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 23 STep 10: What employers are expecting The turf industry is like none other, as employers we are expecting interns to come in and be meani ngful, not to just make coffee runs. The first nine steps will set up what an employer is looking for and #10 is to set up an intern for success. We are looking for individuals who are on time and ready to work, willing to perfect a task and improve as turf managers, take ownership in the field, and try thinking a few steps ahead. Look at the job in an aspect of "it's on me" if the job does not get done. If something out of the ordinary is going on, get involved and learn as much as possible. If you were the head groundskeeper going home for the night, your job is not done. Be proactive as an intern and keep an eye on the radar and shoot him a text if something is out there, and see if you can do something for him to take some of stress off of him. During the day run scenarios through your head of what steps you and the crew should take if certain circumstances take place throughout the day and week. This is not just to help the head groundskeeper but shows that as an intern you are thinking ahead and ready to take on your own field early on in your career. STep 11: What to take away Acknowledge the fact that you have been through multiple intern- ships, there's more ways than one to do a job. Find what works most effectively for the situation. If an internship was bad don't burn a bridge by talking bad about it, just know in your mind that it was something not to do. If an internship ends at an outstanding place (which they should), then take what was learned and put it to use at the next one. Know that when you get your own field you can do things your way, until then do it the supervisor's way. Take weekly notes of what has been done, so you can refer back when it's your turn to be in charge. Records go a long way and will be helpful in the future. Have an exit meeting with your supervisor to tell them what you have learned and thank them for the opportunity. Keep in touch with them and the rest of the crew. Someday they will be needed for work or a place to stay when traveling to a new job, or a job reference. You form a bond with people with whom you often spend 15-hour days! ■ Zach Severns is head groundskeeper of the Augusta Greenjackets. He interned (in order) for the Fresno Grizzlies, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals, LSU, and Louisville Bats. He also was foreman for Palouse Ridge Golf Club during college while also taking care of the pitching mounds for Washington State University baseball.