Co-op student gets the chance to support Canadian Olympic athletes

When Canadian athletes step onto the podium at this year’s Olympics, their journey to a medal will have been supported by coaches, teammates, family, friends and support staff. Among those support staff is third-year University of Waterloo co-op student Diane Choi.

Choi, a Sport and Recreation Management student double-minoring in Human Resources and Event Management, recently started with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) as a marketing partnerships intern. A self-described sports fanatic, Choi grew up on the snow and ice as a figure skater, skier and hockey player. As a result, the Olympics were always a highlight at her home, with the family gathering to cheer on Team Canada.

In fact, one of her favourite Olympic memories is watching the 2018 PyeongChang Games. It was an opportunity to celebrate her Korean culture and share her love of sport with her grandparents, who aren’t fluent in English.

“Telling my grandparents about my new co-op role with the COC was also meaningful because they understood what the organization was and the significance of its global title, which makes me even prouder of my accomplishments so far.”

After a co-op placement with experiential marketing agency Playbook Co. as an account intern and two placements on campus as the social media assistant for her department in Recreation and Leisure Studies and the sports marketing and events co-op with the Athletics Department, she was looking for a role that would enable her to continue to build her skills. That’s when she spotted a role with the COC on Waterloo Works and jumped at the chance to apply.

“Since landing the job, I find myself noticing the Olympic rings everywhere I go and on social media, anticipating the Games and something I’m now part of,” Choi says. “After my co-op term, I’m confident I’ll have a different perspective on the Games and a greater sense of pride in being part of and representing Canada.”

In her role with the COC, Choi will be based in Toronto and support day-to-day operations for the Partnerships team, including preparing presentations, developing reports, undertaking industry trend research and marketplace analysis to aid partnership development.

The experience will further build upon her time with Waterloo’s Athletics department, where she also serves as team manager for men’s varsity hockey.

“I feel like my courses have really positioned me well to integrate my personal work experiences into the course content and vice versa,” Choi explains. “I am grateful that my program promotes experiential learning and incorporates current research and events in the world of sports to enhance my character and prepare me for a job in sports. The connections I’ve made at University and through my co-op terms are ones I cherish, and I know this network will support and mentor me as I look to the future.”

Beyond cheering on Team Canada and her work with the COC this term, Choi is starting to think about what’s next. She is keen to continue in sport, focusing on events, marketing and partnerships.

“I thrive around people and ensuring fan experiences are memorable,” Choi says. “I don't want to limit my future with a specific title, as the sports world is vast and continually evolving. I have no idea where my next co-op opportunity will be, who I will meet, or what I will learn along the way, but I want to do work that motivates me and positively impacts others.”