Career Pathways

Career opportunities

Recreation Studies Faculty Member, Joanne Edey-Nicoll recently completed a research project on careers in recreation. This project, done in collaboration with the British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association, gives an overview of the career opportunities and earning potentials for recreation professionals. Learn more about Recreation: A Career with Purpose.

The market for trained recreation professionals is expanding. Changes in patterns of leisure time and growth in organized and spontaneous recreational activities have increased demands on recreational facilities and resources.

These trends have created attractive employment, reasonable remuneration, fringe benefits, significant vacation allowances and opportunities for self-development and advancement. Employment and contracting opportunities are available to graduates within:

  • community centres
  • ice arenas, aquatic facilities, seniors’ centres, golf courses, ski hills and fitness centres
  • tourism
  • health and wellness
  • YMCAs and YWCAs
  • arts and cultural organizations
  • boys and girls clubs
  • sports organizations
  • neighbourhood houses
  • provincial, regional and municipal parks

Sample recreation careers

Here are just a few samples of careers that graduates from the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program enter following graduation (varies according to previous experience, educational focus and career goals):

Entry level leader:

  • Youth Worker
  • Community Sport - administrator and organizer
  • Program Leader
  • Head Lifeguard
  • After-school Worker
  • Programming Assistant
  • Special Event Associate
  • Tour Guide

Entry level supervision:

  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Programmer / Program Planner
  • Manager of Guest Services
  • Golf Services Supervisor
  • Special Events Planner
  • Facility Supervisor
  • Health and Wellness Coordinator
  • Marketing and Promotion Associate
  • Food and Beverage Operations Supervisor
  • Arena Manager
  • Stadium Supervisor
  • Aquatics Supervisor

Alumni testimonials

Many graduates from the Recreation Leadership Diploma Program found a career they are passionate in. Check out their stories and testimonials below:

Michael Patrick, Graduate 2023

Michael is a Child & Youth Recreation Programmer at the Town of Bracebridge.

Langara College’s Recreation Leadership Diploma program truly exceeded my expectations in preparing me for today's dynamic workplace. The program’s blend of classroom learning and real-world experience, including volunteer opportunities and industry certifications, equipped me with practical skills that are directly applicable in the field. I particularly appreciated the mentorship from professionals actively working in the industry, which provided invaluable insights and guidance. Langara not only gave me the knowledge but also the confidence to excel in my career, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the recreation field.

Paula Parman, Graduate 2023

Paula is a Community Facilities Coordinator with the City of Richmond.

Being part of the Recreation Leadership Diploma program has been an incredible journey. Learning from a small, tight-knit cohort and benefiting from the wisdom and mentorship of the recreation department's instructors, I gained invaluable skills and insights into my work. The program's intentional design facilitated valuable connections to mentors in the field, as well as hands-on learning, complementing the theoretical knowledge. A highlight during my time in the program was an exchange to Dublin, Ireland, where I met our Irish classmates and learned about recreation and community building in another part of the world. The instructors’ of the Rec Department consistently showed dedication and care for their students, which only enhanced the learning and growth of each student inside and outside the classroom. Overall, the Rec Leadership program was a formative and enriching experience, preparing me for future success in my academic and professional aspirations in the recreation field.