BGSU alumnus credits career growth to BGSU partnership with Six Flags

A graduate of the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program, Ethan Tinkey '23 sees continued growth within Six Flags

By Branden Ferguson

Growing up in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, located in the southwestern region of the state, Ethan Tinkey '23 was surrounded by ski resorts, dozens of state parks and several historical attractions. Although he never imagined a resort and attraction management career, he often daydreamed of adrenaline-pumping thrills and entertainment.

"Throughout high school, I worked seasonally at my local amusement park, eventually moving into a supervisory position by the end of my third year," Tinkey said. "What started as a summer job became a fun way to make money and hang out with my friends."

With help from ticket reciprocity, Tinkey checked off the top item from his bucket list and visited Cedar Point.

"The rides, beach, atmosphere and entire experience blew me away," Tinkey said.

As if foreshadowing his future, Tinkey was exposed to Bowling Green State University and the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program while at the park.

"I remember standing in line for Maverick watching FunTV when I saw an ad for the BGSU RAAM program," said Tinkey. "I thought, 'that's so cool' before moving up in the line and getting on the ride."

Tinkey would go on to turn his passion into a career, moving to Sandusky, Ohio, and enrolling in the Six Flags Resort and Attraction Management program at BGSU. The innovative partnership enables students to prepare for resort and attraction management careers while also developing a strong network with industry leaders.

Through the program, Tinkey completed multiple paid co-ops that resulted in a job offer from Cedar Point. Through hard work and networking, Tinkey's career continues to grow, recently accepting a new role as regional coordinator for brand marketing at Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

"I remember being a student at a different university and spending a lot of time in class daydreaming and thinking about how Cedar Point was preparing to open up, and my grades clearly reflected that," Tinkey said. "I was unhappy with my classes and unhappy with the career path I had chosen."

Tinkey left class and started researching information on the BGSU degree program he had seen while standing in line at Cedar Point one year prior.

"The name of the program, the location and the amount of hands-on experience all felt like it was designed perfectly for me," Tinkey said. "I realized that this is what I really wanted to do all along and enrolled in the BGSU RAAM program."

Partnered with Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, BGSU offers the country's only Bachelor of Science in resort and attraction management. This innovative partnership provides graduates with leadership opportunities in the industry.

The program includes guaranteed, paid and customizable co-ops in more than 20 different departments at select Six Flags parks. Offering the degree fully in-person or online, the program allows students to prioritize hands-on learning while allowing flexibility.

Tinkey's first co-op experience took place at Cedar Point, where he worked on the front lines of event operations, setting up and executing special events, including Boardwalk Nights and HalloWeekends. He transferred that front-line experience to a sister park, Kings Island, outside Cincinnati, during his second co-op.

"Thanks to the partnership between BGSU and Six Flags, students have real-world leadership and advancement opportunities, live-action learning moments from all departments in the parks, and access to an entire corporation's network of industry leaders," Tinkey said.

Before completing his second co-op, Tinkey was offered a year-round part-time role at Cedar Point as a brand activation coordinator for Cedar Point Resorts Marketing. He accepted the position before the fall semester, working and attending school simultaneously.

"With the knowledge I had already gained at BGSU, plus two summers of co-op experience, I felt confident enough to take on my first job," Tinkey said. "It was the first big step in my career and it would have never happened had I not joined the RAAM program."

Tinkey graduated in 2023 after which he excelled in his role and expanded his relationships at Cedar Point and Six Flags, resulting in his recent promotion.

"I've been working for Six Flags for almost four years now, and it seems like every day I still have imposter syndrome," Tinkey said. "Every new position has built upon all of my previous experiences that started in the RAAM program. The RAAM staff and Six Flags leadership team were the driving force that helped shape me into the professional I am today."