#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.
Jessica Young
Assistant Director of Communications and Community Engagement
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
My first job was a greeter at Academy Sports and Outdoors. I just said hi to people and collected carts all day. It was the best.
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
Undergrad – University of Texas, Bachelors of Journalism; Graduate – Harvard University – Masters of Liberal Arts, Journalism
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
The classes applicable to my job today are any and all writing classes! The social media/digital storytelling classes are extremely vital, as well.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
I’m currently reading Brene Brown’s “Daring Greatly.” I’d absolutely recommend it, especially the chapters on perfectionism!
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Good work will get you noticed. Being a good person will get you hired.
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 you can’t adequately show that you have your own ideas and critical-thinking skills, you will not get hired. I hire creative problem-solvers.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
At the root of career fulfillment is knowing the value of your work. Local government is one of the few jobs that you can directly see the results of your work on the end-user – whether that’s a speedbump making a neighborhood safer or a recycling program to make resident’s lives easier. I love approaching every day with a “how can I help you” attitude toward residents and my coworkers.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
I have a few common mottos: (1) Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. (2) You are not your accomplishments or failures. (3) Inhale tacos, exhale negativity.