1). What is your official title?
I am a Youth Specialist; my current role is Teacher (at the Bilingual Program of Satit in Chanthaburi, Thailand). I am the first grade teacher and I sit on the curriculum committee that is developing the English culture at the school.
2). How did you break through the entry level position in thus field?
I have been working with children, youth, teens, and their caregivers since I was a teen. Because my experience was launched by such an early start, breaking through was not necessary in the beginning of my career. In fact, my education had to catch up with my experience! When the economy shifted about ten years ago, many people at my work site had to both apply and interview for the very jobs they already had. I was one of the people who were told to “finish my credits” because I was no longer competitive against external candidates with both degrees and experience.
3). Do you love what you do?
I absolutely adore my career journey! I spent the money and made the investment to indeed complete my undergraduate degree (Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Western Michigan University) so I could continue to serve without having to fight as hard to identify career opportunities.
4). Is it hard to move up professionally in this field being a woman, specifically, what are some hardships you've faced within youth rec/sports in general?
Being a woman has only interfered with my ability to perform once. I had a chauvinistic supervisor who was condescending towards woman and exercised tyrant tendencies towards anyone who did not respond to his sexual advances. Proving it was too much of a hassle so I eventually requested a new assignment and strived for limited interaction with this man. Eventually, he did get in trouble with Human Resources; a woman was smart enough to save proof that he was foolish enough to leave via emails.
Other than that, there are two major points that were a constant challenge. One: caregivers who failed to support and actually provide care for the child, youth, or teen in their care. Two: funding was a nightmare. Most of my positions were with nonprofit organizations and acquiring, then maintain grants and government funding for salaries, other overhead, and daily operations was seemingly in jeopardy annually. Sometimes supervisors would accept monies for services they were unsure we could deliver and that was an integrity conflict for me. I was forced to be very creative so I could still feel good about everything I produced.
5).What was some experiences or qualifications that set you apart from normal candidates in this field, how did you get noticed?
It was often said to me that there are three main things that keep me employed and considered for promotion – creativity, diversity of experience, and resiliency. Losses and lacks in funding require creativity in order to still achieve desired outcomes. My experiences range from day cares to universities, from detention centers to residential camps, and from Chuck E Cheese to overseas teaching. Lastly, disappointments happen. Money disappears, participants drop out, caregivers fail the system… There are so many things that can go wrong in a day and I usually can shake off the heaviness and regroup quickly. I have a personal goal to be the smile in someone’s day – EVERYDAY so there is not a lot of time for self pity and remaining upset.
6). Did you do any internships or attend any networking opportunities available?
The internships I did were all in high school. I also did some job shadowing. I worked with a lawyer, a judge, a principal, and a doctor. I was attempting to narrow down my interests so I could declare one major in college and stick to it.
I did and continue to pursue networking opportunities. It is important to identify resources that increase my knowledge base and potentially lead to resources that benefit those with whom and for whom I serve.
7). How hard was it to jumpstart into the path you’re in now versus an entry level position, what should i expect dealing with rec sport?
The position I have now, overseas, was offered to me after one email inquiry and one video chat interview. I was blessed to be recognized as exactly for what they were looking. In under three weeks I was processed and on a plane to start the semester! I was recommended by someone working in the area and that went a long way.
Because I have worked in both the Mid-west and the District of Columbia areas I will advise you to take advantage of important recommendations and referrals. Also, even after you have identified an opportunity, continue to apply; at least 3 applications a month. So many companies are struggling and they downsize without notice. You want to be loyal to yourself first. Be passionate about the work you do, but more passionate about your personal growth and security. Specifically, concerning rec sports I will encourage you to not shy away from positions that include administrative duties, not just hands on tasks. Management values more of what you know versus what you can do! Make yourself a true asset to your team.
8). Is there any variety as far as jobs in this field?
Be creative! There is coaching, independent training, before and after care, residential facilities, organizations that service all ages… even cruise ships! Positions range from sole proprietorship to government. Go for it!
9). How often do jobs open up?
Jobs often open but hiring is typically a slow process. Also, bear in mind managers often want to promote from within so when internal candidates are being considered the competition can be very difficult. I have taken simple jobs in bigger companies to ensure more opportunities to be THAT internal candidate. I have also take a big role with a small company in order to gain meaningful experience in a specialized role. The balance between the two has made a huge difference for me.
10). What are some good ways to network through this field?
This is yet another area that calls for creativity. Attend parties with associates working in the field, go to mixers, sign up for e-vites in your area for your field (often found on job search sites like Idealist.org), and maintain contact with fellow students with your same major. As people graduate they will scatter and may find and present opportunities. Also, once you have secures a position, be sure to volunteer for as many training and development events as possible. This will introduce you to other companies, other work sites within your own company, and national representatives for both entities that can prove to be a bridge between steps for your career path.
