Stephanie Schlag
Village of Bellevue, WI
Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Little Caesar’s Pizza
Schools & degrees?
UW-LaCrosse–undergrad, University of Florida–grad Recreation Management (undergrad) Sport Management (grad)
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Anything related to finance, facilities, legal issues.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
Don’t make excuses; make it right.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap, early on in the book, but so far so good.
Other than ELGL – do you belong to any other professional associations? Which one(s)?
Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association, National Park and Recreation Association
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Always take the interview, no matter the job. You need the practice.
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 a candidate does not have good energy, they will not do well in this profession. The positive energy must come across in the interview.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
There are so many opportunities to learn and experience new things. In this profession, no two days are the same.