Facility & Operations | By Zach Severns
I
nternship programs have become a very
important part of the turf industry and they can
be beneficial for both students and employers.
Internships should be designed for both parties to
get the most out of each other during the intern-
ship, and after. As head groundskeepers we are responsible
for providing a strong educational and fun experience.
Doing this will only strengthen the industry. Interns
are responsible to give their all and really invest into an
internship program, because it could take them to great
places later. In order for a great internship to take place, a
number of things have to happen. If certain steps are not
taken, an internship can fail and both parties will speak
ill of one another and bridges will be burned. Some of
these steps may sound like common sense, but they are
common mistakes in failing internships.
Step 1:
How to find a quality internship
The best way to find an internship for the first time
would be to register with STMA or teamworkonline.
com. These websites and organizations can provide
students with job fliers that give descriptions on what
constitutes a particular internship. As for head ground-
skeepers (especially at minor league parks and smaller
facilities) make a vibrant and attractive flier that will
attract motivated students. After the first internship, a
student's network will grow and it will be much easier to
find internships and jobs through word of mouth.
20 Sportsturf | December 2014 www.sportsturfonline.com
11 steps to get the most
out of internships
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).
Zach
Severns
