What Type Of Person Thrives In The Youth Development Industry According To A Program Quality Director At Girls Incorporated Alameda County
To thrive in the youth development industry, a commitment to young people, families, and communities is paramount; it's about "being at service and changing somebody's life," requiring flexibility, creativity, and resourcefulness to overcome challenges like limited resources and unpredictable circumstances. The ability to view challenges through an "asset-based lens," reframing perceived negative traits into strengths, is also crucial for success.
Flexibility, Resourcefulness, Asset-Based Thinking, Selflessness, Advocacy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
johanna masis
Director of Program Quality, Training and Assessment
Girls Incorporated of Alameda County
U of A, Tucson and UC Santa Barbara
Holy Names University, MA ESL
Humanities
Education
Operations and Project Management
Immigrant, Transfer Student, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. A passion for investing in young people, families, and communities is essential. The work is selfless and focused on positive change.
2. Flexibility is key, as plans often change due to external factors. Resourcefulness and creativity are vital, especially in fundraising to keep programs accessible.
3. The ability to view challenges through an asset-based lens is important. This means reframing negative perceptions into opportunities for growth and development, focusing on strengths and finding constructive solutions
Transcript
Q8: Who thrives in industry?
People who typically thrive in this industry are bought into the investment of young people, their families, and communities. If that makes sense to you, you're going to do well because it's not about you in the end.
It's about being selfless in a way that doesn't require a lot of sacrifice. If anything, you're paying it forward. Knowing that you're in service and changing somebody's life in some way is important.
I would say being flexible is for sure. We don't own any of these spaces; we borrow a lot of them. You need to be flexible when things don't go according to plan. I am the epitome of plan A, B, and C. I have a plan for my plans and plans; that's how deeply rooted flexibility is with me.
Another characteristic is being creative and resourceful. Nothing is ours, and we have to work hard to fundraise for these programs to make sure they're free to young people and their families. You have to be super creative and resourceful.
Lastly, we tell their stories through an asset-based lens. It's about really flipping the script. If someone was described as loud, they need opportunities to be heard and constructive ways to express themselves. That's how you end up being team captain or leading, by knowing how to use your voice properly.
If someone is unruly and dislikes rules, learning them allows you to find loopholes and bend or break them. Those are some of the characteristics for those to thrive in this field.