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Maintaining a trained and energetic workforce is a challenge in today’s austere budget environment. With increasing demand to “do more with less,” layoffs, retirements of key employees, and reductions in operating hours, park and recreation agencies need to be creative in their approach to recruiting and developing young talent. Offering internship opportunities is one way to effectively identify and train future leaders.
Students trained in parks and recreation, sports administration, recreation management, and related fields often cite their internship experience as one of the most beneficial aspects of the college curriculum.
While students clearly see the value of internships, numerous obstacles may limit their selection as well as their satisfaction of an internship experience. For example, many students who aspire to be park and recreation professionals are challenged with increased tuition costs, financial limitations, uncertain career paths, and curriculum requirements. More recently, students have found that internships offering paid stipends, opportunities for future job placement, and other financial perks (e.g., free housing and meals) are more limited than ever before.