A good internship brings academic coursework to life and provides work experience and professional contacts that help to ensure a successful professional career. It is the foundation for the future, and like any strong foundation, its construction requires time, effort, and the proper tools. The purpose of this text is to give students the proper tools for getting the best possible internship. The fourth edition of Internships in Recreation and Leisure Services: A Practical Guide for Students provides tips and techniques for developing an electronic or scannable resume and offers a comprehensive list of internship-related and job search Web sites. It also includes information about Web resumes, suggestions for creating an electronic portfolio, and an expanded section on traditional print resumes. This fourth edition will serve as a valuable resource for students looking to secure an internship as well as for students seeking employment after graduation.
Many college students are uncertain about their qualifications and career readiness, and most have some degree of anxiety about the future. Feelings of uncertainty and anxiety are normal, particularly when confronted with an important decision like internship selection. As students progress through this manual, any uncertainties or anxieties will fade and be replaced by the confidence that comes from doing a thorough job of preparation. Students who know the most people, have the best GPAs, or accumulate the most work experiences aren’t necessarily the ones selected by an internship site. Rather, internships are usually awarded to students who have taken the time to prepare, in detail, for their internship selection.
The ultimate goal is to identify and secure an internship that not only meets the student’s academic objectives, but also enhances his or her professional career in recreation and leisure services. This manual reviews the steps of the internship selection process, including: conducting a thorough self-assessment; determining your direction, and setting internship goals; searching for appropriate agencies, and researching the most promising ones; preparing to contact agencies, including writing cover letters and resumes; preparing for and participating in interviews; and deciding which internship site is best for you.
Each chapter presents information to read and think about, includes exercises to complete, and lists pertinent questions to ponder. Overall, the intent of the manual is to develop effective internship tools and refine your internship selection process. Throughout the manual, we have included examples from a variety of recreation and leisure service specializations (e.g., outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation, commercial recreation) to illustrate important points and concepts.
Instructors' materials available upon request.
Introduction
Chapter One — Self-Assessment
Self-Confidence
Personal Philosophy
Interests and Needs
Personality Traits and Professional Skills
Limitations/Weaknesses
Attitudes Toward Work and Learning
Chapter Two — Direction
Internship/Career Direction
Internship Goals
Career Goals
Action Plan Time Line
Chapter Three — Search and Research
Search
Research
Chapter Four — Preparation: The Cover Letter
Format of a Cover Letter
Content of a Cover Letter
Final Tips and Reminders About the Cover Letter
Sample Cover Letters
Chapter Five — The Resume
The "Foundation" or "Working" Resume
The "Professional" Resume
Format and Content of the Resume
Sample Resumes
Final Comments on Resumes
Chapter Six — The Interview
Preparing for an Interview
Participating in an Interview
Following Up After an Interview
Chapter Seven — Selection and Final Planning
Making Your Selection
Notification of Selection
Planning for Your Internship
Appendices
