Opportunities for JMU Exercise Science Students: Internship with Fairfax County Park Authority

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Internship with Fairfax County Park Authority

Here is a message I received:

I am writing to request that Fairfax County Park Authority, specifically the Fitness and Wellness Section, be added to your list of recommended internships for the students in exercise/fitness, wellness, sports management or health promotion major programs of study at James Madison University.

Internship Description:

Intern will assist in the implementation of fitness programs at multiple RECenters, developing in-service training, and continuing education program for instructors. Work with fitness group exercise and alternative fitness programs. Intern will research and compile health education materials. Provide administrative support for wellness programs and outreach efforts.

Requirements:

Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Parks and Recreation, Health Promotion, Sports Management, Exercise Science, Nutrition or related field and have a "major" grade point average of at least 2.5. Prefer aerobic teaching background or certification and interest in programming.

With over 22,500 acres in 416 parks, the Fairfax County park system is well used and highly regarded. Parks are an essential element of life to residents of Fairfax County, about 80% of whom visit our parks each year to enjoy nature, historic sites, trails, sports, fitness, aquatics, programs, classes, events and so much more. Accredited and nationally recognized for excellence by the award of the prestigious Gold Medal for Parks and Recreation, Fairfax County's parks are ranked among the best in the nation. We offer a wide variety of opportunities for interns to gain professional experience as well as a highly qualified staff of fitness professionals that will mentor each student during their internship. Our main priority for each student is the learning of skills for a successful career in recreation, sports, fitness and wellness.

I would like to tell you about an exciting opportunity for internships in the upcoming spring 2012 semester. We are looking for interns to help support our first annual “Healthy Strides Community 10k, 5k and Fun Run” at Burke Lake Park, which will take place on April 28, 2012. Ideal interns would have an interest in sports marketing, health promotion, or exercise science. Additionally, for spring 2012, we are seeking out dietetics and nutrition interns to work on a National Nutrition Month (March) project involving all eight of our RECenters. I would be happy to supply more information about our general internship, as well as the race and National Nutrition Month projects with any interested candidates. My contact information is below.

Those interested in interning with Fairfax County Park Authority can visit our webpage to submit an internship application: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/wp-internships.htm. All of FCPA’s current internships offerings are available for review on that webpage.

Thank you very much for including the Fairfax County Park Authority Fitness & Wellness Section in your internship offerings. We look forward to working with your students in the upcoming semesters.

Sincerely,