As we continue to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Bachelor of Business Administration: Sustainable Business Practices program at the College, we’d like to introduce you to some of the fantastic alumni who have completed the program and then gone on to great things. Our first alumni profile is Mitch Tom.
Mitch grew up in Nanton, Alberta. A small-town guy who loves the outdoors, he chose to attend College of the Rockies to take advantage of the recreational opportunities in the region, and for the small class sizes.
“The chance to really get to know my classmates and instructors was appealing to me,” he said.
Having worked as a snowboard instructor, raft guide and recreational trail coordinator previously, Mitch initially completed the College’s Tourism and Recreation Management diploma program (now two separate diplomas: Tourism Management and Recreation Management). Upon completion of that diploma, he continued his studies in the College’s Bachelor of Business Administration: Sustainable Business Practices (BBA) program.
“I wanted to complete a degree program, and the straight-up transfer from the Tourism and Recreation program to the BBA was too good to pass up,” he said.
He graduated with his degree in the spring of 2015 and almost immediately was the successful applicant for a role with ʔaq̓am (formerly the St. Mary’s Indian Band). Initially hired as a Business Development Assistant, he has since worked in a number of different capacities and departments. In 2017, Mitch was offered the opportunity for the role of Interim Director of Operations for the Band, covering the incumbent’s maternity leave. He now holds the role of Operations Project Coordinator.
“Working for a government administration, I feel the BBA program prepared me well for almost all day-to-day activities, including marketing, contract implementation, accounting, project and people management, and more,” he said.
He would definitely recommend the College’s BBA program to others.
“There’s great instructors, facilities, small class sizes, and an amazing back yard! I definitely picked the right place to complete my education,” he added.