1. How to Prepare for Career Advancement
Mary Colton, M.A., CPRP
Recreation Manager, Town of Parker

2. Be Prepared!
What’s your plan (where are you now, where do you want to be and what will it take to get there)?
Establish goals - review and revise
Failure is feedback – Take the risk, worry less about the outcome
Just do it (Don’t file your plan in the “someday” folder)
Know where you are, where you want to be and what it will take to get there
To borrow Nike’s phrase just do it-Don’t file away a good intention in your someday folder
Failure – Most people want to get back out there and do it better the next time and improve

3. Advancement to upper management
Career Start
Success in the middle
Advancement to upper management
Differentiate Yourself in the Talent Pool
Win with Detail!
Engage the Greatness in Others
Develop Business Acumen
Chart Your Course
Focus on Relationships
Raise your hand/expand horizons
Self-Promote
Hone Skill Set
Build Your Brand
Become Engaged!
Find Strategic Alignment with Organization
Emotional Intelligence
Internal and
External Mentoring
Education/
Certification
Resume,
Cover Letter and
Interview Skills
Internships
Conferences
Develop Strong Leadership Skills
Self Promotion – Share successes with your supervisor, provide reports, let them know the good work you are accomplishing
Honing Skill Set – Continue learning and cross training, read the journals available through NRPA, AB, Recreation Management (Job specific skills, recreation mngmt. Software, scheduling, staff meetings,
Strategic alignment with organization – Use your skills and talents to help the organization achieve its goals.
Achieve and Sustain Excellent Outcomes
Volunteer
Networking