(Photo credit Todd Murdock)

Experience counts for a lot in this area, so we encourage you to keep a journal of all the trips, workshops, clinics, etc. that you make to add to your Interview Portfolio. Some agencies such as Outward Bound expect details of your past outdoor experiences.

Outdoor equipment is available to PRM majors. Because of risk management concerns, climbing equipment is unavailable and kayaking equipment is restricted.

If you wish to become an outdoor leader, we recommend the WEA course. This eight-day WEA course is taught in the Tetons in May one year, then in June the next year. If you wish to work out west, the Tetons course is a “must.”

• Instructor for youth at risk - Non-profits such as Outward Bound and Project SOAR or state agencies such as Camp Woodson.
• Instructor of outdoor activities - Private companies such as Nantahala Outdoor Center and non-profits such as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound (OB), and Wilderness Education Association (WEA); Camps; rafting companies; and adventure travel companies.
• Mountain guide - Mountain guide companies such as Exum Mountain Guides.
• Instructor for people with disabilities - Non-profits such as Wilderness Inquiry II.
• Instructor for corporate programs - Private outdoor companies such as Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and Pecos River Ranch.
• Ski Instructor and ski patrol - ski resorts.
• Program director and agency director - see above.

Strategies:

• Get outside certifications such as Wilderness Education Association (WEA), American Canoe Association (ACA), Outdoor Emergency Care, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), etc.
• Work outdoor summer jobs in camps, at NOC, Last Minute Productions (LMP), Project SOAR, or other agencies. Work with Pathways to the Future.
• Become involved with rescue organizations. Join WEA, Association of Experiential Education (AEE), or another professional organization.
• Attend outdoor conferences and workshops. Organize common adventures with peers to gain experience in a variety of activities.
• Become Outdoor Emergency Care-National Ski Patrol (OEC) certified, then work at ski resorts such as Cataloochee or Sapphire Valley.
• Apply theories learned in class.