Tourism and Events Management

How to get a Mason practicum student or intern

Practicum Students

The practicum provides students with an initial guided work experience in the field. Practicum students may accept paid appointments or serve in volunteer positions, but normally work for no more than 10 hours per week (average) during the fall (September-late November) or spring (February – late April) semester.

A variety of practicum experiences may be acceptable, but relevance to the field of tourism and events management, and adequate support and supervision are essential.

Organizations interested in working with Mason students should recognize that practicum students often have limited experience and are taking several other demanding courses while enrolled in the practicum.

Practicum students must select a site and obtain agency and University approval during the semester preceding the practicum experience.

To discuss practicum opportunities, contact Dr. Maggie Daniels (mdaniels@gmu.edu or (703) 993-4279).

Interns

The Tourism and Events Management internship is the student’s ‘synthesis experience’. This means that the internship should provide the student with an opportunity to work closely with outstanding professionals and to undertake tasks that allow them to independently apply much of their university coursework to real-life situations.

Interns complete an average of 40 hours per week at a paid or volunteer ‘applied experience’ during one of their last semesters before graduating. They are allowed to take only one other course during the internship semester, and most agency internship supervisors are able to accommodate the student’s scheduling needs.

Student interns must select a site and obtain agency and University approval during the semester preceding the internship.

Organizations interested in working with senior status Tourism and Events Management internship students should contact Dr. Cindy Waddell, RHT Internship Coordinator (cwaddell@gmu.edu or (703) 993-4160).

your successes. Record and share your accomplishments, recognizing that you most likely had somebody else helping you to achieve your success. The best way to celebrate success is to thank all who made it possible.

6. Adopt standards of professionalism. In every respect, look and act like a professional. Dress appropriately, be punctual, de dependable, be honest, use good language, and respect the lines of authority. Your written work should be well planned, accurate and neatly presented.

7. Go the Mason Mile. The Mason Mile is twice as long – go the distance! Look for ways to magnify your assignment and to exceed expectations. Remember that ‘good enough’ is never really good enough.

8. Communicate. Keep your agency supervisor and the faculty practicum or internship supervisor informed of your progress and problems. Use the formal reporting systems, but also take the opportunity to share your successes, insights, and challenges with your two other partners in this experience – your supervisor and your professor.