In this episode, Pierre interviews Kash, a student at College of DuPage, to hear about her career journey. Kash shares insight how she moved from being undecided on a future path to finding early career success. Many of her tips and insight relate to networking and the value of building up connects for the future. Michelle returns to the podcast with a listener question about next steps after receiving a verbal job offer. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions a...

Making a career change can feel overwhelming, but the right research can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive into actionable strategies for exploring new career paths, from identifying transferable skills to leveraging informational interviews and online tools. Whether you’re switching industries or pivoting roles, we’ll guide you through practical steps to gather the insights you need to make an informed decision. Topic #1 (Listener Mail): Mari starts this episode wit...

In this episode, Mari sits down Elizabeth Gomez de la Casa and Rosie Carbajal-Romo to discuss the unique process first-gen students experience when transitioning from college to the workforce. We explore topics like imposter syndrome, accessing career resources, building professional networks, and the power of mentorship. Whether you're a first-gen student, educator, or ally, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can empower the next generation to thrive in their careers. Tun...

In today’s episode, we discuss the value of reaching out to professionals to help you learn about careers. The concept of informational interviews, also known as career conversations, is discussed along with ways of identifying come connections and things to ask after the connection has been made. We also provide information on Career Launch a program that teaches best practices in network to support research careers and developing opportunities.Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener...

In this episode, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Pierre Michiels shine a spotlight on apprenticeships—an exciting way to get paid while pursing your career. Pierre kicks things off by discussing the importance of Career and Self Development, emphasizing the need for setting goals and seeking feedback. Then, Rebecca interviews Daneille Kuglin Seago from Project HireEd at College of DuPage, diving into the ins and outs of apprenticeships. Learn what apprenticeships are, how they differ from tradit...

In today’s episode, we discuss things to help you star exploring career options when you do not have a path in mind. Ideas and resources shared will help you understand different ways job are classified to help discover possibilities based on your interests. We also provide information on multiple resource based on Department of Labor data to help identify and research careers.Resources discussed/referred to include:Career OneStopO*NetCOD, Career CoachPlease visit our website Send us YOUR Li...

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we discuss the current job market and growing trends in the workforce. Topics discussed include remote work, AI on the job, hot jobs, and more. We also explore the workforce database Career Coach.Visit College of DuPage Career Coach Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

Join us as we look back at our favorite episodes from the first two years of The Career Ready Podcast. Also meet our new host, Marisela Morales!Episodes reflected on include:Episode 4: How to Stand Out in the Application Process - Interview with Recruiter Amanda Whiddon Episode 13: Your Pitch Networking Episode 25: Careers in Horticulture Episode 31: How to Have a Successful Internship with Student Kimberly Episode 34: Salary Negotiations Episode 43: Experiences are More than Employment ...

In today’s episode Pierre interviews Mary Carlson, Professor of Marketing at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview the possibilities within marketing careers are discussed along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to specific details about studying the program at College of DuPage. View the College of DuPage Marketing programContact Mary Carlson by emailing [email protected] or contact the Business, Management and Marketi...

In today’s episode Michelle interviews Mary Beth Leone, Professor in the Hospitality Management and Tourism Programs at College of DuPage. They discuss the career possibilities within Hospitality and Tourism, along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to what the program has to offer its students at College of DuPage. View the College of DuPage Hospitality Management and Tourism programs Contact Mary Beth by emailing [email protected] o...

In today’s episode Pierre interviews Tony Venezia, Professor of Animation and Motion Picture/Television Program Chair at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview the possibilities within animation as a career are discussed along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to specific details about studying the program at College of DuPage. View the College of DuPage Animation programContact Tony by emailing [email protected] or conta...

In today's episode, Michelle interviews Katie Orzechowski, an Adjunct Faculty member in the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at College of DuPage. Katie talks about different career paths as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant as well as what experiences and skills you'll need to succeed. Also learn about COD's program and how they set students up for success.View the College of DuPage Speech Language Pathology Assistant program Contact the Speech Language Pathology Assistant pro...

In today's episode, Rebecca interviews Shelly Mocchi, Department Chair and Assistant Professor of Interior Design at College of DuPage. Shelly talks about different career paths within interior design as well as what experiences, skills, and techniques you'll need to succeed. Also learn about COD's program and how they set students up for success. Found out more about the College of DuPage Interior Design programConnect with Shelly Mocchi at [email protected] visit our website Send us YOU...

