March 2012 - Parks & Recreation - 40

futurE LEadErs continued from page 37

difficulty, more people pursue education. The economy has demanded that I
do more to make sure I highlight myself
when compared to other applicants for
any position I apply for.
JB: The current job market is tight and
full of qualified applicants. A few years
ago a Masters Degree and a couple years
of experience meant a great number of
possibilities. Currently, the big attraction is not an advanced degree but more
years of experience. Employers are looking for people to " do more with less " and
see job experience as the key criteria.
PH: I believe the economy has removed
the blinders from my eyes. The job offers
are not out there as much as in the past;
therefore, being " choosy " is not an option.
I see graduates working harder to differentiate themselves from their competition.
As a graduate student, what advice
would give to students as they join
the parks and recreation profession?
MB: I enjoy being involved, so it is easy

for me to say that I think it is important
and that you should seek out those opportunities. The bottom line: professional
organizations want and need people who
are willing to be leaders and are willing
to do some work. Professional organizations serve a multitude of purposes, but
for me, it is a matter of consistently being
in communication with people who are
the best in my field of study. These are
the people willing to do what's needed to
help the profession in any way possible.
Seek out involvement in a variety of places and do not be shy about voicing your
availability and willingness to help.
JB: Like Mike said, get involved in
your local, state, and national organizations. Seek out people in these organizations who share a similar focus. They will
be able to give you a framework for success and also are valuable networking
contacts. Success is what we all strive for.
Is there any advice you would give
to yourself if you could start the

graduate school experience over?
MB: Do some internal dialogue. I would
ask myself one question: " Considering my
professional and personal goals; is going
to graduate school more beneficial than
getting practical experience? " Answering
this question may help quite a few people.
My other advice would be to intentionally
create and foster bonds between people
you meet throughout your graduate school
experience. I cannot count how many
times those connections have helped me
out personally and professionally.
PH: I think I can summarize: Be purposeful in everything you do.
Jody BaKEr recently completed his
Master's Degree in Recreation Management
at Oklahoma State University. micHaEL
BradLEy is a doctoral student at
Oklahoma State University. tatiaNa
cHaLKidou is a post-doctoral fellow at
Oklahoma State University. PAM
HawKiNs is a doctoral student at
Oklahoma State University.

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March 2012 - Parks & Recreation

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