In this kickoff episode of our summer series, host Michelle Malik sits down with Jordan Rembrecht, the newest Career Specialist at College of DuPage and newest host of The Career Ready Podcast. Jordan shares her career journey—from volunteering in high school and switching majors in college to working in HR and eventually joining Career Services. H…

Stepping into your first job interview can feel overwhelming—but what if you had a personal coach available 24/7? In this episode, we explore how college students and recent grads can use AI tools to prepare smarter, faster, and with more confidence. Learn how to generate common questions, build STAR stories, polish your delivery, and tailor your r…

In this episode of the Career Podcast, hosts Pierre Michaels and Rebecca Harrington dive into the essentials of career readiness. Pierre interviews Samuel Wilson, a College of DuPage graduate and tax consultant at Deloitte. Samuel shares his inspiring journey from high school electives to landing his dream job. The conversation includes the importa…

In this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, we explore two crucial aspects of career success, teamwork and the resume. Mari provides tips and insight to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance your job search, specifically in crafting effective resumes. Before learning about resume AI tools, Pierre discussed the importance of teamwork a…

On this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, Pierre interviews Jim Fuller, General Manager of the student newspaper at College of DuPage. The conversations explore the significant technological disruptions that have reshaped the journalism industry, and how those lessons can prepare us for the AI-driven future. We'll discuss the transition from pri…

Ever wonder how to research careers using AI? In this episode, Michelle talks about ChatGPT and how to use it to start the process of exploring careers. The importance of using AI ethically is discussed and sample questions to ask ChatGPT are provided. Additionally, Michelle mentions career exploration websites to assist in career research. Rebecca…

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s a powerful way to gain valuable skills, build your network, and boost your career prospects. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Joan DiPiero, Community Engagement Coordinator, and we explore how college students can leverage volunteer experiences to stand out in job applications, make meaningful conne…

In today’s episode, we will begin our series on using AI for the job search process, and the possible consequences of using AI improperly. In addition, we will be answering a listener question regarding how to prepare yourself for a virtual interview. Michelle discusses how job seekers can prepare themselves for virtual interviews. Mari discusses h…

In today’s episode, Michelle interviews Nicole Magats, Talent Acquisition Partner at TransChicago and Director of Marketing & Social Media at HRA of Greater Oak Brook, about current job trends. Nicole talks about changes in hiring and the job market this Spring, the impact of AI, why employers may ghost applicants, as well as how to stand out durin…

In today’s episode, Marisela interviews Casey Emerich, Professor of Office Technology Information at the College of DuPage. Together, they discuss the valuable skills and strengths gained through studying Office Technology, how students can prepare for various career pathways, and the experiences and opportunities young professionals should conside…

In today’s episode Pierre interviews Julia diLiberti, Professor of Humanities at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview the skills and strengthen developed when studying the humanities are discussed and how they prepare students for many career paths. The differences between CTE (Career Technical Education) and KAO (Knowledge for All Occupatio…

In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of video game development and design! College of DuPage Professor Steve Santello, a renowned expert in video game design, joins us to explore the ins and outs of building a career in this dynamic field, discussing everything from the skills needed to break into the industry to the latest trends shapi…

Listen to this episode to learn how to research careers and get back into the workforce after a career break. Tips on career exploration and how to update your resume are shared. Pierre starts the episode by providing information on the NACE Competency of Critical Thinking. Topic #1 (Competency): Pierre discusses some key behaviors from the Critica…

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 wi…

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 thr…

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…

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 prog…

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 fro…

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 …

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 careerp…

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…

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. …

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 s…

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 a…

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…

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. …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 behavio…

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 th…

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 o…

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 em…

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 p…

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 t…

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…

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 Col…

In today’s episode Rebecca interviews Professor Jane Murtaugh, Program Chair for the Human Resources Certificate Program at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview she discusses the career possibilities in Human Resources careers along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to specific d…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, Pierre shares tips related to preparing for salary negotiation and ideas how to work through the conversation. Points of research and planning are shared along with resources for the pre-negotiation stage. Hypotheticals and things to consider for the negotiation stage are also shared. Rebecca also le…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we share tips on the job search process from a hiring manager’s perspective. We also explore the NACE Competency of Professionalism. Topic #1: Michelle interviews Angelo Conti, Supervisor of Mail & Warehouse Services at the College of DuPage, who shares tips on the job search process, including how j…

During this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, we discuss what questions to ask employers at the end of an interview. We also cover how to reach out to an employer after you've applied for a job. Topic #1: Rebecca shares tips on what questions to ask – and not ask – at the end of a job interview. Discover what questions will help you better under…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we hear from a student that secured an internship in her first year at College of DuPage. She shares her story and tips for other students seeking opportunities. We also explore the NACE Competency of Critical Thinking. Topic #1 Pierre interviews Kimberly, a student at College of DuPage about her sum…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we will talk about how to discuss your strengths and weaknesses during an interview. We will also introduce CareerOneStop, which is a website helpful for researching jobs and interview prep. Topic #1: Michelle shares tips on how to present your strengths and weaknesses to employers during interviews.…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we discuss job seeking with a disability. We will also explore a resource called Ask JAN. Topic #1: Michelle interviews Melissa Schertz, the Interim Manager for the Career Services Center at College of DuPage, about how to approach the job search process if you have a disability, including the review…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we start a new series on answering interview questions. This episode is about answering behavioral interview questions using the STAR method. Topic #1: Pierre answers a listener question about when to show up at an interview. This is an important component of the interview that does take some plannin…

During this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we discuss the current job market and growing trends in the workforce. We also explore the NACE Competency of Technology. Topic #1: Pierre interviews Joe Cassidy, the Assistant VP of Economic Development and Dean of Continuing Education and Public Services about current job market and growing trends …

Welcome to Season 4! On this episode of the Career Ready Podcast, we give career tips on how to have a successful fall semester by updating your resume, participating on campus, getting ready for a spring or summer internship, and more. We also discuss highlights from our faculty interviews from over the summer. Topic #1 – Catch up with your hosts,…

In today’s episode Rebecca interviews Brian Clement, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Horticulture at College of DuPage. They discuss the career possibilities within horticulture 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 …

In this episode Michelle interviews Robert Plank, Assistant Professor, at College of DuPage. They discuss the career possibilities within computer and information technology 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. Get m…

In this episode Pierre interviews Stephanie Vlach, Assistant Professor, Co-chair for Sports Management, and Sports Management Faculty Advisor at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview the possibilities within sports management as a career are discussed along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared i…