April 2011 - Parks & Recreation - 69

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" present[ed] my skills in a portfolio in order for someone to take notice. "
■■ Being competent and always pursuing
excellence is necessary. A recreation
supervisor who had been in the field for
22 years said she countered her supervisor's negativism by " doing my job better
than he ever expected and making every
project I was responsible for successful
no matter how hard he tried to sabotage
them. I also created a strong customer
base that was very active in our parks
and recreation department, and they
continually let him know how good I was. "
A 38-year-old recreation manager shares
that she had " always advocated change
instead of just doing things because
'that's the way we have always done it.'
My director saw this confidence and appreciated my honesty and feedback. "
■■ Seeking out and accepting challenges often make for a fulfilling career. " Be courageous and not intimidated. Be assertive
about getting opportunities usually given
men-I have volunteered to lead teams,
be on teams, take assignments that are
tough and often in those areas heavily
dominated by men, " an associate superintendent of parks and recreation with 40
years of experience in the field advises.
■■ Dressing and acting professionally were
also described as an important strategy
by several women. " I try to always be
extremely prepared for any presentation or meeting. I try to dress very professionally at all times. And when I feel
very strongly about something, I state
my case logically and without emotion, "
a 29-year-old assistant professor says.
■■ Finally, recreation professionals, whether
male or female, must take care of themselves for their own health and for their relationships. Many possibilities exist but a
42-year old recreation program manager
explains that she " got a big, black, Labrador retriever who makes me be home
at consistent hours to take him out for
walks, hiking, and other fun activities. "
Clearly the park and recreation field
provides opportunities for meaningful service to the public and satisfying careers for women and men. For
many women, a satisfying career allows

opportunities for professional contributions, growth, and support while also
enabling non-work responsibilities and
requisites for healthy living. The field
has made advancements regarding
professional opportunities for women,
as evidenced by more women in middle and upper management positions
with high levels of satisfaction in their
careers. By understanding the current
conditions and challenges, younger
women beginning careers will be better prepared to address and meet the
opportunities that await them as park
and recreation professionals.

K arl a A . Henderson , Annet te Moore , and K athy Gore are with North
Carolina State University in Raleigh. The authors wish to thank colleagues from North
Carolina State University who contributed to the development of this study: Dorothy
Anderson, Candice Bruton, Candace Goode, Heidi Grappendorf, Michelle Harrolle,
Janell Moretz, Samantha Rich, Charlynne Smith, and Stacy Tomas. We also wish to
thank Bill Beckner and Tara Fitzgerald-Navarro from the National Recreation and
Park Association for their assistance with data collection.

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Parks & Recreation 67

April 2011 - Parks & Recreation

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