The chance to take part in international projects as part of her educational journey helped Megan Fortune make the decision to come to Vancouver Island University.
During her time in the recreation and tourism program, she received a research award to travel to Ghana, West Africa. She and another award recipient helped junior high schools in the region strengthen environmental programming aimed at protecting sensitive ecosystems. In the month-long field school through VIU’s World Leisure Centre of Excellenceshe worked with teachers and students living within the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary to raise awareness and help save endangered mammals.
Since Megan graduated in 2020 with her Bachelor of Tourism Management, she has worked in various roles in the tourism industry and spent several years working in Atlantic Canada. She is now back on Vancouver Island, working as a recreation consultant for RC Strategies, a Canadian company that specializes in parks, recreation and tourism planning across the country.
Why did you choose VIU for your education?
VIU had a program that was specific to the industry I was interested in – recreation and tourism. I was also drawn to VIU for the education abroad and international field school opportunities. I received an entrance scholarship, which solidified my choice.
Where were you in your life when you realized education would help you achieve your goals?
I have been involved in recreation and tourism my entire life growing up on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, so I knew that I wanted to pursue an education that supported my growth in the industry. It was just a matter of finding the right fit!
Tell us a bit about your experience at VIU and in your program.
I started my experience at VIU in the Sport and Recreation Diploma and then transitioned into the Bachelor of Tourism Management Degree with a Major in Recreation. During my degree, I was able to take part many of the extra opportunities offered by the university. I played intramurals, joined clubs, was a resident advisor, took part in an education abroad experience in Australia and a field school in Ghana, West Africa.
How did your program prepare you for what you’re doing now?
During my time at VIU I was part of a research project while on my field school in Ghana, which sparked my interest in research and led me to pursue a Master of Arts in Sport and Recreation Studies at the University of New Brunswick. Following that, I worked at the City of Fredericton as the Tourism and Special Events Coordinator. In this role I was responsible for supporting and assisting more than 200 special events annually in the city in addition to managing and coordinating the Garrison Night Market, Atlantic Canada's Largest Night Market, that took place for 14 weeks during the summer.
The degree I received from VIU is directly aligned with my career trajectory as well as current and past roles in the workforce.
Can you share a highlight of your time at VIU?
In my program at VIU, I was lucky enough to have amazing support from my profs and peers, which had a positive impact on my education. A special shout out to Aggie Weighill and Amanda Johnson, they were (and still are) large support systems for me. As I was finishing up my degree at VIU, they helped me apply for my master’s program and write scholarships. They are part of the reason my transition to graduate school went so smoothly.
What are you most proud of since completing your program at VIU?
One thing I am proud of since completing my program at VIU is taking the leap and a chance on myself. I moved across the country to New Brunswick in the middle of the pandemic to pursue my master’s degree, which was really difficult, but I am so glad I went through with it. That leap led to a variety of opportunities and great career propelling experiences.
What advice would you give VIU students following a similar trajectory as yourself?
One piece of advice that I would give to VIU students is to say YES to all opportunities when possible. Take the chance on yourself and put yourself in new and uncomfortable situations. That is where true growth happens.
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