Internship & Job Opportunities
Recreation, Park and Tourism Management students are required to complete a semester long, 450-hour internship prior to graduation. Often this internship leads students to their first full time job after graduation.
Internship Resources
- The Student Conservation Association - Provides internship opportunities related to the parks and recreation profession
- The National Recreation & Park Association - Has many job and internship opportunities listed on their website
- Ohio Parks & Recreation Association - Has many job and internship opportunities listed on their website
- Outdoor Industry Jobs - "The ultimate destination to find a job in the Outdoor Industry."
- US Travel Association - Provides member with a comprehensive job bank of tourism related jobs
- Ohio Travel Association - Provides member with a comprehensive job bank of tourism related jobs
- Recwave - Is an online community of recreation professionals
- Backdoor Jobs - Has internship, volunteer and short term paid positions in the US and abroad
- National Association of Interpretation – Professional organization for Certified Interpreters; website has Career Center link to jobs and careers
For current job openings, join our LinkedIn Group - Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management at Kent State University.
Hands-on experience to jump-start your career
Julie Hotz, RPTM '20
"I had the pleasure of being an Operations Intern with Wilderness Inquiry, an outdoor adventure nonprofit that strives to share the experience regardless of ability and background; WI is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The summer was a balance of ensuring day-to-day operations were running smoothly and leading trips while ensuring the comfort and safety of participants. From canoeing the Cuyahoga, Maumee, and Mississippi Rivers to kayaking and hiking throughout the Apostle Islands and being a part of day-trips in the Twin Cities, I have learned a lot. The internship was unparalleled to any other I would've accepted and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. In fact, I was offered a position as an outdoor leader and accepted.
Sharing my love of the natural world is my job. How great is that?"
Kevin Matthews, RPTM '20
"I was fortunate to have completed my internship with the American Conservation Experience in Flagstaff, Arizona. Most of my projects consisted of trail work within parks, national monuments, and forests. My favorite projects were at the Grand Canyon National Park! There, I completed trail maintenance on the Bright Angel Trail and the North and South Kaibab Trail. I enjoyed my term so much that I am returning for 6 months starting in October."