Introduction

Beginning in 1957 with 53 interns at Grand Teton and Olympic National Parks, The Student Conservation Association (SCA) emerged as the initial training organization for entry into a career with a land management agency. However, little is known about the transition from student to employment, specifically the role of internships. One aspect of the internship experience that may be crucial to the success of the intern is the creation of a mentor relationship with a staff member. Relational processes include authenticity, empathy, collaboration and companionship (Spencer, 2006). Estimates of mentor relationships state that, on average, they last only about 2 months (Rhodes, 2002), although deep long lasting relationships can be formed.

Problem Statement

A critical aspect of natural resource management is the recruitment and retention of the next generation of leaders. Significant shortages in both number of people seeking employment and talent are now obvious. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of interns in natural resource settings in order to determine characteristics of successful internship experiences.

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ResultsResults indicate mentors play a critical role in guiding emerging adults. “It’s crucial that you have somebody to look up to and somebody to guide you and sort of take care of you and let you know the ins and outs. If you don’t have a mentor you might as well go to Bilo (grocery store) or whatever to do your internship (I).” The interns felt like their mentors guided the entire experience, even that outside of work. “It wasn’t like I didn’t just see him like oh this is a scary boss and I have to be on my best behavior. He was like he cared about my whole experience (I).”“(They do) work for you but it is also an experience for them so help them make the most of it (S).”“If your supervisor is just going to sit you down in an office and make you answer phones all day and not talk to you about what the values of the park system are and ask what their values are, I mean that makes a whole world of difference (I).”

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 25 participants in an internship experience. Thirteen of these were supervisors and twelve were participants who recently finished an internship. Supervisors were recruited using knowledge of the researcher as well as sending an email to members of the southeast region of the National Association of Interpretation. Interns were recruited with in kind support from the SCA. The interns were between the ages of 18-25 when they completed their internship. Interview data were analyzed, and clear themes emerged relating to the mentor-intern relationship

DiscussionFindings include the importance of a true mentor experience, with clear definitions of what is necessary for this relationship to form. These include the interns’ openness to experience both expected and unexpected activities, and supervisors’ willingness to learn from the intern as well as take personal interest in their career and experience outside of work. A deeper understanding of the mentor/intern relationship will help agencies foster successful environments where interns learn the wisdom and skills important to the future of their profession.

Understanding the Role of Mentors in Natural Resource Based Internships

Carin E Vadala & Elizabeth D Baldwin Clemson University

Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management

3 Years of SCA’s in AK