College of HHD

Jose H. Gonzalez: Connecting the Dots to Move Forward

March 5, 2019

jose h gonzalez"Start with a self-assessment of your values and abilities. Then, find the requirements for a position with an organization that aligns with your values and abilities." - Jose H. Gonzalez


CSUN Recreation and Tourism (RTM) Assistant Professor Jose H. Gonzalez presented at the 2019 Association for Challenge Course Technology Conference (ACCT) in February along with a colleague from Penn State, Chris Ortiz. Gonzalez joined the CSUN faculty in fall 2018. Ortiz is program Director for the Team Development Center at Shaver's Creek and instructor for the RTM Department at Penn State University.

Their initial presentation, to an audience of about 1,200 people, was part of a series of lectures known as "The Tech Talk Series," styled after the TED Talks.  Their topic was about finding ways to "connect the dots to move forward" for a career in Recreation and Tourism Management. "In a field that has a non-linear path, it was important for us to provide the guidance we wished we had had as students," Gonzalez said. "The main focus was to inspire them and tell my and Chris Ortiz' story about a career in outdoor recreation."

"We had a one hour session the next day during which we took a deeper dive, much the way a career counselor would," Gonzalez said. "The main message in choosing a path in this industry is to start with a self-assessment of your values and abilities. Then, find the requirements for a position with an organization that aligns with your values and abilities. Lastly, work on the gaps in skills and experiences in order for you to obtain the career that you desire."

More about Jose Gonzalez.


The following content is re-posted from the ACCT conference programRead the full program (pertinent content on page 7).

With the significant growth in the industry over the years it has been increasingly challenging to find an opening keynote presentation that truly resonates with our entire community. In an effort to ensure every person in attendance gets something out of the opening ceremonies we are offering a series of four fifteen minute talks (similar to Ted Talks) which we are referring to as "Tech Talks".

In addition to Tech Talk presentations, presenters will be doing a deeper dive into their Tech Talk topic in either a 90 minute session or a pre-conference workshop. Each presenter will also spend some time at the ACCT booth following the Opening Ceremonies to interact with participants.

Career Paths in this Industry: Do you know how to connect the dots to move forward in this field as a long-term career?

José H. González has a doctorate in education with a focus on curriculum and instruction and has been an adventurer and educator his whole life. José started his career in outdoor education working for Guajataka Boy Scout Reservation in Puerto Rico in 1989. There, he led 5-day backpacking trips, taught several classes including first aid, navigation, wilderness survival and in 1991, after the construction of a new 6-element challenge course, he became a facilitator for several years.

After that, José split some of his time between NH, Maine and the Caribbean. While in New England he facilitated for several programs including the Dartmouth Outdoor Programs, University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Thompson Island Outward Bound and Hurricane Island Outward Bound. In 2002, he created Aire Libre in Puerto Rico to fulfill the need for outdoor education on the island and to support the Outward Bound Caribbean Semester.

Now, Aire Libre is jointly run by José and Luis Acevedo, who developed services to support not only the domestic Zipline and Canopy tour industry, but also the international operations. José is an avid hiker and has hiked the Sierras, more than 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, Caribbean volcanos, and Torres del Paine, Chile among others. As a waterman, he teaches SUP Instructor Training courses for the American Canoe Association and surfs his local beaches in Southern California. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at CSU Northridge in the Recreation and Tourism Management department.

The above content is re-posted from the ACCT conference program.  Read the full program (pertinent content on page 7).