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When Elisha Krochak, graduate program coordinator with the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, first heard about the newly launched Sport and Recreation Management Graduate Certificate, she didn’t hesitate. As someone working full time and already engaged in the world of sport and recreation, she saw it as the perfect way to deepen her knowledge and take the next step in her educational journey — without having to leave her job.

“I’d always wanted to return to school, but quitting work to do so just wasn’t realistic,” she explains. “Finding an online program that aligned with my interests — and was offered right here at the ÒÁÈËÖ±²¥ — was exactly what I needed.”

Krochak completed the four-course certificate entirely online during the height of the pandemic, which she credits with giving her both the time and focus to dive into the coursework. Her background in commerce made courses such as financial and organizational analysis feel familiar, but she emphasized that what stood out most wasn’t just the content — it was the confidence the program helped her rebuild.

“Going back to school as a mature student can be intimidating,” she says. “But I found I was more focused, more engaged and able to connect what I was learning directly to my work. I wasn’t just reading to pass a test — I was applying it in real life.”

The sport and recreation management graduate certificate is designed to build key leadership skills across finance, marketing, public sector leadership, facility management and public relations — all essential for those seeking to move up in the sport, recreation and health sectors. For Krochak, the content was directly relevant and immediately applicable.

But the certificate offered more than just skills. Through weekly online sessions and group projects, she connected with a diverse mix of classmates — from teachers and nonprofit staff to coaches and city recreation leaders — many of whom are now valuable contacts across the industry. “The variety of perspectives really enriched the experience,” she says.

Krochak’s journey didn’t stop at the certificate. She successfully laddered it into a course-based master’s degree through the faculty, crediting her certificate coursework toward her master’s degree requirements. “It made doing my master’s feel so much more manageable,” she says. “And the laddering process was surprisingly simple. Once I finished the certificate, I was able to apply directly and transition smoothly.”

Today, Krochak not only coordinates graduate programs, she also teaches undergraduate courses within the faculty, bringing her student experience full circle. “Having gone through the certificate and master’s as a working professional gives me a unique perspective. I now understand firsthand what our students are navigating, and I can offer support and guidance in a much more meaningful way.”

Her advice to others considering a graduate certificate?

“Don’t let fear or time stop you. Most people taking these certificates have already been working for years, and the coursework connects directly to what they do. You’re more prepared than you think.”