Target your resume for cruise lines featuring water sports programs at private out-island or from retractable water sports platforms aboard ship. See Cruise Line Profiles, for scuba and watersports programs, International Directory of Concessionaires
BRUCE GLOBERMAN, WATER SPORTS DIRECTOR/DIVEMASTER
"You need to prepare in two areas: technical training and people skills99
"The people I hire are experienced at the instructor level. Instruction experience is critical. It is best if you are dually certified through two of the three largest agencies; PADI, NAUI and SSI.
"Prepare yourself in two areas: first and most important is your time in the water. Your confidence and comfort level shows right away. Secondly, I'm interested in your personal outlook or the amount of time that you've spent working in a social environment. As a diver, you're dealing with people constantly. It's a good idea to get involved in a resort diving operation."
YOUTH COUNSELOR
The 'you thing of cruising' has created a demand for experienced youth counselors. The increase in families sailing with children has made youth programs a standard in the industry, most ship's offer children's programs and facilities. Most youth counselors are hired for holiday and summer cruises; however several cruise lines hire year-round. See Cruise Line Profiles, for children's programs.
Youth Counselors coordinate youth and children's activities. Programs are often created for several by age groups. Activities include games, contests, scavenger hunts and parties, dances and sports and fitness instruction. Cruise lines prefer supervisory experience either as a counselor or instructor. Previous training in child education, physical education or child psychology is desirable. Water safety certification is helpful.
RICK REINDERS, YOUTH ACTIVITIES STAFF
"I think my friends at the city recreation department are probably jealous, but what are they doing with their lives?"
Up and down zip the white yo-yo with the blue Royal Caribbean logo. This is my fourth one this week,' says Rick. "On the previous cruise, I gave away three yo-yos. I'm studying at the University of Wisconsin for my degree in secondary education. I applied with my resume three months ago and then talked to personnel on the phone. They were pleased with my application but they did not have a position open at that time. I took a job as a playground supervisor for the city parks and recreation and was set for the summer, when the cruise line called. They told me I was hired and gave me three days to quit my job. Wow! It was a big surprise.
"At first, it was a hard decision to make. I had just been promoted with the city recreation job. But then, after I thought about it for a whole 10 minutes, I realized that there wasn't a decision to make. I was going! My brother worked with RCCL, so he helped me get my foot in the door. RCCL recognized my last name, but what got me the job was the experience I have. Those long summers with the city parks and recreation department really paid off. I'm on contract with the cruise line for the summer, but I get to leave a little early because I need to return to school. I have one year until I graduate.
"Our hours vary depending on the ship's itinerary. The days we're at sea we work with the kids for twelve hours. Two of the four days in port, the kids go sightseeing with their parents. The other days we have them for three or four hours during the day, and every night, from about eight-thirty to ten. You've got to be patient for my job. You've got to learn how to control your temper because sometimes you just want to throw them over the side of the ship.
"Every counselor has to be healthy, energetic, always smiling and ready to experience new things - I've never seen anything like what I'm seeing here. Every week I can do something new; snorkeling, scuba diving. You get a chance to do your thing. That's what surprised me. When we arrive in port, the kids go with their parents and we've got the day to ourselves. I've made some good friends on board. Four of us counselors do things together, because we have the same free time. Last week, a group of us went parasailing.
"When we're not dealing directly with the kids, we spend a lot of time preparing activities and we help out with Bingo. One thing I've noticed; I have these little gaps of time; not enough time to take a nap or workout I used to think 'Well, I've got 45 minutes I'll go put some gasoline in my car.' I don't have to bother with that now.
"The pay is good when you consider you get your room and board for free. You get a paycheck and you put it in your pocket or send it home or to a bank. And all you have to worry about is tipping your room steward and waiter. And from what I hear, since it is a summer program, I may be hired again for Christmas, and I've got a month off from school so why not? My friends at the city recreation department were upset with me for leaving, and I sat them down and said, "Guys this is the greatest opportunity I've ever had." They understood, I think. I'm only gone a couple months and when I get back I'll see them all at school. I think they're probably jealous, but what are they doing with their lives?"
LYNDA SMITH, YOUTH COUNSELOR
"I did a lot of promotions for radio, and after seventeen years I had seen it all and I was looking for a change."
Petite and athletic, with an intense energy in her small frame, Lynda is easy to talk with. A natural with children, Lynda's previous jobs include radio broadcasting, marketing and promotions. She has also written several fiction books. I did a lot of promotions for radio, and after seventeen years I had seen it all and I was looking for a change. In radio, a woman can often only promote so far.
"The best part of this job, says Lynda, her voice softening, "is seeing a little child who is shy and reserved and they don't want to do anything. I get them involved by saying 'you come on and help me', or 'you come and keep score for the game or hand out the prizes?' The next thing they're out running around with all the other kids having a good time.
"Respect from a child makes it all worthwhile. At the end of the cruise, ail the kids know your name and they want to hug you. To me, children are the most honest things in the world. You know when a kid doesn't like you, but you also know when they do like you. As a youth hostess with Chandris, I entertain the kids, supervise activities, and lay out a daily schedule with between 8-10 activities daily. The roughest day is Thursday, because it's a full day at sea. You're working, a full, long and hard day.
"You have to have a great deal of patience because you're dealing with a wide array of people. You have to be able to run in several directions at one time, and deal politely with all kinds of people. It takes a lot of psychology to be able to relate with children, parents and staff.
"Start preparing in high school. Start dealing with people and polish your talent for singing or dancing or telling stories. Get involved with the public. I recommend that you consider a cruise employment school. Beware of those that charge a lot of money. If you're seriously thinking of getting into the industry I suggest you talk to the people who are doing the job. I chose to work with Ship's Services International. They told me the good and bad, so I was prepared.
"The competition for jobs is really rough. It is strong because everybody has this picture of the Love Boat™. Just be prepared that this is not the Love Boat™ and it's a very cutthroat industry. You have to be tough skinned a lot of the time, because there are going to be people on the ship who like you, and also some who won't. You have to take it with a grain of salt and just let it roll off you."
