Alumna spotlight: Laurenne Mercier

For Laurenne Mercier, completing the Sport Business Management graduate certificate program at Durham College (DC) was an invaluable stepping stone to the career of her dreams.

“I’d been told time and time again that the best way to break into sports was through an internship, not only for the experience, but for the networking and connections as well,” said the 2017 graduate.

That made DC’s program a perfect fit. Taking advantage of its 500-hour field placement, she combined her love of Nashville and sports by serving as a Community Relations Intern with the Predators of the National Hockey League (NHL).

With her foot in the door, she soon found work with the Edmonton Oilers. Since then, her career has taken her to Boston, where she serves as the Manager of Team Services and Hockey Administration for the legendary Bruins.

With a new NHL season underway, the DC alumna spoke to us about her successful career, her DC memories and more.

What was your DC experience like?

I had a very positive experience at DC. We had a really tight knit and ambitious group of classmates. I still keep in touch with many of them today. The most altering experience for me was the informational interview assignment in Jan Robinson’s class, where we had to interview someone from the industry we most wanted to be a part of. Finding someone at the NHL level to talk to me seemed like the most daunting task, but in the end, I still credit this assignment as one of the biggest steps in my sports industry journey.

What has your career path been like?

It certainly hasn’t been linear! My time in Nashville was very formative. Since I am a Canadian, I knew I couldn’t stay on in Nashville full-time post-internship, so I took it upon myself to get to know as many people as I could there and to shadow as many departments as I could. Brandon Walker, the Preds’ Director of Team Operations, a fellow Canadian, was so kind to me and mentored me not just in his role, but also as a professional. I knew that this was the role that I eventually wanted. However, I knew this wouldn’t happen overnight, as there are only one to two per team and the role very rarely turns over. But I had my mind and heart set on eventually doing this job. Post-Nashville, I had a few different career moves. It’s funny how in hindsight, all of these pieces, even those not related to the sports industry, came together to land me here.

What is your job with the Boston Bruins like? 

My role is to manage the players and their families, as well as our team travel. Myself and my colleague are in charge of the travel schedule and everything that comes with it, including booking our charter, contracting and executing the hotel stays, the meals, consulting with our opposing team on ice times, etc. We also manage the ‘at home’ side of the job including our own ice and practice rink, player concierge, the players’ home ticket requests, trades and relocations, etc. It’s ever-changing. I don’t think I have ever been busier in my entire life. It’s certainly the hardest, yet most rewarding role I have ever had. I love working with people and this role provides me the opportunity to work with all kinds of different people on a regular basis, whether it’s the players, their families, our coaching staff, management, hoteliers, flight crews, fans, bus companies, you name it.

How did DC prepare you for your career path and current role?

The biggest thing was networking. We were required to do a lot of volunteering, which I always enjoy. That built my network and my experience base. I also think being immersed in the Toronto scene was helpful. Scotiabank Arena hosted the World Cup of Hockey that year, and I was fortunate to be a part of many of these experiences.

Would you recommend your DC program to someone looking for a similar job and career?

In my experience, an internship is your best way to break into the sports industry and the DC program allowed me that opportunity. I think it is so important to make the most of your intern time. Everyone starts somewhere, and even when it feels like you’re at the bottom, those things add up. The grinding can be so tiring while you’re at it, but it builds you into the professional that you’ll eventually become.

DC also afforded me 30 classmates who are now contacts in the industry. I always preach the importance of networking and that was something that the DC program engrained in us too.

What advice do you have for current/future Sport Business Management students at DC?

Make the most of your internship and soak it up for all you can. You are surrounded by professionals who have made it. Get to know as many people as you can, shadow as many departments as you can, soak up all the friendships and social aspects of it. And if you have the opportunity, get out of your comfort zone. I moved to Nashville from Calgary, and it was the best thing I could have done.

And genuine, authentic networking, in my opinion, is the most important part of your career. It isn’t about getting to know just those who you feel can do something for you. It’s about getting to know everyone. Everyone will have their own story and you never know when someone will end up being a major part of your career journey.

What are your future goals?

Do you want to work in the sports industry? Our Sport Administration diploma, Sport Management advanced diploma and Sport Business Management graduate certificate are proven pathways to your dream career. Apply today!