01/13/2020
This month’s featured Alumni is our former leader Jonathan Radomski.
Here’s a look into his career and advice for current students.
“When I was 17, all I knew at the time was that I loved sports and was ready to move away from home to live on my own. Mount Royal University (College at the time) was the perfect match. I started the Business and Entrepreneurship in Sport and Recreation program in 2005 and have never regretted that decision for one moment.
It had always been my dream to work for a sports organization. However, not long after starting university, the idea of organizing events and bringing people together for a common goal piqued my interest. My first true taste of this was during the 2008 Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat as a Games Assistant. I was hooked - the thrill of working towards something bigger than yourself and feeling the energy of thousands of people in one location is indescribable.
After graduating from University in 2009, I moved to Kelowna to work on the BMO Marathons in both Kelowna and Vancouver. My new proximity to Vancouver was extremely handy when the 2010 Winter Olympics rolled around and I was able to volunteer for a month as part of the Ice Crew, working the men’s hockey games. To see the world come together with such a positive light for sport gave me chills, and reassured me that I needed to be a part of this industry.
When the Olympics concluded, I went back to Kelowna but with bigger dreams to see the world and learn new skills. I applied and was accepted to work for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line over the next 2 years as a sports staff member. I ran the zip lines, rock climbing walls, simulated surfing machines and organized sports tournaments for the guests. This job took me across the world and taught me proper people skills and the importance of sport and activity, no matter their background, race or language.
When I returned to Calgary in 2012, I secured a job with Calgary Corporate Challenge as an Events Coordinator. I progressed within the organization, and after 3 years became General Manager. I was able to refine my event planning skills while promoting physical fitness to Calgarians and encouraging charitable donations to local organizations. Being the General Manager for 2+ years brought me much joy, but I recognized the need to enhance my skills and try a new arena. Over the next few years, I organized large-scale events of many forms: music festivals, corporate retreats, incentive travel trips, food/drink sampling and client engagement events. These events took me all around North America and across the pond to Europe, giving me a greater perspective and the drive to want more, yet again.
When the 2019 Grey Cup (arguably Canada’s largest sporting event) was awarded to Calgary, I knew I needed to be a part of it. I was hired as the Festival Operations Manager in November of 2018, and just finished the wildest ride of my career. Being the go-to guy for multiple stakeholders across Canada kept me on my toes, but the end result of delivering a successful Grey Cup and Grey Cup Festival was well worth it!
As a proud Alumni of Mount Royal University, I always strive to give back when I can. I have sat on several alumni boards, attended many school sponsored events and have been a mentor to current and potential students. I owe a lot to the school that gave me so much. A big thanks to MRU for giving me the building blocks to succeed.
What’s next:
● I am off to New Zealand for 5 weeks with my wife to try out the van life. This will be a great opportunity to decompress, to reflect and to recharge for the next event/adventure I embark on!
Advice for Students:
● Volunteer! You get to be a part of the coolest events, meet the neatest people and can build your resume. Also a great way to network!
● Keep taking steps forward, even if you are unsure where the steps will lead.
● Everyone is on their own journey. Carve out your own path.
● Trust your gut.”
