With over 500 positions, the UCSB Department of Recreation employs one the largest student staffs on campus. Under the direct mentorship of career staff, the department provides its student employees and interns with opportunities to plan, manage risk, and troubleshoot accidents and errors in a fast-paced environment with professional expectations, for which they are provided extensive training. Student employees acquire foundational professional, technical, and interpersonal skills that bring their goals into action.

Recreation offers student staff positions and development programs that are broad to very narrow in scope, and our employees can grow into new skills and roles as they recognize their strengths and interests. The department offers specific training to match student ambitions. Lifeguard, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), or Fitness Instruction, Refereeing, and Outdoor Guiding represent only a few of our certification offerings. Recreation’s Athletic Training & Athletic Performance Center interns receive hands-on clinical experience working with competitive athletes alongside licensed Athletic Trainers and Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches. Beyond training in core skills, student employees are encouraged to become leaders among their peers. Recreation’s Student Managers and Supervisors are expected to run staff training, lead independently in their areas, and carry out important projects or operations with little supervision. Students nurture their leadership skills in a positive and safe environment as they execute crucial functions of the department.

Our student staff have reported their top skills gained working for Recreation include planning, organizing, prioritizing, making decisions, problem solving, verbal communication, working in a team structure, and influencing others. Other skills noted include public speaking, leadership, time management, professionalism, collaboration, and flexibility.

UCSB Recreation serves as a stepping stone into professional habits and a ladder to opportunities for many students in their post-college careers. Students from the Marketing Team have gone on to work for top ad agencies. Events Staff have landed careers in professional sports. Adventure Programs become professional outdoor guides. Camp Counselors’ experiences leading kids at Summer Day Camp lead to careers in education. In fact, one in four of our current Professional Staff started in the department as student employees and returned to campus as Recreation professionals.

Overall, UCSB Recreation prides itself on developing the next generation of leaders. Through training, mentorship, and fast-paced hands-on learning, we enhance their experience on campus and prepare them to make the most of their post-college opportunities.