Tiffany White
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
I am currently employed for the City of Ridgecrest in California. My title is Recreation and Cultural Affairs Coordinator.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of this position is that each season I will be starting on a new project or program, which for me means I won't get
bored doing the same things every day. I have several very different responsibilities which always keeps me busy.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
I think that my most valuable contribution is my background and education in the Parks and Recreation field as well as my experience
planning special events through my membership to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. My passion for the field makes me a valuable asset to
the team.
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I plan to have gotten my Masters, and hopefully my PhD, and be working as a director or superintendent over a park
district. I may also be teaching since I have a strong urge to pass on knowledge to others.
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.
I always recommend RST to students looking for a major! I think that our field is very diverse and fun and can lead down many
paths with such a well-rounded curriculum. People in our field are generally not assigned to a 9-5 day and do not have to sit at
a cubicle doing monotonous tasks. We often times get to switch it up and sometimes can make our own schedules.
As for advice for undergrads currently enrolled in the program, I strongly encourage taking the 300 Hours pre-internship
experience seriously. This field is not wholly concerned with merely educational background, but wants to see that prospective
employees have some good, solid experience in the field as well, especially when applying for management positions.
I would also recommend that when looking for positions that you actually research the cities and companies that you are
interested in applying with to know if you will be happy working in that city and for that specific company. Also, make sure
that you compare the proposed salary range with the cost of living in a prospective area to know if moving there is actually
worth it for the position. Do not be afraid to ask questions!
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
Do not be discouraged if you do not find a position as soon as you finish school or if you get a lot denial letters because
you have applied before actually receiving your degree. It will be a tedious process for many to apply for positions and you
will most likely be applying for a lot of them. Be sure to keep a folder with information from every position you apply for to
refer back to if you get a call back. Trust me; it will make things so much easier!
Also, keep in touch with colleagues, classmates and professors who may be able to give you a recommendation for employment
or further education. If you are not already a member, attain a membership with a professional organization and keep up with
the current trends in your specific concentration. It looks very good to employers to see that an applicant is serious about
the field and will be able to actively contribute to the organization.