Catherine Godin

1) What is your education, background and how did you get the position?

I was introduced and involved with Hockey Canada back in 2014 while completing my final semester at Champlain College. In order to graduate from my program we had to complete an internship. I was lucky enough to be selected to be marketing and event intern for the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. After a few weeks of high learning and involvement as an intern, I knew I wanted to continue to support the team despite the internship coming to an end. I wanted to keep learning and developing amongst such a positive group of individuals. Therefor I took a chance and asked if there may be any way to continue part time as event support over the summer and leading up to the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. The organization keep me on as event support and ambassador. Meanwhile, I started university and worked part time at the bell sport complex and a few other departments within the Bell Centre. Mid way through my studies a full-time opportunity was made available with Hockey Canada for the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, as volunteer coordinator.  Immediately, I knew I needed to apply and prove to the organization that I should be considered for the position and would be a positive attribute to their team. Following several interviews and a long selection process, I was offered the full time position. For me this was the pivotal moment during the start of my professional career. The opportunity as Volunteer Coordinator, didn’t only allow me to further develop and grow professionally and personally but it also providing the chance to meet incredible individuals from all walks of life, be involved with several different stakeholders and partners for the event as well as an opportunity to be engaged and give back to the community through several different legacies. I can suggest that my involvement with different organizations, and going the extra mile during and following my internship definitely benefitted to the odds of being considered for the full time position, as it helps demonstrate that despite the young age, I wanted to learn, open minded, coachable and ready to tackle any task or challenge that was thrown my way with a positive attitude. I would ensure to deliver beyond expectations and support were ever needed.

2) What is your role within the organization entail?

Currently as a project manager with Hockey Canada for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship my role and responsibility consisted of a mix of the following task;

  • Finance and Expense Management.

  • Market research for innovative ways to create community engagement and initiatives.

  • Event ticket support and management of the Ticket Donation Program.

  • Management of all involved Stakeholders, deliver a first class event experience.

  • Volunteer Management for both Vancouver and Victoria.

  • Oversee the daily operations, administrative management, presentations, implement and management of internal and external communication pieces and final report requirements.

  • Support Business Development and Sponsor Partnerships prior and during event time.


3) What skills do you believe make the most difference in your field of work?

A combination of skills that I came to recognize are an asset in the event field is the ability to be open minded, attentive and approachable. Demonstrate teamwork and leadership as well as flexibility and adaptability. Other key assets are the capability of problem solving and effective communication.

4) Do you have any career advice towards students who want to enter the industry?

  • Volunteer as much as possible in as many different fields / point of interest. Internships and volunteering help provide real life experience and exposure. Also encourages personal development, stepping outside your comfort zone and an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skill sets.

  • Develop your Network. Try to connect and meet with as many people as possible, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

  • Be coachable and open minded to new challenges and responsibilities.

  • Have fun and be passionate for what you do!