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Frank, District Representative at Placer County: Advize Career Interview
Frank, a District Representative at Placer County, offers a compelling career story marked by "twists and turns," beginning with a later-in-life financial planning degree and grassroots community work, ultimately leading to a role bridging the gap between citizens and local government.
The position involves constant learning, attending meetings, and translating civic policies, demanding excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and empathy.
Frank finds fulfillment in helping others navigate complex systems and witnessing "people go from confusion to clarity," despite the challenges of negative perceptions surrounding government work.
This industry is best suited for those who can manage emotions, prioritize listening, and demonstrate authenticity, and Frank wishes someone had emphasized the importance of setting boundaries early on.
Entry-level opportunities include internships and behind-the-scenes roles, emphasizing that passion and aligned principles are essential for long-term success, and encourages potential candidates to remember to focus on treating oneself and others with respect as a direct reflection of self-worth.
Sac State played a pivotal role in expanding horizons, fostering self-reflection, and building the foundation for a fulfilling career, even as a first-generation college student.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Frank Udvarhely
District Representative
Placer County
Sacramento State University
Business Management & Admin, Finance
Government
Business Strategy
Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path Of A District Representative At Placer County
Frank's career path involved "a couple twists and turns," starting with a later-in-life pursuit of a financial planning degree at Sac State, motivated by the 2008 economic downturn, which then led to volunteering and grassroots community work where Frank recognized the need for financial literacy, ultimately culminating in a District Representative role that allows Frank to use that experience to "help internally at the government level." The pandemic was a great equalizer that highlighted the importance of mental health services and shifted Frank's focus to consulting businesses and nonprofits.
Main Responsibilities Of A District Representative At Placer County
Frank's main responsibility as a District Representative at Placer County is to be "available to the citizens," offering education and translation of civic policies and procedures so residents can better connect with their local government; this includes explaining processes like obtaining building permits and understanding how tax dollars are allocated for essential services such as fire, police, and schools. By providing resources that are "often not easily available," Frank bridges the gap between residents and the county government.
A Day in the Life of a District Representative at Placer County
A day in the life of a District Representative involves attending numerous meetings, from internal gatherings with local leaders to community events like town halls, to understand and address resident concerns. Part of the job is resolving constituent inquiries and participating in an internal "think tank" to interpret federal and state policies, and then bring "everybody together to talk" to solve issues, like affordable housing, all while attending "mixers and meet and greets" to connect with the community.
Most Important Skills for a District Representative at Placer County
Frank emphasizes that "communication and comprehension" are critical skills for a District Representative because a large part of the job is bridging the gap between the in-depth knowledge the team has and the often brief understanding of outside perspectives, which then translates into the need for strong interpersonal skills, community engagement, and public speaking abilities, all of which ultimately lead to better engagement and networking.
Favorite Parts Of Being A District Representative At Placer County
Frank enjoys the role of District Representative because it mirrors past volunteer work; specifically, "going to community meetings to learn about my community," and the role allows for continuous learning and relationship building with a diverse group of people, as seeing "people go from confusion to clarity" is fascinating and provides valuable insights that can be used to help others, as well as one's self.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a District Representative at Placer County
Frank's biggest challenge stems from the negative perception people often have of government work, where assumptions are made based on title alone, despite the reality of striving to uphold the Constitution and ethical standards. The role demands separating "the issue from the human," navigating people's trauma and stress while holding oneself to a high standard to ensure everyone feels heard and valued, despite the negativity often portrayed in the media.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Government As A District Representative
Frank, as a District Representative, most enjoys being "close to the action," understanding the mechanics behind decisions that impact everyday life, and helping the community by connecting individuals with resources and support, ultimately aiming to make life "a lot funner for a lot" of people. Furthermore, Frank has overcome personal biases and belief structures by learning from others' diverse perspectives and challenges, allowing Frank to mentor and guide those who are struggling, reminding them to "let go of that struggle" and enjoy the journey of life.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Government, According To A Placer County District Representative
People who thrive in Placer County need to manage emotions, "listen before you respond" to discern needs, and understand the bigger picture beyond their own cause, including the checks and balances of regulations, and also individuals who are "in it for themselves" will not succeed because authenticity prevails. Having resilience and the ability to focus on the present to create a better future are also crucial for thriving in the face of constant change and challenges.
What A Placer County District Representative Wishes They Knew Before Public Service
Frank, a District Representative at Placer County, wishes someone had emphasized the importance of "strengthen[ing] your boundaries" and leveraging "street smarts versus academic smarts" before entering the field, recognizing that the role relies heavily on empathy, understanding human behavior, and demonstrating character through honest actions, which are skills that prove to be more valuable than anticipated. Essentially, according to Frank, the ability to be true to oneself is essential and will translate directly to bettering the community they serve.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Placer County District Representatives
Frank, a District Representative at Placer County, suggests internships as a "taste and test" to see if the field aligns with one's passions, while also highlighting behind-the-scenes roles like clerical, engineering, or systems jobs, and emphasizing that having interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills will "get you in the door," but passion and aligned principles are what keep you there. Frank ultimately recommends seeing if it is a passion, and if it's something someone would still do even if they had a million dollars.
Significant Career Lesson From a District Representative at Placer County
Frank, a District Representative at Placer County, emphasizes that a crucial career lesson is that how one treats others is "a direct reflection of how you feel about yourself," drawing an analogy to the airplane safety instruction of securing your own mask first. Ultimately, solving one's "emotional baggage problem" and recognizing that everyone shares the fundamental needs of feeling valued, loved, and safe can take one farther than mere credentials.
How College Helped a District Representative at Placer County Succeed
During college, Frank learned the importance of self-management, communicating openly with professors about personal struggles (such as housing insecurity impacting academic performance), and seeking support to address problems head-on rather than just applying "a bandaid." They also emphasized the value of volunteering to connect with mentors, modeling behavior of successful individuals, and embracing curiosity to learn from others' experiences, ultimately building confidence by overcoming challenges and "becoming an advocate for people with that issue."
How Identity Has Influenced a Placer County District Representative's Career
As a first-generation college student, Frank initially didn't see college as a possibility, feeling pressure to immediately work; however, as career progressed, Frank realized a need to "force myself to learn how to grow out of it and learn how to excel past what was taught, past what [was] only thought was available", and the most insightful moment was the realization that change needed to happen to forge a desired path, honoring the past while creating the future.
Advizer Personal Links
www.intelligentchoicetraining.com, LinkedIn/fudvarhey
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