The #ELGLInspire road-trip continues to Chicago! ELGL is headed to the University of Illinois – Chicago on April 4, 2019! Learn more about our event speakers in these brief profiles, and connect with them on social media before and after the event!
Kate Green
Project Manager, Innovation Team, City of Peoria
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Host at a local restaurant (15 and terrified)
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
Bradley University- Political Science and History, University of Illinois at Springfield- Public Administration
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Rather than a specific class, the liberal arts focus encourage my critical thinking skills that I use on a daily basis in my job.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
Life motto: All is as it should be. It centers me and gives me peace of mind when I need it.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Oh Crap! It’s a potty training book — so only if you’re interested in this genre. Hey, you asked! I didn’t want to lie!
Other than ELGL – do you belong to any other professional associations? Which one(s)?
Formerly ICMA but I wasn’t reaping enough value to justify the dues.
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).
Breeze through an application. If you can’t take the time to be thoughtful in an application, I don’t trust that you’ll be very thoughtful about your job.
Don’t rush through an interview. It’s the only time we have to get to know you. Share your perspective, your experience, and what makes you uniquely qualified. If an interview only takes 15 minutes, it isn’t a good sign in my book.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
I have the constant gratification of knowing that my work is making a real difference in people’s lives and that I’m leaving my mark on an entire community. And in contrast to the state or national levels, I can actually see the impact of my work and talk directly to those who are impacted by it. While my paycheck is smaller, my heart is much fuller because I chose the path of public service.