Chad Doran
Communications Coordinator City of Appleton, WI
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Paper Boy
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
UW-Oshkosh Radio/TV/Film Journalism
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Public Speaking – We didn’t have social media courses back then!
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
Work hard, but not too hard, play hard because you can’t play hard enough and set your priorities in life so someone else doesn’t do it for you.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen – reading some literary classics with one of my kids. Definitely read good writing, regardless of the topic. You’ll always learn something.
Other than ELGL – do you belong to any other professional associations? Which one(s)?
3CMA (City, County, Communications and Marketing Association) and PRSA (Public Relations Society of America)
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Research. Pick out at least a few people ahead of a conference, or some facts about the company you are applying for and be ready to pay compliments with them. They are great ice breakers and a sure way to put your best foot forward.
What’s the fastest way to NOT get a job or internship with you? (e.g. what should potential applicants avoid doing if they were to ever interview with you for a position).
If you go through an interview with us and never once mention any facts about our organization or can’t point out one area where you think we could improve, then I’d assume you haven’t done the slightest bit of homework and that tells me something about your motivation and work ethic.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
Public service doesn’t just mean volunteering. Local government careers are rewarding and can have direct and tangible benefits to your community. You won’t wonder what sort of impact you have, you’ll see it every day. It’s time to change the narrative about local government workers and what they do.