BGSU students prepare for the ride of a lifetime during summer co-ops at amusem*nt parks nationwide (2024)

By Branden Ferguson

As the only program of its kind in the country, the Bowling Green State University Resort and Attraction Management program (RAAM) prepares students for careers in the growing resort and attraction industry.

This summer, BGSU RAAM students are making the most of the busy season, working in bustling amusem*nt parks as part of paid internships and co-ops offered through an innovative public-private partnership with the new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which was formed following the merger of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and former Six Flags Entertainment on July 1, 2024. Students are also welcome to pursue opportunities outside of Six Flags.

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Asher Raymond's first theme park road trip was to Cedar Point. Now heading into what will be his final year before graduation from the RAAM program, things have come full circle. Before he leaves the program, he is working to gain as much hands-on experience as possible.

"I worked in group sales at Cedar Point last summer, and I really enjoyed my time there. I returned this past winter and spring to Cedar Point's Sports Center and grew my skills in public relations and social media," Raymond said.

This summer, Raymond finds himself at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, where he continues to expand his skillset by working with the park's website and mobile app.

"I am doing a lot of event execution and tracking for our brand new event, 'Summer of Wonder,' as well as some of our other signature events. I also oversee website and mobile app updates with the technology team and have been working on a lot of the things that make events run smoothly," he said.

Having experiences at more than one park has allowed Raymond to gain a better understanding of how various amusem*nt parks run day-to-day.

"It's great to work at different organizations within this industry because it allows me to see how other companies operate and how they're organized," Raymond said. "For example, at Busch Gardens, a lot of decisions in our marketing department are made at the park level. On the other hand, at Cedar Fair, a lot of the decision making was centralized in their corporate office and then passed down to park level."

Offered in person and through BGSU Online, the RAAM program blends learning and exploration by design, allowing students to learn as much as they can about the industry while also narrowing down the career path in which they are interested.

"The BGSU RAAM program adopts a six-months in the field and six-months-in-the-classroom learning model during the last two years in the program," said Dr. Swathi Ravichandran, professor and RAAM program founding director. "Students are afforded the opportunity to grow in their job and progress to leadership positions. They are required to complete two co-ops, which offer opportunities to learn about different aspects of the global resort and attraction industry and its numerous career paths."

"It’s such a unique program that really allows you to get close and personal with the industry," said Mackiewicz. "Rather than teaching everything in a classroom, we are out working and gaining first-hand knowledge while also learning. It's a great opportunity to make connections."

As a child, Mackiewicz said she dreamed of working at Cedar Point. After previously working as a ride operator for the park's Rougarou ride, she confirmed her passion and enrolled in the BGSU RAAM program in 2023. This year, Mackiewicz stepped back inside the park as a location supervisor for guest services.

"BGSU helped prepare me for this co-op thanks to the leadership training that I received. It has really helped me as a supervisor," Mackiewicz said. "I want to do my best to keep my associates happy, do well at their jobs and be eager to learn more. It can be hard taking on a leadership role like this, especially at a place like Cedar Point where it can be overwhelming at times. BGSU and the RAAM program have helped prepare me for success."

Mackiewicz also expressed gratitude to BGSU for making an effort to help students obtain industry certifications, something Ravichandran said helps learners stand out on job applications and in their careers.

"Students graduate from the RAAM program with industry-relevant certifications. They enter the workforce First Aid/CPR/AED certified and with ServSafe Food Handler and ServSafe Alcohol certificates, which really gives them a leg up during the job search process," Ravichandran said.

Upon completion of their internships, Raymond and Mackiewicz will return to the classroom this fall to continue their education and share their summer experiences with others.

"My experience in RAAM has been amazing," Mackiewicz said. "You can choose to do your co-op anywhere in the industry, including zoos, hotels and amusem*nt parks. No matter your decision, you are supported by the program and provided with the skills to succeed."