University of North Texas portrait of Kent Boring, Photographed on 25 January, 2017 in Denton, Texas. (Madison Gostkowski/UNT Photo)
#ELGLInspire is coming to University of Texas Arlington on February 19th! 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.
Kent Boring
Community Engagement Ninja
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
When I was 16, I worked at a local wastewater treatment plant. I tested the fecal matter content in water samples and solids. It stunk – both literally and figuratively.
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
B.S. in Psychology from Sam Houston State University, M.Ed in Counseling from the University of North Texas.
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Anything having to do with speaking, communicating, and the dynamics of human interaction.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Personally: Lonesome Dove. It’s a classic, exceptional at character development, and probably the greatest Western novel of all time. Professionally: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**K, and Elevating Trust in Local Government.
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Never burn bridges. Always do the hard thing. Work your tail off while your young. Persist. Become an expert at something. Make yourself indispensable. Cast a wide net. Lean on your network.
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).
Come unprepared. It shows, and you’ll quickly get exposed.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
The benefits are great. Satisfaction is typically high. Longevity is high. There’s an opportunity to make a difference for a lot of people. There’s a reason people stick around so long. If you end up in local gov – fight the urge to be complacent. Instead – be a catalyst for change.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
Do the next hard thing.