Tips for Advancing in the Field of Parks and Recreation — Episode 045

I think it’s fair to say that many times when people enter a
career field, they do so with intentions of advancing in that
career and continuing to progress, learn and grow. Of course,
there are those moments of complacency that can creep up, and
often we’re so busy with the work at hand that we don’t even
think about the next steps in our career. Sometimes it’s just
that taking that step toward your own professional development
seems like a daunting task – especially if you don’t know where
to start.


On today’s episode, we’re joined by two people who know a thing
or two about advancing in the field of parks and recreation.
Joining us are Michael Kalvort, CPRE, the Recreation Services
Director for City of Boca Raton, Florida, and Hayley Herzing,
NRPA’s Senior Manager of Membership.


Michael discusses some of the steps he took early in his career
that set him up to be where he is today, including the importance
of:


saying ‘yes’ to everything you can;

certification;

networking;

mentorship;

being part of a state or national association; and

continuing to learn.



Hayley offers guidance on many of the resources NRPA provides to
its members, such as:


NRPA Connect;

the NRPA Annual Conference;

professional development opportunities;

certification opportunities;

Volunteer opportunities, and more