The purpose of this study is to understand the professional skill development of student employees in a leadership position through a theoretical lens and applied lens. Research suggests that a deficit of professional skills exist in today's college graduates. In higher education, many colleges and universities use a student employment model to support student development. In particular, student employees within a recreation department were studied to learn more about their development of professional skills. A combination of surveys, interviews, observations, and other analyses were used as data points. Information obtained from the study is shared with higher education administrators about the value of student employment in a recreation department. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]