November 2015 - Parks & Recreation - 40

FUTURE LEADERS

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Experience
Everything under the sun for young park and recreation professionals
By Michael D. Huffstetler, CPRE

W

hen talking to other young professionals, college students and colleagues in the park and recreation field, one of the questions I hear
most is, " How do I get the experience needed to advance in the field? "
My answer: There is no substitute for hands-on experience. In college
and through internships, we learn many skills but don't always have the opportunity
to put them into action until later in our careers where we may end up being labeled
the sports, outdoor, aquatics or grounds person as a result of highly siloed entry-level
positions. My advice to any young professional seeking a complete experience in parks
and recreation is to seek out and begin a career with Morale, Welfare and Recreation
(MWR). MWR is an exciting career field within the world of parks and recreation
and offers great hands-on experience in many areas that will prepare you for your next
interview, a professional certification exam, and give you confidence in your career.
Military parks and recreation programs are expansive and offer everything you would see at a traditional,
community-based agency. MWR facilities are top-notch. If there is a trending
program or activity, it is being offered.
Activities include skydiving, intramu-

38	 Parks & Recreation

ral sports and leagues, hunting, outdoor adventure, youth and childcare,
special events, retirees, camping, marinas, boating, equestrian, bowling, theaters, park development, community
centers, libraries, water parks, aquatics,
marksmanship, gaming, technology,

| N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 | W W W. N R PA . O R G

fitness, hospitality and lodging, resorts,
food service, therapeutic, auto skills,
social work, equipment rentals, maintenance, project management, training,
certifications, finance, human resources and procurement. There are even
opportunities to travel the world and
manage recreation programs on ships.
MWR offers everything under the sun
for young park and recreation professionals to get their feet wet, learn their
passions and talents, and become the
well-rounded professional they need to
be in order to be successful in work and
in life. My story is a perfect example
of how MWR can influence, enhance
and prepare you for a successful career.
My MWR Experience
I first learned of Morale, Welfare and



November 2015 - Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2015 - Parks & Recreation

November 2015 - Parks & Recreation - 1
November 2015 - Parks & Recreation - 2
November 2015 - Parks & Recreation - 3
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2015
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2015
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2014
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2014
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2013
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2012
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2011
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2011
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2010
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