General Information:

Obtain summer, part-time, internship or volunteer experience in camps, playgrounds, recreation/fitness centers, social service organizations, hotels, tourist attractions, etc.
An undergraduate degree is sufficient for entry-level recreation positions. A graduate degree may be required for administrative positions and teaching/research positions at universities and colleges.
Obtain a broad liberal arts and cultural background including knowledge/skills in athletics, music, arts and crafts, nature, dance, drama and club structure.
Obtain certification in first aid and safety, CPR or life guarding depending upon your interests.
Enjoy the outdoors and/or be willing to work outdoors.
Develop physical agility and stamina for your career.
Develop good verbal and written communication skills.
Join related professional associations. Attend state/national professional association conferences.
Cultivate the ability to motivate others.
Possess the ability to enjoy life and positively interact with others.
Obtain competence and skills in special area(s) of interest.
Learn to work effectively with people of various ages and backgrounds.
Possess a cooperative attitude toward others as well as common sense in understanding and dealing with people and situations.
Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.
Obtain knowledge of U.S. and world geography, history and social customs. Consider taking foreign language depending on your career interests.
Develop leadership and supervisory skills in coordinating and directing others in various activities.
Consider participating in the Walt Disney College Program.

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer.

Explore Possible Careers Pathways in Recreation:

Commercial Recreation / Tourism: Areas & EmployersAreas – Commercial Recreation/Tourism
Travel/Transportation
Hospitality
Facilities Management
Resort Management
Event Planning
Local Commercial Recreation
Promotions and Specials Events
Facilities Management
Employers
Convention services
Travel agencies
Travel/tourism bureaus
Outdoor outfitters
Guide services
Ecotourism agencies
Cruise lines
Airlines
Bus lines
Rail travel
Hotels, motels
Restaurants
Resorts
Taverns
Motor home parks
Campgrounds
Recreation communities
Theme parks
Private industry
Second home communities
Special events companies
Multipurpose sports clubs
Racquet clubs
Dance studios
Health and fitness clubs
Golf courses
Movie theaters
Skating rinks
Party services
Various entertainment providers
Festivals and fairs
Sport events
Vendors
Concessionaires
Commercial Recreation / Tourism: StrategiesStrategies
Develop strong programming, leadership and communication skills. Obtain business skills with business minor or work experience. Acquire foreign language skills and complete a study abroad experience. Travel to different parts of the country or world to gain exposure to various cultures. Join university organizations related to travel or recreation. Obtain experience working at resorts, hotels, recreation departments or special events companies. Work or volunteer for departments on campus that plan conferences. Spend summers working at tourist attractions. Learn membership sales techniques. Develop in-depth knowledge and ability for skill area. Gain experience through related part-time or summer jobs. Work at on-campus recreational facilities. Participate in event-planning for campus or community activities. Join related campus organizations such as the campus entertainment board, cultural attractions committee or student union.
Therapeutic Recreation: Areas & EmployersAreas – Therapeutic Recreation
Program Coordination
Administration
Employers
Rehabilitation hospitals
Nursing homes
Acute care hospitals
Psychiatric facilities
Community mental health centers
Senior centers
Adult daycare centers
Residential facilities for people with special needs
Substance abuse centers
Correctional facilities
Recovery centers
Educational facilities
Camps and outdoor recreational programs
Therapeutic Recreation: StrategiesStrategies
Demonstrate ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team. Obtain therapeutic recreation emphasis or graduate degree in area. Earn relevant licensure or certification. Learn to be patient, tactful and persuasive. Possess ingenuity and imagination. Have good physical coordination. Develop an interest in working with all types of people. Gain experience through volunteering in related organizations.
Government: Areas & EmployersAreas – Government
Outdoor Recreation Planning
Parks
Natural Resource Management
Recreation Management
Program Management
Administration
Employers
City, county or regional government agencies including parks and public recreation programs
State and federal government agencies including parks, forests, wildlife areas and water resources
Department of Defense: Military bases in U.S. and foreign countries
Correctional facilities
Conservation organizations
Rehabilitation centers
Government: StrategiesStrategies
Learn federal, state and local job application procedures. Obtain experience with government agencies. Become active in local recreation programs and activities.
Volunteer to lead teams or organize committees in local recreation leagues. Take additional coursework in wildlife, turf management, exercise science or other related field.
Social Service: Areas & EmployersAreas – Social Service
Camp Management
Program Management
Community Center Management
Programming
Coaching
Employers
Camps
Children’s homes
Correctional facilities
Senior centers
Youth programs
Special Olympics
Community programs for people with special needs
Nonprofit and social service organizations
Community centers
Religiously affiliated organizations
Social Service: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain experience with camps, youth groups, etc. through summer jobs and volunteer positions. Get involved in campus activities and seek leadership roles.
Learn to work well with a wide variety of people.
Fitness: Areas & EmployersAreas – Fitness
Health Club Management
Fitness Instructing
Dance Instructing
Coaching
Athletic Training
Employers
Fitness centers
Corporate fitness centers
Weight reduction facilities
Sports and entertainment centers
Athletic clubs
Adult care facilities
Sports clinics
Self employment
Fitness: StrategiesStrategies
Obtain experience and expertise in various athletic and fitness areas. Work at on-campus recreational facilities. Obtain relevant certifications such as personal trainer or fitness instructor. Develop excellent physical coordination and condition. Get involved in related professional organizations.
Recreation Retailing: Areas & EmployersAreas – Recreation Retailing
Management
Buying
Small Business Ownership
Employers
Department stores
Specialty shops
Sporting goods stores
Outdoor outfitters
Recreation Retailing: StrategiesStrategies
Minor in business. Learn basic business principles. Gain experience in direct sales and customer service. Develop skills in management and motivation of others. Get experience in promotion and special events. Acquire skills in inventory management including purchasing, stock control and merchandise display. Develop expertise in a recreational interest such as hiking, fishing, paddling, skiing or hunting.
Education: Areas & EmployersAreas – Education
Teaching
Research
Coaching
Administration
Employers
Universities/colleges
Elementary/secondary schools
Education: StrategiesStrategies
Earn a graduate degree for teaching and administration at the college and university level. Learn the process for teacher certification in the K-12 system.
Get involved in recreation sports or intramurals as an undergraduate student.