Good luck to you!
I am a Youth Specialist; my current role is Teacher (at the Bilingual Program of Satit in Chanthaburi, Thailand). I am the first grade teacher and I sit on the curriculum committee that is developing the English culture at the school.
2). How did you break through the entry level position in thus field?
I have been working with children, youth, teens, and their caregivers since I was a teen. Because my experience was launched by such an early start, breaking through was not necessary in the beginning of my career. In fact, my education had to catch up with my experience! When the economy shifted about ten years ago, many people at my work site had to both apply and interview for the very jobs they already had. I was one of the people who were told to “finish my credits” because I was no longer competitive against external candidates with both degrees and experience.
3). Do you love what you do?
I absolutely adore my career journey! I spent the money and made the investment to indeed complete my undergraduate degree (Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Western Michigan University) so I could continue to serve without having to fight as hard to identify career opportunities.
4). Is it hard to move up professionally in this field being a woman, specifically, what are some hardships you've faced within youth rec/sports in general?
Being a woman has only interfered with my ability to perform once. I had a chauvinistic supervisor who was condescending towards woman and exercised tyrant tendencies towards anyone who did not respond to his sexual advances. Proving it was too much of a hassle so I eventually requested a new assignment and strived for limited interaction with this man. Eventually, he did get in trouble with Human Resources; a woman was smart enough to save proof that he was foolish enough to leave via emails.
Other than that, there are two major points that were a constant challenge. One: caregivers who failed to support and actually provide care for the child, youth, or teen in their care. Two: funding was a nightmare. Most of my positions were with nonprofit organizations and acquiring, then maintain grants and government funding for salaries, other overhead, and daily operations was seemingly in jeopardy annually. Sometimes supervisors would accept monies for services they were unsure we could deliver and that was an integrity conflict for me. I was forced to be very creative so I could still feel good about everything I produced.
5).What was some experiences or qualifications that set you apart from normal candidates in this field, how did you get noticed?
It was often said to me that there are three main things that keep me employed and considered for promotion – creativity, diversity of experience, and resiliency. Losses and lacks in funding require creativity in order to still achieve desired outcomes. My experiences range from day cares to universities, from detention centers to residential camps, and from Chuck E Cheese to overseas teaching. Lastly, disappointments happen. Money disappears, participants drop out, caregivers fail the system… There are so many things that can go wrong in a day and I usually can shake off the heaviness and regroup quickly. I have a personal goal to be the smile in someone’s day – EVERYDAY so there is not a lot of time for self pity and remaining upset.
6). Did you do any internships or attend any networking opportunities available?
The internships I did were all in high school. I also did some job shadowing. I worked with a lawyer, a judge, a principal, and a doctor. I was attempting to narrow down my interests so I could declare one major in college and stick to it.
I did and continue to pursue networking opportunities. It is important to identify resources that increase my knowledge base and potentially lead to resources that benefit those with whom and for whom I serve.
7). How hard was it to jumpstart into the path you’re in now versus an entry level position, what should i expect dealing with rec sport?
The position I have now, overseas, was offered to me after one email inquiry and one video chat interview. I was blessed to be recognized as exactly for what they were looking. In under three weeks I was processed and on a plane to start the semester! I was recommended by someone working in the area and that went a long way.
Because I have worked in both the Mid-west and the District of Columbia areas I will advise you to take advantage of important recommendations and referrals. Also, even after you have identified an opportunity, continue to apply; at least 3 applications a month. So many companies are struggling and they downsize without notice. You want to be loyal to yourself first. Be passionate about the work you do, but more passionate about your personal growth and security. Specifically, concerning rec sports I will encourage you to not shy away from positions that include administrative duties, not just hands on tasks. Management values more of what you know versus what you can do! Make yourself a true asset to your team.
8). Is there any variety as far as jobs in this field?
Be creative! There is coaching, independent training, before and after care, residential facilities, organizations that service all ages… even cruise ships! Positions range from sole proprietorship to government. Go for it!
9). How often do jobs open up?
Jobs often open but hiring is typically a slow process. Also, bear in mind managers often want to promote from within so when internal candidates are being considered the competition can be very difficult. I have taken simple jobs in bigger companies to ensure more opportunities to be THAT internal candidate. I have also take a big role with a small company in order to gain meaningful experience in a specialized role. The balance between the two has made a huge difference for me.
10). What are some good ways to network through this field?
This is yet another area that calls for creativity. Attend parties with associates working in the field, go to mixers, sign up for e-vites in your area for your field (often found on job search sites like Idealist.org), and maintain contact with fellow students with your same major. As people graduate they will scatter and may find and present opportunities. Also, once you have secures a position, be sure to volunteer for as many training and development events as possible. This will introduce you to other companies, other work sites within your own company, and national representatives for both entities that can prove to be a bridge between steps for your career path.
Good luck to you!