#ELGLInspire’s last stop for the 2019 academic year! ELGL is headed to Northern Illinois University on April 26, 2019! Learn more about our event speakers in these brief profiles, and connect with them on social media before and after the event!
William Gabrenya
Assistant Fire Chief, Bartlett Fire District
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Burger King
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
Southern Illinois University (BA- Fire Service Management) and Northern Illinois University (MPA- Public Administration)
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Leadership, strategic planning, local government, and any fire service related classes
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Leadership on the Line (yes, excellent read)
Other than ELGL – do you belong to any other professional associations? Which one(s)?
ICMA, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA), IPELRA, International Association of Firefighters (IAFF)
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
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).
Not be truthful! Be very careful of your social media image
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
Very rewarding, working with like minded individuals, helping people, never the same thing, constant change that will challenge and inspire you. The feeling of community, volunteerism, and well being.