#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.
Rosalyn Epting, CPRE, CPM
Director of Parks & Recreation, City of La Porte
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
File clerk at a local hospital when I was 15.
First Part-time Recreation Job: Day Camp Director/Men’s Basketball League Supervisor
First Full-time Recreation Job after College: Athletic Supervisor
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Sport & Tourism with concentration in Recreation Management
Master of Science in Recreation, Sport & Tourism with concentration in Park & Recreation Management
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Recreation Programming, Accounting, Management, Public Speaking, Marketing, Writing, and the list goes on. All classes combined teach you time management and organizational skills.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Just finished The Culture Code. I would definitely recommend it. It made for some great discussions during Executive Staff Meetings.
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Get involved in associations and volunteer for committees. Also, joining mentor/mentee programs goes a long way. Meet everyone 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).
Avoid acting and dressing unprofessionally. Make sure you do your research on the organization and the position. Never talk badly about a previous employer or person.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
Stability, Flexible Schedules (in Parks & Rec), Good Benefits, Room for Growth
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
Work hard…….play harder!