Internships are an important part of a student's road to employment, but they are only a part. Opportunities for experience are everywhere, and they are within your reach.

Jason was excited and a little nervous as he approached the office of the person he hoped would be his future boss. He took a deep breath and opened the door where a friendly face greeted him. A few minutes were spent exchanging pleasantries, and Jason grew comfortable with the surroundings. He actually could visualize working for the person behind the desk. Jason had graduated one month earlier, and he thought today could be the beginning of a long and illustrious career. The person began to ask questions that made Jason's confident feeling slowly disappear.
"Have you had any experience with special events?"
"Have you had any experience with athletics?"
"Have you had any experience with teens?"
"How about youth, seniors, aquatics?"
"Have you had any experience in anything?"

You see, in college Jason was a model student. He attended classes, received good grades, and in his sophomore year Parks and Recreation Administration became his major. He had many opportunities to work, volunteer and observe activities at the local park district. However, he would always talk himself out of it by saying, "I'll become involved next week, next semester, next year."

On the drive home from the interview, Jason regretfully thought about events, activities, assignments and programs he could have been a part of. There is one word that he cannot put out of his mind from the ill-fated interview — EXPERIENCE!

Jason's realization should be a lesson for all students to start early and acquire as much experience as you possibly can. No one would like to sit through an interview where your answers would always be the same words, "I'm sorry, I do not have any experience in that area." Experience gives you a feeling of confidence and will certainly make you more marketable.

It didn't take Jason long to know that he was one of many applying for the same job. Most of the potential employees had similar academic records. With this in mind, the natural focus for an employer would be actual work experience and knowledge. This is the tool that is used to weed sixty applicants to one.

Many universities recognize the importance of experience in the structure of specific classes and internships Students are required to work with an agency a certain number of hours for class credit. A student should actively research a park district or organization to make sure they are committed in providing a variety of practical work experiences. The student should seek organizations that would allow them to develop, implement and evaluate programs from start to finish. We have all heard the horror stories of students that wasted an entire semester answering the phone for an agency. This is inexcusable. If an agency accepts an intern, they should be committed to the professional growth of the individual.

Internships are an important part of a student's road to employment, but they are only a part. Opportunities for experience are everywhere, and they are within your reach. Volunteer to coach a soccer team, work part-time as a league supervisor, work on the set for a theatrical production, coordinate a senior citizens program, take a life-

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guard training class, participate in a July 4th celebration, join the student section of IPRA, supervise a teen ski trip. Also, get to know the staff at your local park district; chances are they would be glad to assist you in your quest for knowledge. These are a few examples of the many ways of becoming involved in the art of gaining experience.

Jason was unable to secure a full-time job for several months. During this time, he actively pursued opportunities to gain the much needed experience, working part-time for a local park district, volunteering at a Senior Center and coaching a Biddy Basketball Team. Jason joined IPRA and became involved on the Athletic Committee, where he was a valued helper at special events. He was learning a lot, and he was becoming more confident in his abilities.

Jason was excited and a little nervous as he approached the office of the person he hoped would be his future boss. He took a deep breath and opened the door where a friendly face greeted him. A few minutes were spent exchanging pleasantries, and Jason grew comfortable with the surroundings. He actually could visualize working for the person behind the desk. The person behind the desk sat back and put his arms behind his head and asked, "Have you had any experience?" With a confident grin firmly planted on his face, Jason said, "I'm glad you asked that question."

Jason proceeded to document his new found experience in a way that would make him a definite asset to any organization. Jason was offered the job and continues to grow in his profession. He enjoys working with students and other professionals. When working with students, he often talks about his first interview and the hard lesson he learned about the importance of EXPERIENCE.

Get to know the staff at your local park district; chances are they would be glad to assist you in your quest for knowledge.

Randy Ralston is Community Programs and Aquatic Specialist for the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department. Randy is also Director of the IPRA Recreation Programming Section. *

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