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Course Description

This synchronous, 6-hour online course consists of 5 content modules, one short assignment, and one class presentation. The five content modules we will cover are:

  1. Introduction to outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation policy, and the outdoor recreation economy,
  2. A Deep Dive into the Outdoor Industry,
  3. Corporate Social Responsibility in the Outdoor Industry,
  4. Engaging with the Outdoor Industry, and
  5. Selling Yourself in 90 seconds: Making Your Best Ski Lift Pitch
 

Overview:

This course - taught by Andy Coburn, WCU Faculty Liaison to the Outdoor Industry; Steven Reinhold, Founder of the Appalachian Adventure Company; and Steven Foy, Director of Outpost Operations for the Nantahala Outdoor Center – serves as the foundation for WCU’s Outdoor Industry Certificate Program and provides an overview of outdoor recreation, outdoor recreation policy, the US outdoor recreation economy, and the primary industries/sectors that comprise the outdoor industry/outdoor recreation economy.

 

Learning Objectives: At the end of class, you will:

  • Be versed in major topics related to the outdoor recreation economy,
  • Understand the concept and composition of the outdoor recreation economy and be able to identify the different activities, organizations, and stakeholders that make up the outdoor recreation economy,
  • Recognize important issues and opportunities in public lands policy and outdoor leadership,
  • Be able to critically examine future challenges and opportunities facing the outdoor recreation economy,
  • Understand different career pathways/ opportunities within the outdoor recreation economy and learn how to successfully engage with outdoor businesses and professionals.
 

Course Outline:

 

Module 1: Introduction to the Outdoor Economy and Outdoor Industry

  • This Module provides an overview of outdoor recreation, US outdoor recreation policy, the US outdoor recreation economy, and the primary industries/sectors that comprise the outdoor industry/outdoor recreation economy.

Module 2: The Outdoor Industry: It’s Not What You Might Think

  • We will explore the highly diverse outdoor industry by learning about several different types of outdoor-focused organizations including a policy/legal NGO, a regional land trust, a federal/NGO partnership, two outdoor gear companies, and one for profit outdoor service provider.

Module 3: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Outdoor Industry

  • Are businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts more environmentally aware and/or socially responsible than other companies, and if so, why? We’ll talk about these, and other, issues related to environmental and social responsibility.

Module 4: Engaging with the Outdoor Industry

  • We will discuss how to engage with the outdoor industry through networking, trade shows, education/professional development, certification/accreditation, and other professional development opportunities. 

Module 5: “What’s Your Chairlift Pitch?”

  • Can you sell yourself to a potential employer or close a business deal in less than 2 minutes? We’ll find out!

 

Notes

The workshop can be taken as a one-off non-credit course or as part of the Professional Outdoor Industry Certificate program.
 

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Complete your registration
Section Title
Introduction to the Outdoor Industry
Type
Online Workshop / Short Course
Days
Th
Time
9:00AM to 4:00PM
Dates
Sep 12, 2024
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
6.0
Location
  • Virtual
Course Fee(s)
Fee non-credit $175.00
Drop Request Deadline
Sep 05, 2024
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