Theme park manager : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, the following degree, HND or foundation degree subjects may increase your chances:

• business/management;
• marketing;
• leisure, travel, or tourism management;
• hotel and catering or hospitality management;
• facilities management;
• engineering.

Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is also possible.

A postgraduate qualification in leisure and recreation management, marketing, financial management, human resource management or business may improve your chances, although most managers stress the importance of work experience over academic qualifications.

Pre-entry experience which includes customer service, whether in theme parks or a related area, is extremely useful. Proven management experience, preferably within the leisure industry, is highly desirable. Many employers place a greater emphasis on experience than qualifications.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• flexibility in order to cope with the varied demands of the work and the constant need for innovation;
• the ability to motivate staff;
• sound business acumen;
• leadership and the ability to delegate;
• sound judgement;
• commercial initiative;
• excellent communication, time-management, planning and organisational skills;
• persuasiveness;
• marketing skills;
• energy and resilience;
• decisiveness.

A high degree of technical competence and computer literacy is also required, as many of the rides are controlled by sophisticated computer programs. Knowledge of engineering can be useful. A first aid qualification is often sought.

Learn as much as possible about the industry. Apply for seasonal work, either speculatively or through advertised positions. Such experience can be vital - those who have made a positive impression and contribution on a short-term seasonal contract are often recruited into permanent positions. Smaller, privately-owned parks may recruit seasonal staff for vacancies with greater levels of responsibility. Larger parks may have a wider number and variety of positions on offer. Some international parks also offer summer placement schemes specifically for undergraduates. This may involve two to three-month or sandwich placements, offering the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and make contacts in the industry.

Graduates are unlikely to attain management positions without experience, and are more likely to gain entry in non-management or assistant or departmental management posts.

There are only a limited number of management posts. Skills from other professions, such as planning, business management, accounting, human resources management and marketing, are often highly relevant and create opportunities to cross over into theme park management.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.