SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/433388
www.stma.org December 2014 | SportsTurf 21 STep 2: resume and cover letter The number one rule when putting together a resume is be professional; while making a resume and cover letter act as if you are the one doing the hiring. Be your own worst critique. If something jumps off the page at a critical person then you have nothing to worry about. Part of being professional is to check with references before using them on a resume. Show them the courtesy of how much they are respected by asking for their blessing. The goal of the resume and cover letter process is to sell yourself and get noticed, so be confident but not cocky! Take the time and use quality paper, and if at all possible mail instead of email a resume and cover letter (unless specified). Mailing shows that the time was taken to do it right. STep 3: Interviewing The interview process can be the most stressful part of the entire process for a student, but it is important to relax and just be your- self, because that is who you will be during the whole internship. Most interviews are done over the phone or in person at the STMA conference. Sound confident, be confident! During an interview don't stress and give a bad answer; if you don't know something, you simply don't know. If you get caught not knowing an answer, convey to the interviewer that you are eager to be exposed to situations that will allow you to broaden your horizons and obtain a better understanding. There is noth- ing worse than to give a hasty answer, if you have to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts and then answer. Internships were invented so that newcomers to the industry can learn something they didn't know. STep 4: Having more than one job offer This is a good problem to have; the question is how to choose which one? Timing will probably be an issue because organizations also have to fill their positions in a timely manner. It is important not to panic and make a rash decision. Weigh the options of places that have offered a position, use your personal preference of what you need (not what you want) to learn and what you can improve. There are different preferences that will come into play such as being close to home, wanting to move and experience life, or willing to do anything to rise in the industry (this will most likely involve moving around). If an organization is taking a long time to respond, it is ok to give them a call or an email to check the situation. Remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease, but don't screech! Now, after com- mitting to a job, it is wise not to back out after committing unless something catastrophic happens. When telling an employer that you didn't choose them, be respectful and simply tell them that the opportunity was appreciated and the place that was chosen was a better fit for what you want and need for a career. Be respectful and don't burn a bridge. Look at it as a way to get your name out in the industry. Every time you meet someone new in the industry it is a way to increase your network of contacts, because they might be helpful down the road. People in this industry are not just fellow turf manag- ers; they potentially could become some of your closest friends. STep 5: What to look for in an internship When first starting out in the industry, a good fit would be to go to a place that has long hours and a small crew. It sounds tough, but that's exactly what it makes you and will be beneficial in the long run. This will help decide if this career is really for you, and will provide the opportunity to master the basics of the job. The best place to take advantage of such internships is in Minor League Baseball. Once an internship or two have been completed, now is the time to learn the technical knowledge of the industry. Theses specifics consist of climate, growing conditions, different sports, differ- ent working environments (state systems vs. private organizations), and different skills that need to be improved. It is good to experience them all if possible so one knows exactly what they want for a career. Other specifics come into play when choosing an internship, especially a good living situation. It is important to be happy at home so it does not affect the quality of work and attitude at work; no one likes negativity. Make sure to be financially stable; most interns are poor college students and employers will take that into consideration. Look for an internship that will invest into a student's future, and will teach as much as possible and help further your career. STep 6: Employer standards Employers are looking for individuals with motivation, not necessarily experience. If a student is excited about their job, that excitement will go much further than experience. They will be teach- able, willing to learn and willing to work hard to succeed. Employers need interns just as much as interns need employers. Interns need to go to a place where there employer is excited and passionate about their field and passing on knowledge. Don't work for someone who will not invest into your passion to succeed. In the grand scheme of things employers want students to follow in their footsteps, or else everything we do in sports turf management is pointless. YOU ARE THE FUTURE! We are just as excited to see the industry grow as you are to grow in it. STep 7: When the work starts There are two types of workers: people that want to work and people that have to work. It all starts with attitude, if the glass is half full then the best can be made of any situation. If an intern is stuck in a situation that hasn't worked out like it should, make a decision to work hard and get the most out of the situation. Come in to work every day with a positive attitude and an outlook that something productive is going to happen that day. Remember that internships are only for a few months, so make the most of it. No matter how bad the situation, don't leave without a good recommendation. Good references are up to the intern. Don't cheat yourself and let others decide the outcome; control your own fate