Growing Your Career By Alison Rhodes, Director, City of Boulder Parks and Recreation and Dean Campos, Parks and Recreation Manager, Town of Wellington
PART 1 Alison’s Input So you have found yourself a job in a parks and recreation agency – congratulations! If you are like most folks who work in public service, you’re here because working to make the community better aligns with your personal values. And, like most folks, you are probably going to be happiest longest if you are learning. So, how do you support your own professional development? Here are some easy, not earth shattering tips to grow in your career.
18 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2022
1. Start by knowing your professional development goal Identify your overall career goal It always helps to know where you’re going before you start any journey. The goal does not have to be a specific position, e.g. “I want to be a Director” – it could be that you want to be performing new roles, e.g. “I want to be a people leader”. If you have no idea, think about what you like and don’t like to do and look for a job that optimizes the good and minimizes the bad. Know your strengths: Knowing what you’re good at helps you know what jobs a good fit for you and the types of people you should seek to work with to compliment your skills (and is also helpful for avoiding imposter syndrome).
Know where you need to grow If there is a job you want or even in your current role, it is helpful to identify any skills or competency gaps – these can drive your development actions. 2. Ways to grow and achieve your goal Formal Mentorship CPRA, the academy and even some organizations have mentorship programs. I have found success in just asking people I admire if they have time for coffee with me and keeping a running list of topics or questions to discuss with them when we meet informally. I’ve also participated in NRPA/AAPRA’s mentorship program and truly enjoy meeting talented professionals from all over the country – and what is really great is that this
