Jodi Zielke
Q&A
Q. Where are you employed? What is your Title?
I am employed at the Peoria Park District in Peoria, IL. I am the Leisure Services Coordinator at the Park District, which
means I am the program coordinator for community recreation classes, manager of the Amphitheatre, and the special events coordinator
for the Amphitheatre.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is working with a variety of people. We have such a variety of events at the Amphitheatre
throughout the summer/fall season and so we attract everyone from 5 to 95. I really enjoy meeting and talking with family and
individuals who have been coming to these events for years and years and have really made the Park District a part of their lives.
Q. What do you consider to be your most valuable contribution to your organization for which you work?
My most valuable contribution to the Park District is being a people person and trying to focus on customer satisfaction. As
mentioned above, I really enjoy talking with those people who participate in our programs. I take pride in remembering a family,
a kid's name, what they want at the concession stand, etc. I think it is those types of things that as a participant you really
remember and appreciate. It can be hard with all of the programs, events, and general work that you have to do to focus and care
about this but I think that is what makes people want to come back the most.
Q. Given your career path, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would like to think that in 10 years, I will be in the special events field, either working for another non-profit
organization or a private organization. I enjoy and appreciate the goal and attitude at a non-profit such as a park district but
I believe in a private organization, there would be more variety in your day to day job.
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. I would recommend RST as a major because it encompasses so much. In this major, you take marketing classes, programming classes, human
relations and the list goes on. If an undergrad knows they would like to be in the sport field but would also like to have knowledge in marketing,
you can do that with this major. I also believe that for those who waiver between recreation and sport that this major helps tremendously to cross
train and be prepared for either field after college.
b. Get the most working experience you can while in school. It can be hard to be motivated to get experience but you shouldn’t stop at the 300 hours
required. Try the Champaign Park District for seasonal jobs. Trust me: it helps to know how to use a scoreboard! If you have worked in day camps
since high school, great, but maybe this summer try to get an internship with your local park district. We love interns! This way you can get experience
in athletics, special events, or marketing. This only makes you look better to future employers.
c. Don't limit your choices. Say you are a recreation concentration and cannot find anything at park districts…try the Boys and Girls club or the YMCA.
And if it is taking some time to find a position, don’t stop working. Even if it is only part-time or seasonal, try to stay in your field, get more experience
and at least a paycheck! A great resource to never forget is Ryan and his crew. They have their ears to every door looking for job opportunities for us RST
Alumni and undergrads.
Q. Please add anything else that might be helpful.
I would go to as many IPRA conferences and job fairs as possible. Networking and getting information from a variety of people will be so very helpful
to you in the future. You never know who you will meet and how they can help you if you don't go.