Pursuing a Career in Campus Recreation Pat McGrath Assistant Director – Aquatics and Outdoor Pursuits WIU Campus Recreation

Overview What is Campus Recreation? Who I am How I got there Hurdles/Obstacles Requirements – Experience – Certifications Everything they never tell you when you are a student Questions

What is Campus Recreation? The mission of Campus Recreation is to provide recreational programs and facilities to the University community with an emphasis on meeting student needs. The services offered provide life-enhancing, recreational opportunities for the physical, mental, and social interests of the individual. Campus Recreation takes pride in providing students, faculty, and staff with an opportunity to balance work and recreation through a variety of programs, services, and facilities.

Areas of Campus Recreation Aquatics Camps Facilities Management Fitness Intramurals Personal Training Outdoors Rec Events Sport Clubs Student Development

My Current Role Aquatics Manage Aquatics Center Hire, train, and schedule lifeguards Program aquatics events Stay up to date on industry trends and standards Manage and minimize risk in a high consequence area Outdoor Pursuits Advertise, plan, program and execute a variety of outdoor programs Develop a student staff of trip leaders Implement an equipment rental program The sky is the limit

WHY? You can work anywhere there is a college/university Free gym membership Always something new Continuing education IT’S FUN!

My Start Sport Club President Student Employee – Intramural Official – Internship Lifeguard Camp Counselor Facility Attendant – Facility Supervisor

The Light Bulb Moment You can work in Campus Recreation as a career?

Getting in the Door Graduate Assistantship – Master’s Degree “preferred” – The gateway for full time positions – National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Internship – Slippery Rock University

To Summarize Undergrad: – Sport Clubs – Intramurals – Facility Supervision – Lifeguarding Grad School – Sport Clubs – Facilities Internship – Sport Clubs – Outdoors – A bit of everything else Non Campus Recreation Experiences – Outdoors – Raft Guiding

Hurdles Along the Way Applying for positions at every level Well rounded is a pro and a con Interviewing skills Financial obstacles

Job Requirements Graduate Degree Hiring, supervision, and scheduling of employees Experience with specific program area Ability to collaborate and work with others within department and across campus

Certifications Overall: – First Aid, CPR/AED – Instructor Aquatics – Lifeguard Instructor/Trainer – Water Safety Instructor/Trainer Outdoors – Wilderness First Responder – Activity Specific Certifications

Advancement 3-5 years to move out of “entry level” 5-7 years minimum for director level Increasing roles of responsibility Experience with budgeting Student development Risk Management

What They Never Tell You Patience Preferred = mandatory Others’ off time is our work time Change is difficult Get involved – Committees – Volunteer – Professional Organizations

Questions? Pat McGrath Student Recreation Center 200E (309)