"UF interns are passionate and driven to succeed. It is a pleasure to work with UF interns, as they know what they want out of an internship, and more often then not, they have remained at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort after their internship to further develop their careers within the hospitality industry. We always look forward to supporting the Gator Nation with their internship program!!!”

-Jason von Merveldt, Director of Recreation Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

About the Department

The Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management studies the impact of tourism, recreation activities, professional and amateur sports, ecotourism, parks and beaches on the personal, social, economic, environmental and resource infrastructures of society. Degree specializations include sport management, recreation and event management, natural resources recreation management, recreation programming, and tourism and hospitality management.

Internship Requirements

Prior to graduation, all TRSM majors are required to complete a 15-credit hour, full-time internship experience. This requirement is met during the semester of expected graduation.

• - a minimum of 40 hours per week
• - a minimum of thirteen (13) weeks for Fall, Spring or Summer semester
• - beginning no later than the first day of the term

The internship period shall correspond to the University of Florida semester calendar. Internships begin on the first day of class.. Students do not get time off for university holidays, "spring break," etc. while interning. Students are expected to follow the rules, regulations, policies, and work schedule of the agency.

Common Intern Duties

The intern should gain experiences in several different aspects of an agency including but not limited to: observing, reporting, participating, leading, assisting, supervising and managing.

Of particular importance are the following areas:

• - Programming - publicity, planning, operation, evaluation
• - Agency Research - design, implementation, evaluation, conduct
• - Professional Development - conferences, writing articles, advocacy, code of ethics
• - General Administration - financial management, budget analysis techniques, record keeping
• - Personnel Practices - job description, staff evaluation, hiring
• - Planning - goal setting, policy and procedures, efficiency measures
• - Maintenance - materials, work schedules, equipment, indoor/outdoor areas and facilities
• - Leadership - program, staff, community, direct client service
• - Facility Design and Development - specifications, cooperation with other professionals, model development innovation
• - Facility Design and Development - specifications, cooperation with other professionals, model development innovation

A combination of these areas should provide the student with a total exposure to all phases of the agency.