RSI PhD student Josh Shore spoke with alumnus Patrick Antonio, a graduate of the RSI PhD program in 2018, to talk about his career path since graduating and how his time at RSI helped shape his professional development.
Patrick credits his time at RSI with helping him develop valuable skills in analysis and critical thinking, grow his comfort level in forming professional connections, and gain experience in leadership and project management.
Tell us about your current position – Where do you work and what is your role?
I am the Manager of Technology and Digital Engagement at MLSE Launchpad, a 42,000 sq ft youth sports facility in downtown Toronto. We are a Sport for Development organization, which means that we aim to use the power of sport and physical activity to help build healthy communities. Our space serves as a living lab to explore and measure how sport can help improve the lives of youth in our community to recognize and reach their potential. We are supported by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) professional sports teams - the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, and Toronto Argonauts. Our facility offers free sports programming, with our 3 gymnasiums, 3 classrooms, a teaching kitchen, and a rock-climbing wall.
What are your responsibilities in this role?
One half of my role is product management to develop software for our online engagement platform called MLSE Scoreboard. I work with a team of developers, engineers and technology experts at MLSE Digital Labs to develop and grow the software. I also work with clients to integrate the system with their operations. The goal of this platform is to grow the network of users and organizations working in youth sports focused on sport for development, dedicated to gathering insights and making decisions informed by data to advance the sector.
The other half of my role is working with our member services team to engage with our youth, parents/guardians, and families in the downtown Toronto community. We aim to provide exceptional service to our youth and community, so they want to return to our space.
How did you make it into your current position?
I came into this role through networking. After I finished my PhD, I didn't necessarily have the technical skills or the experiences that aligned with what companies were looking for, so my strategy was to network and broaden my job search. The network opportunity arose when I was looking for careers in sports, science, and research. I put those three keywords together and found a place called MLSE LaunchPad, which focused on youth sports and how sports impact positive youth development. I attended one of their conferences, learned more about their work, and got an opportunity to apply for the role I am in now.
What do you like most about your area of work?
As the product manager of Scoreboard, I am responsible for a full business in one department. I learned (and continue to learn) how to develop and produce a digital platform, regularly working with technology experts to build this evolving software. I learned a new discipline of product management on the job, developing software that supports the operations at MLSE LaunchPad and growing the product with new and exciting features throughout the years. I’m also enjoying the opportunity to scale this platform up, connecting and partnering with other sports organizations to use the software.
Aside from the product and technology, I’m a fan of the work my colleagues do throughout the company. By providing free high-quality programs to youth, I’m able to see first-hand their growth and their life skill development. And sometimes, on rare occasions, when we are able to get pro athletes to come to visit our facility, we get to see the kids’ excited, smiling faces. It’s a wonderful experience, and I’m privileged to be a part of it.
Who did you work with at RSI and what was your research focus?
I worked with Dr. Stephen Perry, a professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Laurier University who is also a faculty member at RSI and an affiliate scientist at the Toronto Rehab Institute. I mainly worked out of the Stair Lab at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, where I focused on individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy to understand how their foot insensitivity affected their balance as they walked up and down stairs.
What were some highlights of your time at RSI?
I loved building connections with staff and students, particularly with the administrative staff, who were very helpful and provided advice, guidance, and support throughout my time. I was also Co-president of the Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Students Union (RSGSU), organizing many activities and connecting with my student colleagues outside of the labs.
Data collection was another highlight, working in the StairLab with a team who helped me operate and run the massive machines to move the way I wanted the room to move and collect important data. It was really cool to see the research come together.
How has your experience at RSI played a role in preparing you for your career?
Although my research didn’t translate directly to what I’m doing now, the principles of growing as a researcher and what I did to hone my skills in the academic sector prepared me well. I'd say my analytical skills, critical thinking, and ability to build connections during data collection and conferences all played a part in my current success. Another element that helped me prepare for a career outside of academia were my various volunteer roles, research assistantship roles, and experiences throughout the tenure of my PhD. From co-president of RSGSU to running a two-day activity symposium, I participated in many extracurricular activities that helped me sharpen my leadership and collaboration skills. I was tasked to organize a 2-day event with over 100 participants, liaising with Doctors and Physiotherapists at the University of Toronto and SickKids hospital, working with a budget and timeline. These experiences helped bridge the gap into the industry as I was starting to look for more career opportunities outside of academia.
Where else have you worked since graduating from RSI?
I took on a few research assistantships after finishing my PhD, exploring the post-doc pathway. I was also looking at startup companies focused on health and technology and found a company based in Toronto, called Newtopia. Shortly after, I found my current role at MLSE LaunchPad.
What are your goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
My goals for the future are to grow MLSE Scoreboard by partnering with more sports organizations to have a data-driven process and unlock and enable organizations to understand day-to-day operations and insights, enabling better funding capacity to continue to service the community. In 10 years, I see myself continuing to work in the Technology field with a focus on the community. I want to continue to build bridges between technology experts and our youth in the community so they can advance their technology careers without any barriers.
*This article is featured in the inaugural issue of the RSI Newsletter.
