Since the PGA Career Services department was revamped in 2017, the department’s reach and impact have grown considerably. A total of 34 Career, ExecuSearch and Recruiting Consultants work together as the link between golf industry professionals and employers. In addition to building relationships through face-to-face meetings and research, the department also makes use of thoroughly modern methods to stay in constant communication and provide data collection and analysis to help golf industry professionals and em ployers fill open positions, determine compensation packages and recruit new talent into the industry.
The department’s positive work in helping existing golf industry professionals in their career goals while filling the pipeline for the future was recognized in the most recent PGA Member Offering Survey, with participation, satisfaction and value of PGA Career Services offerings generating strong positive responses.
“In our profession, there are times when you need guidance or help more than others, and the PGA Career Services team is supplying that support to our PGA of America Membership and the 41 PGA Sections when it’s needed,” says PGA of America Master Professional Mike O’Donnell, the Senior Director of the PGA Member & Section Operations team. “To have a dedicated PGA Career Services team in the field looking after the lives and careers of PGA of America Members is a tremendous benefit.”
Survey data shows that PGA of America Members are using PGA Career Services and the ExecuSearch job placement service for executive positions as a way to keep up to date on industry trends, as well as when they are ready to find a new job – or need to fill a position at their facility. O’Donnell says the number of interactions be tween Career Consultants and PGA of America Members is significant and rising, industry compensation is rising, and ExecuSearch is being utilized by an increasing number of golf industry employers, leading to a growing number of PGA of America Members being recruited into executive positions.
“I’d advise PGA of America Members, Associates, affiliates and students to stay engaged with your Section and with your Career Consultant, keep an eye on our website and social media, and attend Section and national events as best you can,” O’Donnell says. “It doesn’t need to be every day or every week, but the more you interact the more aware you’ll be of trends and things you need to know to be ready for the next step in your career. What you might not know now might be essential to you later.
“If you have the willingness and desire to engage, you can enhance your life and career in quite remarkable ways. And when you have an event that presents a need to engage, please do so and we’ll provide whatever support you need.”