Evan Stoflet

MSc International Human Resource Management, 2019

What were you up to before you came to study at Abertay?

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Community Entrepreneurship from the University of Vermont in 2007. Since then, my focus has been on ice hockey. I have been a professional ice hockey player for the past 12 years. I am very fortunate to be able to play a game that I love and that takes me all over the world. I have played for teams across North America, Denmark, Europe, and Asia. In the off-season, I coach individual youth players as well as teams.

Why did you think about getting back into the classroom?

As you get older, the need to look to the next chapter becomes more important, and playing ice hockey in the UK is an opportunity unlike any other country in the world. The UK teams have partnerships with Universities that allow players to pursue a master’s degree as a part of their contract. When I found out about this, it was something that I definitely wanted to be a part of. Thankfully, I was able to fulfill that with the Fife Flyers and Abertay University partnership.

What was it like stepping back into academia having taken such a long break?

Taking a 12-year hiatus from academia made the transition back difficult in the beginning, but the staff were phenomenal in providing me the tools to be able to be successful within the MSc International Human Resource Management programme. Because the lecturers were so helpful and knowledgeable, I now feel much more prepared for different career opportunities in the future. What I learnt is applicable in many different fields, especially with the programme’s focus on international practices within a business, and that will be a major benefit to my future and me.

What do you think are the benefits of the Fife Flyers and Abertay University partnership?

A big benefit of the partnership is that students from other programmes are able to work with the team as well. Working with the BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning and the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise students, in pre-season physical testing and in-season off ice workouts, was a tremendous advantage to have.

What are your future aspirations

As of now, I am still playing ice hockey but am very thankful that I was able to further my education at Abertay University. It will help me transition into new career opportunities when I retire from professional ice hockey.