TC Carling. Jeff Vinnick/Vancouver Canucks Photo
As V.P. of Communications and Community Partnerships with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, BCIT grad TC Carling is living many a business student’s dream. Recently, the self-proclaimed sports fanatic took some time to answer a few questions about his career path, career highlights, and the toughest part of working for an NHL team.
You have what many people consider to be the ideal public relations job as V.P. of Communications and Community Partnerships with the team. What are your highlights so far?
(TC) I’ve been very fortunate during my time with Canucks Sports & Entertainment to work with great people and on great projects. Career highlights include the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, the jersey retirements for Trevor Linden and Markus Naslund, and the 40th Anniversary celebration. I have also been fortunate to work on initiatives that are trying to make a difference in the lives of those in need. We recently helped launch the website Mindcheck.ca in an effort to raise awareness for youth and young adults struggling with mental health issues. This is a legacy for our good friend Rick Rypien and something we are all very proud to be a part of. In addition, last year, thanks to our loyal fans, partners, players, and employees the Canucks for Kids Fund was able to grant over $4.4 million dollars to local children’s charities in BC. This is very rewarding.
You graduated from Broadcast Radio at BCIT in 1999; how did you make your way to the Canucks?
(TC) As I was completing my second year at BCIT I was introduced to the media relations department with the Vancouver Grizzlies. At the time the Grizzlies were owned by Orca Bay Sports & Entertainment, along with the Canucks. I was offered the opportunity to do my practicum with the Grizzlies and really enjoyed it. I met great people within the organization and was determined to try and secure an opportunity for full-time employment. In the summer of 1999, I started on a three-month contract with the Customer Sales and Service department and three months after that was added to the Canucks Media Relations department as their assistant. It’s been a great 12 and a half years ever since.
What are some of the challenges you face – the toughest things about looking after public relations for an NHL team?
(TC) I’m not sure if one particular part of the job is the toughest. If I had to pick one, it is likely the hours and travel. It’s a lot easier to work as hard as so many at Canucks Sports & Entertainment do when you love what you’re doing. As everyone who travels a lot knows, it is difficult to be away from family for extended periods of time, even when you love what you are doing. It’s important to try and find the right balance.
You travel with the team, orchestrate media scrums, issue news releases, advise the players and executive, post to Twitter and Facebook, work with the community – a lot of diverse skills come into play. What skill do you think is absolutely key for success in your business?
(TC) The most important skills I would say are to be able to multitask and build relationships. This is a very intense and fast-moving business. The ability to multitask is essential. We’re very fortunate to have such talented and passionate people to work with, which allows us to deliver at a high level despite how busy it can be. In addition, relationship building is critical in any business and in particular the line of work I am in.
In what way did BCIT help prepare you for your career?
(TC) What I enjoyed most about BCIT was that it was led by industry professionals and it helped open doors for you. Once the door was open it was up to you to make the most of the opportunity but it gave you the start you needed. I feel very fortunate for that.
Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get into the public relations and communications world?
(TC) My advice for those who want to get in to the public relations field is to network. Try to meet as many people in the industry as possible. This not only allows you to meet those who may be hiring but also to ensure you are proceeding with a career direction you think you are passionate about.
