Having a connection in the recreation industry can make all the difference when you’re first starting out. It’s one thing to learn the concepts and theories in class, but having a mentor who’s already in the field gives you a real-world perspective on how things actually work. Building these relationships early on helps you understand the industry’s ins and outs, opens doors to new opportunities, and offers guidance as you navigate your career path.
Throughout this course, you work with an Industry Mentor—someone who will help you see the course content in a more practical light. Through interviews and ongoing conversations throughout the semester, your mentor will share their experiences, challenges, and insights, showing you how the theories we study are applied in everyday recreation settings. This partnership is a great way to ask questions, learn from someone with firsthand experience, and start building a professional network that will support you long after this course ends.
During the first two weeks of class, you’ll be tasked with finding your own Industry Mentor—an exciting opportunity to connect with someone who can offer valuable insights and guidance throughout the course. This mentor should be a professional working in the recreation field, whether in a private, public, or not-for-profit setting, and have been in a supervisory capacity for over a year.
Reaching out to potential mentors is a great way to practice networking and take initiative in shaping your learning experience. Once you’ve found your mentor, they’ll become a key part of your learning journey, offering a practical perspective on the course material and helping you make real-world connections through interviews and conversations as the semester progresses.