Bronco Spotlight: John McNeal
Afloat Recreation Specialist at Department of Defense, U.S. Navy
As a civilian working for the U.S. Navy, I will be working on board ships worldwide. The primary purpose of this position also known as “Fun Boss” is to plan, coordinate, organize, and direct a well-balanced afloat recreation program and leisure activities for crew members and embarked personnel aboard United States Navy aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious assault ships.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of this job will be the travel that I will be doing and the fact that I know I will be giving back to my country and those who currently serve it in the U.S. Military. I am excited to know that I will be keeping the morale of the Sailors and Marines up while they are deployed and away from their families worldwide. The most challenging part will be knowing that I will be away from my family for extended periods of time.
What experiences impacted the choice of your career path?
I think the fact that I am former military myself really led me towards this path. But also being in recreation over the course of the past 6 years really amped me up to take this position and career path.
What advice would you offer students to help them decide on a career path?
Find the one thing that makes you happy, embrace it. Make sure that if you have an internship that you find joy each day. If you have a hard time finding joy in what you do, really take the time to focus and narrow it down. It is not easy to choose a career, but if you find that joy, look for a mentor in that field. Ask ALL the questions that you have and really solidify your decision.