Summer Job at a park (SFA)

[Jew]

I would say that if you want to make theme parks a career, you just need to get your foot in the door and learn as much as possible. I'd say that more often than not, higher levels of management actually work their way up through various departments rather than sticking with one department and hoping it works out. The more knowledge you have, the more valuable you become.

[Griffindor]

I would say that if you want to make theme parks a career, you just need to get your foot in the door and learn as much as possible. I'd say that more often than not, higher levels of management actually work their way up through various departments rather than sticking with one department and hoping it works out. The more knowledge you have, the more valuable you become.

 

I've always wondered if working in upper management/supervision required any sort of degree or not. Unless it is possible to work your way up into upper management strictly through working in your department. I suppose this would be something else to look up.

[ajfelice]

I've always wondered if working in upper management/supervision required any sort of degree or not. Unless it is possible to work your way up into upper management strictly through working in your department. I suppose this would be something else to look up.

 

Management positions within specific departments such as rides, concessions, games, merchandise, admissions, etc. do not always require a degree. For example, in most medium/larger parks the "Rides Manager" who works under the under a Park Operations Manager doesn't always need a college degree for their positions. Area managers and supervisors also fall into this category of not always requiring a degree. However, that doesn't mean if you are in high school you should call it quits and get your management job in an amusement or theme park. Usually, a lack of a 4-year degree doesn't hurt someone when they are an excellent worker, have tons of experience, knows the right people, and has a little luck of being in the right place at the right time. I would say those instances are increasingly rare the more I have become connected with the industry. If you wanted to advance into even higher management positions such as "Director of (insert area)," I would say a degree in Business is almost always required.

 

The smaller the park, I would stretch out on a limb and say that having a degree is more critical for making a better income. Here are several real examples. In the summer someone holds the position of Rides Department Manager. Due to the small nature of the park, being a "Rides Manager" ends virtually on the last day of the season. This manager's degree in Marketing makes him very versatile and he is a part of the Group Sales and Marketing Team for the majority of the off-season. Once Group Sales work calms down, around March/April he becomes the "Rides Manager" again when the hiring process begins and rides are put back together. In this same park, the Food and Beverage Directer is also on the Group Sales and Marketing Team. Furthermore, the Water Park Manager runs special events in the Ballroom and performs maintenance work in the winter. In other words, in many cases a degree or higher education makes someone more versatile and valuable to a park or any company which often increases their chances for promotion and better income.