It was exciting to work as an auditor at the Michigan's Adventure branch of Cedar Fair. I got hands-on experience auditing every aspect of the park. I could verify financial purchases, inspect maintenance paperwork at the roller coasters, and go undercover as a guest to test security checkpoints. Every day was different, and I was given the flexibility to do my audits whenever it worked best.
This is a great experience for accounting students. Cedar Fair has run this program for years, and their training process is incredibly effective. This internship is incredibly friendly to beginning auditors. Everyone at the park takes the audits seriously and will help provide everything needed to do the audits correctly. I found it incredibly reassuring to see all of the departments work hard to ensure the park was a safe and fun experience for the guests.
What I wish was different
There are a couple of the parks that will only have one internal auditor. Michigan's Adventure is one of them. It is very doable to complete every audit over the summer. However, audits that require you to go undercover as a guest gets more difficult near the end. Staff will recognize you and it can affect the legitimacy of the audits. You can get help from volunteers to go undercover in your place while you supervise, but it is on you to find the volunteers and instruct them what to do.
I would have liked to have more help with this. I was able to find enough volunteers to help, but I had to be creative to accomplish this.
Advice
Your success depends on your personality. This job offers a lot of flexibility, but that comes with a lot of responsibilities. This position requires time management, independence, problem solving, good social skills, integrity, flexible thinking, and an eagerness to learn. If you have the right personality for it then the accounting aspects will fall naturally into place.
If you are a friendly person who is passionate about amusement parks, then you'll do well. This is a unique, exciting experience. Enjoy it!
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Merchandise Associate
May - August 2022 • Doswell, VA
What I liked
The management was very helpful with training and getting acclimated to the new environment. The company really does care about their employees. The teamwork I experienced while in this position and the bonds I was able to make will forever serve me in future positions.
What I wish was different
There seemed to be a lot of repetitiveness in some positions and some misdirection with some managers and team leads. It was evident to me who wanted to be there and who didn't. Some days were filled with productive task while others were a lot of standing around.
Advice
Do not be afraid to ask questions and get your name out there. Management really likes individuals who show good work ethic and genuinely care about their work.
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Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
May - August 2022 • Sandusky, OH
What I liked
The opportunity simply to work and gain experience was extremely valuable, as well as being shaped into a more knowledgeable, resourceful worker. More specifically, I enjoyed becoming familiar with the work environment of a hotel and observing its functioning as well as being a part of that daily process. Getting a good look at how management within the business was constructed and how we as a staff team approached tasks and problems was a beneficial experience. I also enjoyed getting to work with many other people at the hotel, coworkers and customers alike. This allowed me to work on the way I approach and project myself to others, often setting a precedent for what those seeking assistance at the hotel come to think and expect of us. It was really established that the image I carry and the way I choose to communicate with others can hold great bearings on the outcome of a situation. Approaching things with a solid mindset and the willingness to help others can be your greatest and most reliable resource. The connections I've made and experiences I've had are a testament to this.
What I wish was different
In simplest terms, I wish I had reached for more opportunities to grow and become a more prominent figure in the staff. What I specifically refer to is the opportunity to step up to a supervising role. After having had a season's worth of experience at the hotel, the role of supervisor was very open to me. I simply was unaware that I would have been able to attain this position after having served only one summer at the hotel. This was confirmed to me however in conversation with others there about how to progress to such a position, and how seamlessly it could be done. The real hindrance here was that I had to initiate this subject. The managers didn't necessarily openly state it to me, however upon asking I was told I could have received the promotion when I'd started working again that summer. Not a huge deal, but I still think that could've been a change I was able to witness. Additionally, I wish some of the staffing had been different. We did have trouble finding extra staff throughout the season which led to some understaffing at some crucial points. We got through them regardless, though with spirits tested at times. I do wish we had more adequate staffing though, seeing as there are some complications with some workers adhering to work guidelines.
Advice
I would recommend that you take every opportunity you get legitimately. Don't let these things go to waste. Whether it's a summer job that you may just be using to garner some extra cash or a genuine means to a financial end, try to make the most of it. And if anything, view the job as a challenge to be a better worker and to work on perfecting your craft whether it be through work endurance or mannerisms alike. Always try to be helpful and understanding of others. You would want the same kind of support for yourself. Additionally, always be courteous. It costs you nothing to do so and is about the greatest quality someone would like to see in you. That beyond everything else, you are willing to help someone else even if there is no reward or guarantee that it will benefit you.
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One person found this helpful
Guest Service Intern
May - August 2021 • Kansas City, MO
What I liked
The people and experience
What I wish was different
Been more involved
Advice
Ask questions and do stuff!
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Amusement Park Worker
June - July 2018 • Buena Park, CA
What I liked
I think how the trusted us to know what to do in our first day.
What I wish was different
That they would explain a little more.
Advice
Don’t be afraid to ask.
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Auditing Intern
June - August 2020 • Mason, OH
What I liked
I really enjoyed my time at Cedar Fair. It taught me a lot about the importance of staying organized and on top of assigned tasks. I was forced to be very proactive and contact people that before I would have been nervous to contact.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had learned a little more about accounting practices, but I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn in general!
