I think it’s fair to say that many times when people enter a career field, they do so with intentions of advancing in that career and continuing to progress, learn and grow. Of course, there are those moments of complacency that can creep up, and often we’re so busy with the work at hand that we don’t even think about the next steps in our career. Sometimes it’s just that taking that step toward your own professional development seems like a daunting task – especially if you don’t know where to start.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by two people who know a thing or two about advancing in the field of parks and recreation. Joining us are Michael Kalvort, CPRE, the Recreation Services Director for City of Boca Raton, Florida, and Hayley Herzing, NRPA’s Senior Manager of Membership.

Michael discusses some of the steps he took early in his career that set him up to be where he is today, including the importance of:

• saying ‘yes’ to everything you can;
• certification;
• networking;
• mentorship;
• being part of a state or national association; and
• continuing to learn.

Hayley offers guidance on many of the resources NRPA provides to its members, such as:

• NRPA Connect;
• the NRPA Annual Conference;
• professional development opportunities;
• certification opportunities;
• Volunteer opportunities, and more