Student Experience

What to Expect

Algonquin College is proud to provide a diverse and dynamic student experience. Check out the highlights below to get a sense of what to expect as a student in the Sport Business Management program.

Success Stories and Testimonials

“The program was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the sports industry.

The faculty members are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely dedicated to students’ success, both inside and outside the classroom. They offered guidance and mentorship, helping students navigate their career paths. This program included a variety of hand-on learning opportunities such as volunteering and the internship included in this program. These opportunities allowed me to gain practical experience and build a professional network.

The program opened my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t previously considered. Initially, I planned to pursue internships with two specific organizations. However, participating in placement day and interviewing with various organizations expanded my options, ultimately leading me to choose a different organization. The organization I am still with six years later.

The knowledge and skills I acquired in the Sport Business Management program at Algonquin College have enabled me to pursue a career in sport management. I highly recommend this program to anyone passionate about making a mark in the sports industry.”
– Shelby Prilisauer, Graduate, Indoor Events Lead, Volleyball Canada

Work-Integrated Learning

Learning that meets the demands of industry
An active advisory board of sport industry leaders ensure our curriculum remains current and meets the demands of the sport industry. These relationships also provide opportunities for networking and bringing influential industry leaders into the classroom to share their experiences.

Gain unique knowledge and experience from a field placement in the nation’s capital
Ottawa has several professional sport franchises and more national governing sport bodies and multi-sport organizations than any other city in Canada. The program balances sport-business management education with an intensive experiential work placement. Throughout the duration of the program, students must work a minimum of 16 hours per week within the sport industry.

Students have enjoyed gaining real-life experience through field placements with the following organizations:

Competitions

Celebrating a 20+ year partnership between Sport Business Management & Ottawa Senators

Photo of ‘TheBid2025’: ACSBM students participants; including Katherine Root, Program Chair (left); Chris Neil; Ottawa Senators Foundation, Ed Blomeley, ACSBM Professor/Coordinator

Each year, Sport Business Management (ACSBM) students compete in the ACSBM Capstone Business Innovation and Solutions Competition, nicknamed ‘TheBid’. A real-world business development competition where the ACSBM students work directly with a Canadian sport industry partner. The competition was launched in 2002 when the Ottawa Senators donated the Crystal Cup to the ACSBM program’s founder, former NHL’er and Sens Alum Jim Kyte.

The winning team is presented with the Crystal Cup at the Canadian Tire Centre. Over the past few years participating sport organizations, who provided mentorship to the ACSBM students, have included; Badminton Canada, Triathlon Canada, Ottawa Basketball Network, the NHL NYC HQ Special Events Group (Outdoor Games).

This year the ‘TheBid2026’ partner was the Canadian Cancer Society. We helped redevelop and expand their ‘Rivalry’ Program augmenting their successful ‘Hockey Fights Cancer’ initiatives. A special thanks to Kelly MacNaull CCS Senior Manager, New Business Development & Sports Alliances, who approached us with a brilliant plan.

The NHL Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and the Senators Community Foundation have been functional partners of the Algonquin College Sports Business Management program for over two decades.

Congratulations to the Sport Business Management student team!

Students recognized for ‘TheBid’ business solutions work by Canadian Cancer Society
“On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to each of you for the incredible effort, creativity, and dedication you put into your Bid projects.

Your hard work has provided our team with valuable insights, fresh perspectives, and practical tools that will help us continue to grow and strengthen our Rivalry program. The thoughtfulness and professionalism behind your ideas truly reflect the skills and passion you are developing within the Sport Business Management program, and it has been a pleasure to review the work you produced.

Beyond the projects themselves, we hope this experience has helped deepen your understanding of how the Canadian Cancer Society supports Canadians impacted by cancer, from prevention and research to support services and advocacy. We are grateful for the time you invested in learning about our mission and for the care you demonstrated in aligning your ideas with our cause.

We now proudly consider each of you ambassadors of the Canadian Cancer Society. Your engagement, curiosity, and commitment make a meaningful difference, and we are excited about the positive impact you will continue to have as you move forward in your careers.

Thank you again for your dedication and outstanding contributions. We wish you continued success and hope our paths may cross again in the future.”
– Kelly MacNaull, Senior Manager, New Business Development & Sports Alliances, Canadian Cancer Society