“My education at College of the Rockies ignited my desire to continually expand my knowledge and fueled my passion for the environment.” That is how Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) alumnus Spencer Binda describes how his time at the College prepared him for his current career.
Spencer, who grew up in Calgary, Alberta, was travelling through the Kootenays when a College of the Rockies sign on the side of the highway near Golden caught his eye. Having always had a passion for the outdoors, he saw the College’s ATBO program as a way to increase his knowledge of the business side of the tourism industry while continuing to develop his passion.
As a student, Spencer appreciated the smaller class sizes as well as the hands-on experience in the field from instructors who are top industry professionals. His experience at the College prepared him to continue on to university where he completed a Bachelor of Tourism Management degree.
With his education complete, Spencer embarked on his adventure tourism career, first working as a sea kayak guide on Vancouver Island, Gabriola Island, and in New Zealand. During his time on Vancouver Island, he founded the only remote kayaking program for a leading tourism company in Tofino.
In the summer of 2019, Spencer launched an environmental consulting company, inNat Outdoor Consulting, and was subsequently hired as the Chief Environmental Consultant for a non-profit organization which focuses on large-scale environmental revitalization and remediation projects.
“I would like to thank all of the staff and faculty at College of the Rockies for providing me with a positive learning atmosphere and the knowledge I needed to pursue my passions,” he said. “Not pursuing an education at the College is a missed opportunity. My time there played a foundational role in my success today.”