By Matthew Jimenez
The California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) joined forces with Fresno State to hold its first-ever internship fair in the Henry Madden Library Thursday afternoon.
The fair gave students the opportunity to network with individuals who excel in their respective fields.
The CPRS internship fair was open to all Fresno State students majoring in recreation looking to advance in their fields and get hands-on experience.
Amina Flores, who got her start through CPRS, is the recreation specialist for City of Fresno Parks and Recreation.
“I came from the program, and it has definitely helped me in my career,” Flores said.
She said many of the internships offered are full-time and unpaid. They are professional in nature and have a good turnout for hiring interns.
Students were able to speak and meet with CPRS representatives who serve different cities in District 7. Some of the city representatives who attended the fair were from Porterville, Tulare, Bakersfield, Clovis, and Kingsburg. The district includes Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare counties.
Flores said the fair’s turnout was better than expected.
Corey Torres, a junior in the commercial recreation major, had nothing but good things to say about the fair.
“The atmosphere was awesome,” Torres said. “The fair was super informal, social and the food was great.”
Torres said the fair helped spread knowledge and awareness about the organization.
Ryan Garcia, the director of action sports and youth sports in Fresno, said at the fair that he does a little bit of everything””from planning special events to packing and unloading supplies.
Garcia said he is in the process of having volunteers rebuild the BMX course at Woodward Park.
“As a student, you don’t get the hands-on experience,” Garcia said. “Teachers do the best that they can to prepare students. When students do an internship, it’s the glue that brings it all together.”
Fresno State student Allegra Chisholm said that recreation professors spread the word about the fair. Some professors cancelled classes and had their students meet up at the fair.
“The fair is super beneficial,” Chisholm said. “It was a really good idea to have it on campus.”