In today’s episode, Pierre interviews Peter James, an Associate Professor here at College of DuPage, founder of HCG Consulting Solution, and faculty advisor for COD Entrepreneurship Club about pursuing a career as an entrepreneur. The conversation defines what it means to be an entrepreneur, pros and cons of the path, and characteristics that help people be successful in their journey. Michelle starts the episode by providing resources one may want to tip into to help them start their own bus...

Listen to this episode to learn how to connect your resume to each opportunity as you apply by tailoring it to the job posting and each organization's needs. The best way to get noticed is to make sure it is easy for the employer to connect your skills and experience to the specific job. Also listen to our listener mail to learn about how to create a resume when you have been out of the workforce for several years, but are now moving to a new field. Topic #1: Michelle answers a listener...

Study Abroad and Field Studies are a great way to learn about the world. But did you know they can also help you prepare for your career? Listen to our interview with Sue Kerby, Coordinator of Study Abroad at College of DuPage talk about how to travel and gain valuable experience that will help you in your job search and career. Topic #1: Michelle interviews Sue Kerby, Coordinator of Study Abroad at College of DuPage to learn about this amazing form of experiential learning that not onl...

In today’s episode, Pierre leads the discussion on different types of experience that can be shared with employers. Tips are provided on presenting experiences beyond employment on the resume. Rebecca starts the episode by providing information on the NACE Competency of Equity and Inclusion.  Topic #1 (Competency): Rebecca discusses some key behaviors from the Equity and Inclusion competency. This competency is a part of the top 8 competencies from the National Association of Colleges and...

In today’s episode, Rebecca interviews Susi Pihera from WorkNet DuPage about addressing employment gaps in the job search. The conversation includes tips on how to approach the conversation with employers and how to minimize the appearance of gaps on resumes and applications. Before the interview, Pierre answers a listener question about sharing the cover letter with employers.  Topic #1 (Listener Mail): Pierre answers the questions, “An employer requested resume and cover letter be sent...

In today’s episode, we talk about employment experience and how you can use it to create an impactful resume. We also provide information on the NACE Competency of Leadership.  Topic #1 (Competency): Pierre discusses some key behaviors from the Leadership competency. This competency is a part of the top 8 competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  Topic #2 (Main Topic): Michelle talks about how to include employment experience on your resume, such as how...

In today’s episode, Pierre interviews a former student that faced many challenges as a non-traditional age student. She shares her story of perseverance and overcoming barriers to be recognized as an outstanding grad and better prepared to enter the workforce. Before the interview Michelle answers a listener question about presenting projects to employers and more specifically on a resume. Topic #1 (Listener Mail): Michelle answers the questions, “I've been working on a lot of personal...

In today’s episode, we explain the value of the cover letter and how to approach the content to include on the document. The cover letter is compared to the resume and how the two documents supplement each other in the job search. We also provide information on a resource called VMock SMART Resume which helps users understand the resume AI review process.  Topic #1 (Listener Mail): Listen to Michelle provide a review of the platform VMock SMART resume which provides guidance in the resume...

In today’s episode, we cover how to tailor your resume to beat the ATS system that often prevents resumes from being considered by employers. We also answer a listener question on how to tailor your resume when you are applying for a job in a new field.  Topic #1 (Listener Mail): Listen to Pierre answer a listener question: “Many jobs, even what I think of as entry level jobs, set minimum qualifications for a certain amount of experience (e.g.: at least 3 years of experience working in...

In today’s episode Michelle interviews Assistant Professor Annie Knight, Program Chair for the Paralegal Studies Program at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview she discusses the career possibilities in Paralegal careers along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to specific details about studying the program at College of DuPage. Get more information about Human Resources at College of DuPage on the Program Page.  Please...

In today’s episode Pierre interviews Nelson Cantada Assistant Professor, in Fashion Studies at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview the possibilities within fashion careers are discussed along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to specific details about studying the program at College of DuPage. Get more information about Fashion Studies at College of DuPage on the Program Page.  Please visit our website Send us YOUR...