#ELGLInspire is coming to UW Platteville on October 4th! Learn more about our event speakers in these brief profiles, and connect with them before and after the event!
Zach Navin
Director of Public Works, City of Columbus – WI
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Life Guard at the City Beach.
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.
Graduate: University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Received a degree in Public Administration for both.
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
All are applicable, most I didn’t enjoy at the moment because I couldn’t put them in perspective. An internship will not only help your career but your studies as well.
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Janesville – An American Story. Yes, it’s about the resilience of a Wisconsin Community during the Great Recession.
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Go to every networking event you can find. Step out of your comfort zone. Insert yourself in conversations with people doing what you want to do.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
Yes, there is no better way to give back to a community and make a daily difference in people’s lives.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
Murphy’s law, What goes up must come down. It’s important to remember that life Ebbs and Flows, don’t ride the highs too high and don’t let the lows bury you.