Public Speaking.
by far the most important skill.

There are several skills that are necessary for a professional to have when entering the Parks and Recreation Field. Here is my top ten list:
1. Resourcefulness, the ability to get the most of what they do or do not have
2. Knowledge, a basic understanding of the field and how to Plan, Promote, Administer and evaluate a program.
3. Creativity, everyone knows that you should have certain programs but what else are you being to the table?
4. Written and Oral Skills, being able to communicate among multiple parties
5. People Skills, you need to like people. Join personal and professional organizations (NETWORK)
6. Professionalism,
7. Marketing Skills, our field relies so heavily upon marketing it is crazy how much this helps.
8. Organization, our daily work life can be pretty hectic and the ability to find what you need quick is so helpful
9. Passion, this is something that cannot be taught but equally if not more important than anything you learn in school
10. Work Experience, before a person graduates they should have at least 2 to 3 years of part-time work experience. Volunteer as much as possible!

Just to piggy back on kzimmerman because she stole all the good answers.

Be aware that you are not going to start out at the top. Even as person with a degree, dont be afraid to roll up the sleeves and get your hands dirty.

Be detail oriented. Dont rush through something to be the first done, be proud to put your name on what you do. Dont cut corners and sacrifice quality.

Try to see the process as a whole, not just your portion. If you are organizing a baseball league, for example, think outside your cubical about the players, coaches, umpires, field supervisors, concession attendants, the maintenance crew that preps the field... think of what your actions mean to each of these people. You cannot make everyone happy... but that should be your goal.

1. Communication- verbal and written
2. Organization
3. Time Management
4. Ability to think outside the box
5. Creativity
6. People Skills
7. Ability to solve public complaints and issues
8. Professionalism
9. Computer skills
10. Ability to change with the times and generations you serve

To the individuals who have had time to comment, I thank you!

I hope others will also chime in. I intend to share your comments with our faculty and my students.

I agree that communication skills are very important. and, Al_Pres09 notes that both VERBAL and written communication skills are vital. I attempt in every class to broaden my students' vocabulary.

kzimmerman also commented on work experience and volunteerism. Again I agree. Personally I know that volunteerism can lead to employment.

Now may I direct the discussion to specific competencies, for example budgeting or elements of marketing.

Again thank you all,

Arthur Graham...

In my opinion, it is vital that our young professionals be able to communicate both verbally and written. We are in the days of text and instant message short cuts. It is hard to take complaints, suggestions, ideas, etc seriously when they are full of grammatical errors.