Putting Skills into Practice: The Relationship between Leadership Development from the Student Employment Experience and Post-College Profession

Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to investigate if the leadership skills learned during their time as student employees in recreation are being used after they have left the UHM within their current work setting, and (2) contribute to the growing knowledge of the direct benefits of campus recreation on campus recreation student employees. The development of transferable leadership skills through on-campus student-employment to the professional working environment is an important process. Research has indicated that students who work on campus may acquire transferable skills, personal skills, enhanced employability, and an increase in self-confidence that supported leadership opportunities. This study sought to utilize the transformative learning framework. A qualitative research design coupled with a questionnaire was employed in which 37 participants who were student employees at UHM were surveyed. From the 37, five participants were randomly selected for more in-depth interviews and probes. Data were analyzed through triangulation in which surveys, interviews, and the researcher own field notes were used. Results found four major themes along with sub-themes. The four themes were: (1) A positive reflection on the student employment experience; (2) Transferrable skills were developed for workforce; (3) Value in the campus recreation student employment; and (4) Reflecting on one’s own leadership development. Recommendations for future research are mentioned.