#ELGLInspire is coming to University of Houston on October 30th! 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.
Austin Bleess
City Manager, City of Jersey Village, Texas
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Website “designer” more like maintainer
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
Bethel University, St. Paul, MN B.A. in Political Science. Walden University, Minneapolis, MN Master in Public Administration.
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Budgeting! And a lot more.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I just finished, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. I would highly recommend it! And I’m about to begin Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou.
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Internships get you in the door. Partake in networking opportunities where you can.
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).
Have your mom call to reschedule the interview.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
You can see the results of your work every day.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss.