Parks and Recreation’s Next Generation — Episode 065

We often get to have conversations with park and recreation
professionals who are doing incredible work in their communities.
Many times, the guests who are gracious enough to join us on Open
Space Radio are people who are already established in their
careers. It’s not every day, though, that we get to chat with
college students who are studying the field of parks and
recreation and who will soon embark on the exciting journey of
entering a new career in the field.


On today’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by two inspiring
students who are pursuing their degrees in fields related to
parks and recreation and will be graduating this year. Joining us
on the show today is Mary Elise Conzelmann, who received her
bachelor’s degree in recreation management from Humboldt State
University in 2019 and will be receiving a master’s degree in
business management from Saint Mary’s College of California this
May. We’re also excited to be joined by Sean Fitzpatrick, who
will be receiving a bachelor’s degree in sports and recreation
management from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire this
May.


We recorded this episode in late March, and we discussed how the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted each of
their final academic years — both schools they attend have since
transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the term.


Mary Elise and Sean also share why they each chose this path and
the things they’re looking for in a future career in parks and
recreation — not necessarily the specific role they’re looking
for, but what they hope to be able to do in that role. They also
give their thoughts on why parks and recreation is an essential
community service.


Other topics we discuss on today’s episode include:


The things they’re doing to prepare for their future careers,
such as internships, attending conferences and networking with
current professionals

What park and recreation agencies should look for in
prospective employees

What an employer should do to keep staff engaged

What someone should consider if they’re early in their
college career or thinking of going to school in a field related
to parks and recreation

Resources like the NRPA Young Professional Network Facebook
Group, Women in Parks and Recreation Facebook Group and NRPA
Connect



Connect with Mary Elise on LinkedIn


Connect with Sean on LinkedIn