Advice
My piece of advice would be to keep working at it, I know finding internships and jobs can be stressful and chaotic time but it will work out if you put the work in!
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Guest Service Associate
April 2019 • Buena Park, CA
What I liked
I like the flexibility and the fact that they work around my school schedule.
What I wish was different
I wish that hours were consistent week to week.
Advice
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Retail Salesperson
May - August 2019 • Sandusky, OH
What I liked
It was unpredictable. I was able to accommodate guests and their needs while also growing in confrontation and helpful interactions. I also got to know many different people - it's an eye-opening experience.
What I wish was different
I really only wish that I would have been able to do more with coworkers.
Advice
Remember to be flexible and not take things so seriously; try to have fun at your summer job.
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Activities Member
May - August 2019 • Sandusky, OH
What I liked
I liked the freedom I had to change things in my job. If my team and I were unhappy with a system we were allowed to find a better way to change a system. My coworkers were super friendly and by the end of the summer were very close. The environment we were in was very engaging and laid-back.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have worked more.
Advice
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Guest Services and Special Events
May - August 2019 • Sandusky, OH
What I liked
I loved meeting all the international students. I enjoyed learning about their cultures and having time to work and to hang out with them on a personal level. This helped me to improve on my communication skills by transcending cultural and language barriers.
What I wish was different
I wish that I was given the opportunity to give a sunrise tour. I signed up to give them but was never given the information or put on the schedule to give a sunrise tour. It would have been a lot of information to learn but it would have been worth it and I would then have been able to use that information when I was giving my gold and silver tours to guests. Even if I didn't get to give the sunrise tour, I still would have liked to have the information, that way I could share it with guests.
Advice
Make your presence known and don't be afraid to make the first move. You will get further the more you work to do so. You can only do that by making connections with people. Many question why people aren't reaching out to them and complain about the fact that they aren't, but turn the situation around and ask yourself that same thing. They could be your supervisor and still be just as nervous to talk to you. Many of the supervisors are first years working there and other associates have worked there for 2 years, which makes them nervous that they will not manage the same way or will not know enough. Help them. Talk to those you don't know. You never know when you will get the chance to speak with international students again and you could make life-long friends and memories that can never be replicated.
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Entertainment Department Intern
May - July 2019 • Charlotte, NC
What I liked
Very friendly group of people who are always having fun.
What I wish was different
I wish there were more learning opportunities. I felt like I knew everything already.
Advice
It’s a great way to hone your skills
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Busser
May - August 2019 • Buena Park, CA
What I liked
The flexible hours.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Ride Operator
June - August 2019 • Buena Park, CA
What I liked
I loved the atmosphere of being engaged in providing the fun and good vibes. Coworkers were all high in energy as we put the park-goers ahead of our own needs.
What I wish was different
I wish that I was given more hours to work but the company hires many new employees during the summer.
Advice
Be open-minded, optimistic, and prepared to work hard with a constant smile.
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live sound tech
April - August 2019 • Mason, OH
What I liked
Running live sound gear for the live performances
What I wish was different
More organization
Advice
It was an awesome experience, I would work there again if I still lived in ohio
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Assistant Supervisor
February 2018 • Mason, OH
What I liked
I liked the environment and atmosphere of the job. You meet new people every single day and you get to help others have an incredible day, while having an incredible day yourself.
What I wish was different
The only thing I would've changed was our staffing, but that is not something that can be helped.
Advice
If you can't have fun in an amusement park or you don't love what you do, do not do it.
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Lifeguard
June - September 2019 • Charlotte, NC
What I liked
I really enjoyed getting to work with International students as they worked abroad over the summer.
What I wish was different
That I had started sooner
Advice
I would definitely recommend it as a good summer job since you get to work with a lot of peers and make good friends, as well as be outside over the summer. I would recommend to expect having to actually do work though, it's not just an easy lifeguard job where you just sit at the pool.
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General service associate
July 2015 - August 2019 • Buena Park, CA
What I liked
i liked getting into the park for free
What I wish was different
i wish it gave me more relevant experience
Advice
be good tot he customer
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Housekeeping Staff
May - August 2019 • Sandusky, OH
What I liked
Meeting Different People from all over the world. Working at the park and experiencing new rides and activities everyday.
What I wish was different
The housing situation should I have been a bit different I feel like there should of been a list for single rooms.
Advice
Be Open minded and do be judgemental towards anything or anyone. You will meet people from all over the over. Make friends and make plans with those friends enjoy your time together.
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Internal Audit Intern
May - August 2019 • Kansas City, MO
What I liked
- The ability to work independently through out the internship, allowing you to set your own schedule and work on audits as you see fit.
- Throughout the internship, you work with every department in the park which allows you to learn about the business as a whole.
- No audit experience required.
What I wish was different
Advice
- Learn more about the opportunity as it is a great one!
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Ride Operator
June - August 2019 • Santa Clara, CA
What I liked
Paid decently (starting pay $15.75/hr, although I suspect that's mostly because minimum wage in Santa Clara is $15/hr). Flexible hours.
What I wish was different
Better bike racks.
Advice
They are way overstating the difficulty of getting the job. If you speak English competently and can get through a conversation without punching someone, you've got it made.
