OPRA Student Conference

Tom O’Rourke, CPRP

Executive Director,

Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

torourke@ccprc.com

www.ccprc.com/orourke

1.To make you better applicants at a job interview, (if you can get one.)

2. To make you better people.

3. To have you understand current financial challenges

so that you can create a job that may not even be there yet.

4. To look at your prospects of future employment

unlike you’ve ever looked at them before.

What is your true

purpose in life?

Time

Energy

Talent

Resource Allocation

Happiness in your career

starts with making sure you

have chosen the right career.

Know your

personal VALUES

Set GOALS for your

life

Create an

ACTION PLAN

Achievement

Reputation

Adventure

Helping Others

Responsibility

Challenges

Harmony

Truth

Competence

Independence

Time Alone

Community Service

Intellectual Pursuits

Spirituality

Cooperation

Involvement

Wealth

Decisiveness

Loyalty

Working Alone

Dignity

Money

Working Together

Economic Security

Meaningful Work

Privacy

Excitement

Nature Security

Fame

Health/Fitness

Family

Self-respect

Wisdom

Freedom

Security

Status

Friendships

Relationships

Fun

Set GOALS for your

life

Health and Wellness Goals

• Stay in Weight Watchers for the entire

year. That’s all.

• Stay in good aerobic physical condition

Create an

ACTION PLAN

• Walk in my parks once a week.

• Compete in the Following;

• Compete again in at least one of the

Sprint Triathlons

• Cross Train – Bike, Swim, Run

• Enter at leas two road races

…But who are you?

It is the most important

part of getting hired.

1. Admit that you are not perfect and that

sometimes you are a jerk

2. Place yourself in the shoes of others

3. Act with Compassion and Kindness

4. Practice

5. 5 little things – Every Day

CONSIDERATION

Tell me who your friends are

and I tell you who you are.

Grace O’Rourke

Jobs

Recreation 2001

Recreation 2021

Entrepreneurial

Recreation

Toledo Ohio, Health and Fitness

Utilizing Current Parks create a series of fitness programs that will improve the health and wellness

of the community

Morning Yoga Boot Camp Body Flow Running Walking

Road Races Triathlons

Drive In Movie Theatre

Utilizing an existing park, get a gigantic blow up screen and show movies in the

park.

Entrance Fees

Concession Sales Advertising Sales

Ohio Outdoors

Utilizing undeveloped acreage, create an outdoor experience for people to

experience the outdoors.

Kayak rentals and trips Zip line

Climbing Program Challenge Course Program

Marathon / Triathlon / Adventure Race

Create a fitness special event

utilizing existing park lands

Entrance Fees Sponsorships

Know yourself. Follow your “own” heart toward

your chosen profession. Don’t be a jerk.

Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you, create your

own.