Online Studies Provide Flexible Opportunities for Career Advancement

Can you imagine being the preferred candidate for a job only to find out that you don’t have the right credentials? This scenario was all too real for Tracy Dopko, instructor for the Equine Online Studies program at the University of Guelph (U of G). Dopko, an established equine professional, applied to instruct an online equine course at U of G but was turned down because she did not have a degree.

Dopko started a Bachelor of Science degree in her 20s only to leave school to pursue a professional riding career, just two semesters away from completing her program. Two decades later, after successfully establishing herself in the equine industry—as a rider, breeder, trainer, business owner, and senior judge and steward with both Equestrian Canada and US Equestrian—Dopko began taking online equine courses at U of G. After being encouraged to apply for an instructor role within the program, Dopko was disappointed to learn that, although she was the best candidate, she didn’t hold the required educational credentials for the position.

“I submitted my application and was told I was the best candidate; but, when they realized I did not have a degree, the position was given to someone else,” recalls Dopko. “After doing some research and realizing I would only need to go back to school for two semesters to finish my degree, the U of G gave me the opportunity to be a peer helper for one year—in the equine course I had applied to teach—while I finished my degree.”

“Once my degree was finished, I took over as instructor for the Marketing & Communications in the Equine Industry course.”

For Dopko, it was essential to find a way to study that didn’t disrupt her professional career. Thankfully, she was able to complete her degree online at U of G, allowing her the flexibility and convenience to study from a distance while maintaining full-time employment.

“My professional career has me travelling around North America,” explains Dopko. “I loved that I could take the classroom with me while I travelled. I also liked the ability to log on to the course website when it was convenient for me. One of the best things about online learning is the opportunity to interact with other students from all over the world. The icing on the cake was being able to do it all in my pajamas.”

Dopko and her husband own and manage Daventry Equestrian, just outside of Edmonton, where they focus on breeding, training, and showing hunters, dressage horses and Welsh Cobs. Tracy is also a well-known equine appraiser and licensed private investigator.

In addition to completing a bachelor’s degree with distinction, Dopko has also completed the Diploma in Equine Studies, the Certificate in Equine Business Management, and the Equine Welfare Certificate with distinction—all from the University of Guelph. She has been the instructor for U of G’s Marketing & Communications in the Equine Industry since 2017.

Visit Equine Studies Online to learn more about the various equine programs at U of G.