Colleen Canavan
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department. My title is Aquatic, Adult & Teen Coordinator
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
Everything! I love meeting the participants and being able to watch them enjoy our events and programs.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
My willingness to do anything to make our Rec Department the best it can be. I have a strong passion for Recreation and I like to think it shows!
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
My willingness to do anything to make our Rec Department the best it can be. I have a strong passion for Recreation and I like to think it shows!
Q. Do you have any words of advice/recommendations? a. for undergrads still searching for a major-would
you recommend RST and why?, b. for the undergrads currently in the program c. for the senior currently looking for his/her
first position.
a. YES! We have the best major ever! I love my job and loved RST. I enjoy going into work every day and could not be happier with my decision to major in RST
b. Get as much experience as you can; The more experience you have in the field, the more diverse your resume will be and you will meet a ton of great
contacts. Networking will help you down the line when you are looking for a job or if you are ever in need of some help/guidance.
c. Apply for any job that interests you, even if you don't think you are qualified. Talk to those contacts you made in college (teachers, peers,
fellow employees, bosses) and have them keep their eyes and ears out for you. If you show a good work ethic and passion in college, these people will want to help you find a job!
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
Keep your head up if things don't work out as fast as you would like. It WILL happen! Never stop working towards your ultimate goal. Be confident in your
skills and confident that you will get there, and you will!