East GR Parks & Rec Experience
Griffin
Experience Information
Employer: East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation
Job Title: Parks & Recreation Intern
Major: Sport Management
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation is located in the Lower Level of the City's main building which also includes the city library, city hall, and the department of public safety. The building has beautiful views right off of Reeds lake and is directly across from East Grand Rapids High School. The feel of this friendly, closely intertwined community surely made its way into the Parks & Recreation department. All of my 12 coworkers welcome me into the office every day as I get ready to do an array of tasks. Everyone is very understanding and flexible when it comes to working at your own speed, at the same time, everyone knows that work must be done efficiently in order to operate smoothly. As a whole I'd say that the organization of East Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation offers many opportunities to learn about everything Parks & Recreation while making you feel like a member of the community.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I have done quite a few tasks at EGR Parks & Rec. I started off by supervising middle school athletics during basketball season, supervising facility rentals, and setting up and tearing down various basketball clinics. As the department transitioned from Winter to Spring season I managed inventory and supplies, uploaded team schedules to the EGR Parks & Rec website, drafted team rosters on Middle School Athletics website, performed market research on facility and park rental rates, and have worked with the parks and field maintenance team to prepare the baseball and soccer fields for the upcoming season.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I've learned how to line a baseball and soccer field, I've learned how to use the Rec One software, I've learned how East Grand Rapids budgets for every fiscal year and the details they take into account and which software they use, I've refined my people skills by communicating with renters during facility rentals, just to name a few!
Favorite Part of the Experience
My experience is not over yet, but my favorite part so far has to be working outdoors, getting the baseball and soccer fields ready for the season.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has made me more interested in staying within a Parks & Recreation organization. I've also found a love for working outdoors no matter the conditions.
Internship Format
In Person