Amusement Park Workers

Before you commit yourself to a lifelong career as an amusement park worker, why not spend some time exploring the field? Here are some suggestions:

• Read up on the industry. An afternoon at the library or bookstore, or on the Internet, can educate you on the history, dynamics, and future of the amusement park industry.
• Contact different amusement parks or their parent companies for research materials. Most public relations departments would be more than happy to send you press kits featuring park history, themes, and current attractions. They also may be available at organizations’ Web sites.
• Spend some time at a local amusement park to get an idea of the different jobs available. (You'll have to convince your parents this is really for educational purposes!)
• Does your school have a job shadowing program? Why not arrange to spend a day tagging along with different amusement park workers? You'll not only see the ins and outs of the industry, but you'll experience how hard these employees work. If you don't have access to such a program, consult with your school counselors about starting one.
• Good news! Amusement parks hire high school students, age 16 or older, for many of their entry-level jobs. What better way to get a feel for the industry than spending a summer ushering kids onto the carousel ride, cajoling people to play the ring toss, or twirling together the biggest cotton candy cone in the world?
• Volunteer to be a bingo caller. This will help you hone skills needed to be a good game attendant or even a carnival barker. Some places to try would be a neighborhood senior center, park district, or your local church.