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Internship Opportunities

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is pleased to offer internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students in the parks and recreation or leisure services curriculum of an accredited school, university or college. In addition, Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services internships are provided to students majoring in the field. Internships are available year-round. Within this page, you will find information on how to get started in a rewarding internship opportunity which will enhance your skills and provide you with the tools to excel in your career in parks and recreation.

Application Information

An internship application is available for download. If you have questions about the application, contact Sherri Lee, Internship Coordinator, 2408 Courthouse Drive, Bldg. 21, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23456; Phone: (757) 385-0407 [TDD: (757) 711]; Email: slee@vbgov.com

Deadlines for applications:

Winter/Spring Internships: November 1

Summer Internships: March 1

Fall Internships: May 1

Internship Program Objectives

Our goals are to provide you with the following opportunities:

To apply academic course work to a hands-on practical experience
To problem solve in a work environment
To exchange ideas with professionals in the field
To gain pride and appreciation in the field
To gain competent supervisory skills in a variety of settings
To expose you to projects and opportunities that will provide practical experience for future job opportunities and which support and contribute to the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation's delivery of services
To expose you to national and state parks and recreation organizations which provide opportunities for professional development and career enhancement

Procedures & Guidelines

Application Process

Student must submit application and supporting documentation for internship by required deadlines.
Interview will be conducted upon receipt of application and documentation (phone interviews are provided, if necessary).
Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance will be to the student in writing within thirty days of the interview by the Internship Coordinator.

Assignments

Prior to the beginning of each internship assignment, staff members cooperatively produce a schedule of assigned areas/projects for the Intern. Assignments are based on the Intern's strengths, growth areas and interests. Areas assigned may include the following: athletics, adult/youth programs, aquatics, outdoor programs, fitness, out-of-school time programs, recreation centers, park operations, landscape management, resource development & marketing, special events and planning, design & development.

Working Hours

Interns will be expected to work 35-40 hours per week, which may include evenings and/or weekends.

Orientation, Training and Evaluation

A department orientation is provided the first day of the internship. A variety of training opportunities are provided to the Intern during the course of the internship. A mid-term and final evaluation will be completed on the internship. The evaluation will include verbal and written feedback from supervisors who have worked with the Intern. A copy is provided to the Intern and the Intern's school advisor/counselor.

Compensation

Compensation is not provided for internships; however, a stipend is provided to assist the intern with meals and travel expenses. Interns are considered volunteers, not paid staff. It is our philosophy that the department and the student have a partnership. The department provides the Intern with the required knowledge and experiences to fulfill the internship standards of the school or university and provides valuable learning experiences for the Intern. In exchange, the Intern enhances the department's programs by providing fresh, new ideas and suggestions. Mileage reimbursement is provided if the travel was made in a personal vehicle for official business.