INTERNSHIPS
back to school , and they may not be sure . As the internship progresses , you should start to see yourself become more independent and carrying out more tasks without having to be told how to do them and when to do them .
Additionally , you will start to get more high-profile tasks such as mowing on game day . If you are not advancing with these tasks , then you are not demonstrating growth for the employer . As an intern , make sure to ask what it is you need to change to show growth and earn the new opportunities . It is often left up to the intern to shape his or her experience , and how much he or she wants to get out of the internship . If you don ’ t show an interest in the job , your boss will not be interested in showing you new skills .
Do your research and find a good fit for an internship . There are plenty of field managers who are willing to teach you new skills ; however , it is up to the intern to learn those skills . Also , make sure to ask plenty of questions and challenge the field manager to explain why they are applying the products they are so that you can grow in knowledge . Make sure you volunteer to work . The best way to separate yourself from the other interns is to be at work and learn from the fulltime employees . Typically , it is only three months , and you can use the money when you get back to school . This is how you will gain skills and earn a better reference , as your boss will see you grow and learn . Take the time to select a good fit for an internship , communicate with the boss , and build a reference for life . These references can really help you throughout your career . SFM
Adam Thoms , Ph . D ., is assistant professor specializing in commercial turfgrass management , Iowa State University , Department of Horticulture , Ames , Iowa .
Stephen Lord , CSFM , is a sales representative at Advanced Turf Solutions .
Weston Appelfeller , CSFM , is senior director of grounds at Austin FC .
16 SportsField Management | May 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com