpolytech.ca/co-op.