A Career with Meaning, 3rd ed.

The third edition of A Career with Meaning offers new perspectives on the field and updates on trends and research related to each career area. Of note is the renewed emphasis in our field and thus on understanding the role recreation and leisure play in promoting health and wellness, sustainability, and social justice. The books uses examples from current research to link each career area to the many benefits of park, recreation, sport, tourism, and leisure services.

In addition to their careers in higher education, the editors have a plethora of professional experiences, including work in youth and family programs, authoring and coauthoring textbooks and journal articles, and serving in professional organizations. They have been active in organizations such as the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions; the Academy of Leisure Sciences; and the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration.

You probably find yourself reading this book because you are enrolled in an educational program related to recreation, parks, sport, hospitality, events, or tourism. You likely are in this program of study because you personally enjoy the same activities and have decided you want a career doing something you love.

The purpose of A Career with Meaning: Recreation, Parks, Sport Management, Hospitality, and Tourism is to connect you with experts in all aspects of recreation, parks, sport management, hospitality, and tourism careers so they can help you find the answers you need.

We, the editors and contributing authors, promise that a variety of fulfilling career opportunities exist—careers with pay and perks such as having a job you love, experiencing challenge and personal growth, satisfaction, and benefits. What it takes to find and prepare for these jobs is a little time and effort into your personal career exploration.

This revised third edition of A Career with Meaning offers new perspectives on the field and updates on trends and research related to each career area. Of note is the renewed emphasis in our field, and thus on understanding the role recreation and leisure play in promoting health and wellness, sustainability, and social justice. In addition, in this third edition, authors used examples from current research to link each career area to the many benefits that park, recreation, sport, tourism, and leisure services may provide.

As you read this book, you will discover possibilities you have never dreamed of, or perhaps, if you have thought of them, you were unsure how someone could get a job doing “that.” All of the authors and editors are passionate about what they do, and if one of their career areas is right for you, they would love to have you join their team!