Clifford

Retired county manager

City Planning, Class of 1963

When you first came to UIUC did you know for sure what you wanted to do as a major/career?

Yes

What was one UIUC event, memory, person, class, that made a substantial difference in your career choices?

The planning related classes I took during my first year confirmed my career choice.

What was your first job after you earned your degree?

Planning consultant

How did you land your first career related job?

I was referred by the Head of the Planning Department.

List all positions in order that you have held since graduation up till now (including those not related to your major, i.e. waitress, temp, teacher, etc.). Please provide brief descriptions for clarity if necessary:

Planning consultant
US Army (drafted)
Field Office Chief for a state planning agency
County Planning Director
County Manager

What is your current occupation and how did you come to it?

Retired -- result of hard work, good health and a lot of luck!

If you changed career paths after school, did you make a conscious choice to make the change, was it forced on you or did it naturally evolve?

I migrated from Planning Director to County Manager by choice. Actually it was a natural progression within county government.

What steps did you take in making the transition?

Continuing education courses at the Institute of Government, UNC at Chapel Hill

What advice would you give to an FAA student who might be interested in your current or past careers?

Stay abreast of changes in the field, be loyal to your employer, observe profession cannons, do not put work before family, and get out if you become unhappy with the job.

What advice can you give an FAA student who is currently undecided about their future career?

Search yourself to find where your passion lies and then find the career that fits your passion. If over time you find that your passion has changed, alter your career accordingly.