Lakita Watson, CPRP, Director Suffolk Parks and Recreation From the Gym to the Office: Keys to positioning yourself for leadership Lakita Watson, CPRP, Director Suffolk Parks and Recreation

Career Paths A management career path is not a straight line. Nor is it the same for everyone. Yet all management career paths have a starting point. All have milestones along the way.

My Career Path Manager Program/Site Supervisor Recreation Leader Director Assistant Director

The Beginning

Considering Management Should I pursue a career in Parks and Recreation Management? What does management entail? Is management right for me?

Self assessment Name three (3) skills that you currently have that you feel will prepare you for the next step on your career path What are two (2) areas that you need to improve on in order to go to the next level?

Going for it This person has decided to try the management career path. They have no management experience yet, but are interested and motivated. This path leads to the knowledge and skill needed to land that first management job.

Just Starting Management Challenging lonely Confusing It takes you through the basic knowledge needed to be a manager and how to deal with the problems that crop up.

Answer these questions What are your short term career goals? What are your long term career goals?

Increasing your promotion potential Experienced Manager Resources Increasing your promotion potential Improving your skills He or she has had time to make some mistakes and achieve some successes in the real world and now want to improve

Trainings and Certifications Your career toolbox Professional Network Trainings and Certifications People Skills

Management Pros and Consultants Increasing and Sharing Knowledge and Experience Managed Different and Difficult Opportunities Lifelong Learners These are veteran managers interested in increasing and sharing their professional knowledge and experience. They have managed different and difficult opportunities, but they know there is always more to learn. This path connects them with their peers and to cutting-edge

But I don’t have the title or experience

5 ways to get management experience without being a manager

Lead a project

Train, teach, coach, and mentor

Hone your interviewing skills

Learn to manage conflict

Create and manage a budget

Career Planning Step 1 Know Yourself Step 2 Step 4 Research Your Options Step 3 Set Goals Step 4 Make a Plan

Questions and Discussion