There are many career tracks open to grads of recreation management programs.
These include promoting tourism, handling marketing for commercial theme parks
and organizing recreational activities.
Recreation management is offered at both the associate's and bachelor's
degree level. You can also go on to further study at the master's and even
the PhD level.
If your goal is to get out there and get working, the two-year associate's
degree includes a lot of hands-on learning. Many combine academics with outdoor
trips and experiences.
Two-year programs qualify you for entry-level positions, while a four-year
degree prepares you for higher positions. Most two-year programs can be
used as credit towards a four-year college or university degree if you decide
to pursue that option later on.
Within most four-year programs, there is the opportunity to specialize.
The most common areas of specialization are commercial and community recreation
management (including business and tourism), park management and environmental
specialization, and therapeutic recreation.
Students may also combine a recreation management degree with other specializations
in art, natural sciences or other fields.
Most programs include co-op opportunities and internships. This
provides on-the-job training along with the chance to explore areas of interest
and possible future jobs.
A diploma or degree in recreation management can lead to many different
careers, so students need to have a wide range of knowledge and experience.
"Each student [should] have well-developed entrepreneurial, analytical
and critical thinking skills that can be applied to varying problems that
arise in the profession," says Glyn Bissix, a recreation management professor.
Students should also have a strong understanding of the role of leisure in
society.
In high school, take classes in geography, sociology, psychology, biology,
management and physical education.
You should also focus on developing competency in writing, basic mathematics
and subjects that develop problem-solving skills. Any opportunity to work
with and learn about people will be invaluable.
A common thread in all recreation management specializations and programs
are leadership skills. "The most useful preparation is when a student gets
involved in student affairs in some organizational capacity," says Bissix.
Try volunteering at your local YWCA or YMCA, summer camps and community
events and organizations.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Recreation
Workers
National Recreation and Park Association
Stay connected to the park and recreation community
Project Fit America
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