For 18 years, Paul Polak worked in manufacturing, spending his days in steel mills, pipe fabrication, and rail fabrication. His career was physically demanding, often requiring him to wear three layers of fire-retardant clothing while working in challenging environments. But when he and his wife started a family, Paul began rethinking his future. He wanted a career that would provide a better work-life balance, the flexibility to work from home, and, most importantly, a more fulfilling way to earn a living.  

Paul considered other technical careers, such as HVAC, given his background in manufacturing and the trades. However, massage therapy stood out as an opportunity to help people in his community while also giving him the flexibility to create his own schedule. The variety within the field also appealed to him, noting that he could work in sports therapy, a chiropractor’s office, a physiotherapy clinic, or even open his own private practice. 

When Paul decided to pursue massage therapy, Fleming College was the natural choice. As a mature learner, Paul wanted to complete a compressed program that allowed him to enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Fleming’s Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) program allowed him to complete his studies in just 20 months. Since he didn’t need summers off, he appreciated the accelerated pace. 

“The program was challenging but very rewarding,” Paul says. “The faculty had a lot of industry experience, and they prepared us well for real-world practice.” 

Fleming’s practical clinic experience was instrumental in preparing Paul for his new career. Through hands-on training, he worked with clients of all ages and health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, cancer, ALS, and post-surgical recovery patients. This experience helped him develop both his technical skills and his interpersonal skills, learning how to help clients feel comfortable and cared for during treatments. 

Since graduating in April 2024, Paul has found the experience of working as an RMT even more rewarding than expected. While school provided him with a strong foundation, the real world brought continuous learning opportunities. He enjoys working in a cleaner environment—no more layers of fire-retardant clothing—just one layer now! More importantly, he appreciates how massage therapy allows him to give back to his community in a meaningful way. 

In addition to technical skills, Paul also gained business management knowledge through the program, including budgeting, taxes, and marketing. These skills have been invaluable in helping him navigate his new career as a self-employed RMT. 

Advice for Future Students from a Fleming College Grad 

Paul encourages anyone considering a career in massage therapy to embrace the learning process and keep an open mind. “You learn a lot in school, but you learn even more when you start practicing,” he says. 

From supervising manufacturing teams to providing therapeutic care, Paul’s journey is a testament to the power of career transformation. He found a profession that not only provides flexibility and work-life balance but also allows him to make a positive impact on others every day. 

Book an appointment at Paul’s clinic, Millbrook Valley Massage.  

Learn more about Fleming’s RMT program.  

Fleming students, alumni, faculty, and staff are making an impact—on campus, in their communities, and beyond.

Discover their achievements and see how the Fleming experience leads to success. Have a success story you want to share? Have an inspiring journey, a unique campus experience, or a success story to share? Submit your blog idea to the Fleming Connect team for your chance to showcase your story to the entire Fleming community.