Georgian College

39 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2023 CAREER PIvOTS: ALUMNI STORIES Equipped for evolving career Cruising in a squad car with senior police officers brings back great memories for Sylvester Spencer, a graduate of Georgian's Police Foundations program (class of 2011). With his experience learning the ropes of policing with the Ontario Provincial Police and a stellar education under his belt, Sylvester could see himself being in the driver's seat of those same ride-alongs. Although Sylvester truly enjoyed these moments, his career took a different turn as he discovered a new opportunity working in security. Sylvester has always been passionate about helping and protecting people, so he knew a life in law enforcement was the perfect fit for him. For the past six years, Sylvester has worked as a security guard for Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland, with responsibilities that cover all areas of the facility. He spends much of his time in the emergency department working with law enforcement, assisting with patients from the local correctional centre and interacting with mental health patients to help them navigate their experience while in the hospital. In addition to de-escalating conflicts and managing potential high-risk situations, Sylvester regularly collaborates with various police services. "I love my role with the hospital because each day is different," Sylvester says. "I'm always learning from other police and security teams and applying new ideas and perspectives to my work." Studying at Georgian was an important step in Sylvester's journey as it helped lay crucial foundations for transitioning into a work environment. He also met some of his best friends at college − he still works with some of them today. "I think it's so important to get an education and enjoy your time while you're there because it goes by fast," Sylvester adds. "It's really helpful to get to know new people and make connections too – that's how I got my job at the hospital." Since graduating, Sylvester has learned it's completely normal to start a career in something that may not be exactly what you studied for. "Sometimes your career path changes," Sylvester says. "Although I didn't end up becoming a police officer, the program I took allowed me to dip my toes in the industry and figure out what my passion was. I'm proud of the work I do and I wouldn't change anything about the post-grad path I took." | Sylvester Spencer, Security, Georgian Bay General Hospital

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