Borough of Lodi Recreation Internship
Contributed by: Ruben Alvarez ’27, Sport Management
My internship as a Program Enhancer with the Borough of Lodi Recreation Department has been an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of recreation and sport management. As a Sport Management student at Albertus Magnus College, this experience has allowed me to apply what I have learned in the classroom while developing important professional skills that will help me throughout my future career.
During my internship, I have been able to take on a variety of responsibilities, including creating field schedules, helping with summer camp programs, organizing recreation equipment and storage areas, and learning about the importance of field insurance. These experiences have given me a better understanding of the planning, preparation, and behind-the-scenes work required to successfully operate recreation programs.
Creating field schedules has helped me understand the importance of organization, communication, and attention to detail. Managing schedules requires making sure activities are planned properly and that teams, participants, and staff have the information needed for programs to run smoothly. I have learned that effective planning is a major part of creating successful recreational experiences. Helping with summer camp has been one of the most rewarding parts of my internship. I have had the opportunity to work directly with children, assist with daily activities, and help create a safe and enjoyable environment for participants. This experience has allowed me to improve my leadership and communication skills while learning how important it is to provide positive experiences for members of the community.
I have also gained insight into the administrative responsibilities involved in recreation management, including learning about field insurance. Understanding field insurance showed me the importance of safety, risk management, and proper preparation when operating sports and recreation programs. This experience helped me see another side of the industry and how much work goes into protecting participants and maintaining successful programs.
My education at Albertus Magnus College has played a major role in preparing me for this internship. Through my Sport Management courses with Dr. DeCarli, I have gained valuable knowledge about leadership, marketing, event planning, and the operations behind successful sports and recreation programs. Courses such as Ethics in Sport Management helped me understand the importance of responsibility, fairness, and creating positive experiences for participants. Sports Information and Media taught me the importance of communication, promoting programs, and understanding how organizations connect with their communities. Business Communications helped me improve my professional writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills, which have been valuable when working with staff members, participants, and the community.
Dr. DeCarli’s guidance and instruction have helped me better understand how classroom concepts connect to real-world experiences. The knowledge and skills I have gained through these courses have allowed me to approach my internship with a stronger understanding of teamwork, organization, leadership, and effective program management. My experience as a student-athlete has also helped prepare me for this opportunity. Being a baseball player at Albertus has taught me discipline, accountability, communication, and the importance of working with others toward a common goal. These same qualities have helped me succeed as a Program Enhancer and contribute positively to the recreation programs I have been a part of.
I am thankful for the opportunity to complete my internship with the Borough of Lodi Recreation Department. This experience has helped me grow professionally, expand my knowledge of the recreation industry, and strengthen my passion for a career in sports. The skills and lessons I have gained will continue to guide me as I pursue my future goals in sport management.
