Internships

Preparing for the Future

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management requires all undergraduate students to complete a 10-week internship experience prior to graduation.

Through these immersive professional experiences, students gain skills in program development, administrative procedures, supervision, and facility operation and maintenance. They also develop essential contacts in the field and increase their understanding of the area in which they are studying.

Prior to the internship, students complete a professional development course focused on resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, networking with professionals, and utilizing social media. Our students can then complete their internship requirement during the fall, spring or summer, depending on their curriculum. These experiences take place in a wide range of settings, including private companies, nonprofit organizations and state and federal government agencies.

Internship Student Profiles

Kat Deutsch is Blazing New Trails for North Carolina State Parks

In May 2023, Kat Deutsch graduated with a master’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism management (PRTM) while working as a state trails planner for NC State Parks. As one of… 

North Carolina to Host University World Games in 2029

North Carolina has been awarded hosting rights for the 2029 World University Games. The vote happened at the organization’s meeting this week in Lake Placid, NY which is hosting the… 

Homegrown 2022 Brings PRTM Community Together for Awards and Celebrations

A cherished annual tradition, the Alumni & Friends Celebration for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) was put on hold during the pandemic, so last week’s gathering… 

Internship Application Process

We know applying for an internship can be challenging while completing coursework and preparing for exams. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through our department’s process. As always, should you have any questions, please reach out to the internship coordinator.

1. Successfully complete PRT 375 in the semester prior to your internship experience.
2. Access the PRTM internship opportunity website to search prospective internship agency listings. Identify and contact potential internship agencies that are of interest.
3. Be sure to notify the internship coordinator with information regarding the places you’ve secured interviews with to be sure they would meet department requirements.
4. Negotiate the internship experience with your selected agency and contact the internship coordinator to discuss the next steps. You will need to email the internship coordinator to obtain approval of your work plan, confirm the internship location, and agree on any special considerations or additional contacts with the selected internship agency.
5. Schedule a meeting with the department’s internship coordinator to obtain approval of your work plan, confirm the internship location and agree on any special considerations or additional contacts with the selected internship agency.
6. Register to complete the PRT 475 course (8 hours) during the semester in which you complete your internship. Just like any other class, PRT must be registered and paid for prior to its completion
7. For both spring and fall internships, your faculty supervisor will be the internship coordinator.
8. For summer internships, a faculty supervisor will be assigned to you and will contact you regarding your departmental responsibilities. If you do not hear from your supervisor, you should be proactive and contact them. Faculty members who are supervising interns receive their student assignments in mid- to late-May for summer internships.