Internship and Practicum Opportunities

You have just taken the first step to becoming an intern or practicum student here at University Recreation. This program is designed to augment your classroom instruction with practical experiences that will help you round out your education at JMU. As you browse these different opportunities, you are encouraged to be creative in your thoughts as to how this program can meet your individual goals. The following will outline many of the opportunities that we have to offer as well as what this experience can do to enhance your learning.

Regardless of your major and year at JMU, our goal is to provide you the proper balance of challenge and support to maximize your experience with us. To do that, it is also important to understand that this is a mutually beneficial relationship that requires a pre-determined level of commitment on the part of both the supervisor and the student. Once you have made a commitment to enter the program and complete your learning contract, you will have the support of all of us here at UREC to help you be productive and successful.

Internships and Practicums are available year round. A learning contract will be set up between the student and supervisor for the duration of the internship or practicum. Additional benefits include an on-site supervisor, professional development sessions, and UREC orientation training. Internship and practicum experiences are flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the student. All majors are welcome.

The Programs

Facility Operation:
In the facility operation area, the individual will gain experience in the day-to-day operations of the UREC facility. The individual will assist with facilitating agency-wide emergency protocol training, maintenance issues, facility reservations, and special events. A long-term project could be assigned for the duration of the internship or practicum.

Fitness and Nutrition:
In the fitness and nutrition area, the individual will learn the day-to-day operations of the fitness center. The individual will be trained to administer fitness assessments, nutrition analyses, and to administer equipment orientations. Responsibilities include assisting with passive education, educational programs, incentive programs, sponsorship programs, and special events. A long-term project could be assigned for the duration of the internship or practicum.

Group Fitness and Wellness:
In the group fitness and wellness area, the individual will gain experience in group fitness and/or wellness programming. The individual will also assist in the development and presentation of wellness activities. Assisting with the administration of Wellnews and outreach programs such as PROmotion may also be included.

Intramural Sports and Special Events:
In the intramurals and special events area, the individual will gain knowledge in the day to day operations of an intramural sport program. The individual will assist with the programming of traditional and creative activities as well as special events. Additionally, the individual will develop leadership skills by helping integrate students socially in a sports setting.

Marketing and Development:
In the marketing and development area, the individual will learn the day to day operations of the UREC marketing office. Responsibilities include assisting with program/special event promotion, photography and sponsorship efforts.

Member Services:
In the service area, the individual will gain knowledge and acquire the skills that will enhance their customer service ethic. They will have hands on experience with management techniques such as budgeting, guest totals, scheduling, and hiring. They will act as an agent of implementation with projects such as incentive programs and overall UREC customer service. These students will learn the daily functions of the service areas in UREC and how they play a role in our guests' perception of UREC's overall serviceability. Lastly, they will develop the knowledge to handle customer relations and complaints, a must in any job setting.

Sport Clubs:
In the sport clubs area, the individual will gain knowledge in all aspects of the sport clubs. The individual will be able to attend Sport Club Council and Sport Club President meetings as well as workshops and presentations. Responsibilities include assisting the Sport Club Executives with leadership presentations, individual club communications, budgeting, marketing, and program development.