Variety of Internship OpportunitiesAt — Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD)
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, commonly known as “H.A.R.D.,” is an independent special use district dedicated to providing park and recreation services to more than 309,000 residents. The District spans a 100-square-mile area, including the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.
H.A.R.D. offers a variety of internship opportunities within both the Recreation and Parks Departments. If you're interested in gaining hands-on experience, please contact the District; we would be happy to explore internship possibilities with you.
- Apply academic knowledge to real-world tasks and challenges.
- Develop effective communication skills in a professional setting.
- Strengthen time management and organizational abilities.
- Gain experience in working collaboratively within a team.
- Acquire hands-on experience with industry-specific tools, software, or procedures.
- Understand workflows, processes, and responsibilities relevant to the field.
- Learn how to conduct research, analyze data, or support projects in a practical context.
- Clarify career goals by experiencing a professional work environment.
- Build a professional network by connecting with mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
- Develop a strong understanding of workplace culture and expectations.
- Practice decision-making in real-life work situations.
- Analyze problems, propose solutions, and reflect on outcomes.
- Develop adaptability in response to new challenges and tasks.
- Recognize how your role and organization contribute to the community or public good.
- Reflect on ethical and societal implications of the work you're involved in.
- Explore opportunities to engage in or support civic initiatives or community outreach.
- Identify personal strengths and areas for improvement.
- Set learning goals and reflect regularly on progress
- Increase confidence in navigating professional and interpersonal dynamics.
The intern will receive an in-person orientation and training, including an introduction to the team and a detailed outline of specific program or area expectations.
Student Training or Experience Needed
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
- Effective customer service skills.
- Effective problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with a broad, cross-section of people representative of the Bay Area.
- Ability to demonstrate empathy with a broad, cross-section of people representative of the Bay Area.
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team setting.
- Ability to prioritize and handle simultaneous assignments in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated and self-directed.
- Ability to review and learn materials provided.
- Ability to spend extended periods of time standing / walking.