#ELGLInspire is coming to the University of Georgia on November 18th! Learn more about our event speakers in these brief profiles, and connect with them before and after the event! To find information about all of the speakers, visit the #ELGLInspire homepage.
John Hudgison
Director, Building Inspections & Code Enforcement
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Resident Assistant, University of Tennessee Housing
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Bachelors in Architecture (B.Arch) – Minor in Urban Studies / Currently pursuing my MPA at Troy University
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Urban Geography of the US / Political Change & Development
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Not much leisurely reading now with grad school underway.
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Be yourself. People can tell when you are authentic and genuine in your interactions with them.
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).
Do not come into an interview cold, know about the position you are applying for and what the department or organization does. Whether it be a entry level job or middle management, know about the department, its goals and what it does daily to make the city or jurisdiction better.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
Local government is the best if you want to make an impact to the people! Unlike State and Federal Bureaucracy, if you see something in your local jurisdiction you want to change, you have the ability change it! Local government is the petri dish of public administration. Being able to work on something at the micro level, work out the kinks and you have a proof of concept that can then be provided on a state or federal level for implementation.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
My work motto is never take no for an answer. Be willing to innovate and find new solutions to old problems.