What is internship?
The primary purpose of the RPTM Internship is to enable each student to meet his or her educational objectives through participation in a well-planned and organized practical experience under the guidance of a trained professional(s) or mentor. More importantly, internship is intended as the opportunity for students to pull all of the pieces of your undergraduate career together – courses, projects, group work, experience in the field – and apply them to your intended career path. Internship allows you to “try it out” at the same time as continuing to build your resume and skills and competencies. Students are encouraged to seek and select Internship agencies that offer a diversity of leadership and administrative opportunities in areas that correspond to their own professional goals.
The Recreation, Park and Tourism Management’s Internship is, for most students, a full-time academic load for one semester (or summer session). Generally, the Internship experience involves 40 hours per week for a period of 12 consecutive weeks. Successful completion of the RPTM Internship is required of each student seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management in the options of community/commercial recreation and outdoor recreation. Students planning to complete their internship must enroll in RPTM 495A and pay full tuition for 12 credits. (Note: Students may apply for exception on the full-time academic internship and, under special circumstances, apply for approval to complete the 12 credits in two (2) contiguous semesters of 6 semesters each. A third option, if approved, allows students to complete classes and a capstone project under the supervision of an RPTM faculty member in lieu of the on-site experience).
The research in undergraduate education has shown that, when asked where they learned the most in college, college graduates report that their internship was an important source of learning and networking. Internship is a place to learn, show your stuff, build your resume and represent Penn State and RPTM!
