The Career Ready Podcast

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 only expands our worldview, but also our resume. Topic #2: Rebecca answers a Listener Question about how to answer unexpected interview questions. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 Employers (NACE). Topic #2 (Main Topic): Pierre talks about how to include experience on a resume outside of employment. Tips include formatting, content to include, and strategic use of headers. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 through e-mail. Do I attach the cover letter, or do I include it in the body of the e-mail?” Topic #2 (Interview): Rebecca interviews Susi Pihera from WorkNet DuPage about addressing employment gaps while job seeking. Find your local American Job Center here: www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 to format these experiences, how to create relevant bullet points, and how to reference your transferable skills. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 projects lately, but I'm not sure if it's worth sharing with employers. How do I incorporate it into the application process?” Topic #2 (Interview): Pierre interviews Bonnie Bailey a College of DuPage outstanding grad from the May 2022 commencement ceremony about persevering as a student to be better prepared for the work force. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 building process and insight to the resume AI review process. Topic #2: Pierre provides insight on why cover letters are important documents for a job search. Tips for writing an impactful cover letter are shared along with things to consider for the document to better enhance the content on the resume. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 direct customer service, at least 2 years' experience with sales, etc….). How do I get a job in the field I’m hoping to work in if I don’t have a way of getting the experience they are looking for?” Topic #2: Has anyone ever submitted a job application and gotten an instant rejection? That may happen due to what we call applicant tracking software or ATS, which is a computer system that most companies use to scan your resume. Michelle talks about tips to beat the ATS, so you have a greater chance of your resume being seen by a hiring manager. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 details about studying the program at College of DuPage. Get more information about Human Resources at College of DuPage on the Program Page. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 leads off the episode by reviewing the communication competency and breaks down one of the related behaviors as identified by NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers). Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 job seekers can stand out to a hiring manager. Topic #2: Pierre discusses some key behaviors from the Professionalism competency. This competency is a part of the top 8 competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 understand the job and the employer as well as help you shine as a candidate. Topic #2: Michelle talks about how and when you should consider reaching out to an employer directly after you have submitted your application. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 summer internship experience and how she secured the opportunity within her first year of being a college student. Topic #2 Rebecca discusses some key behaviors from the Critical Thinking competency. This competency is a part of the top 8 competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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. Topic #2: Rebecca talks about CareerOneStop, a career website with great resources to research jobs and strong information on interviewing/interview prep. Click the link to learn more: https://www.careeronestop.org/ Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 of important terminology, laws, and guidance on the disclosure process. Topic #2 : Pierre discusses the resource Ask JAN, which is a Job Accommodation Network that helps individuals navigate disability accommodation conversations. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 planning. It is a great way to show your professionalism. Topic #2: Rebecca talks about the most difficult interview questions, the behavioral questions. Questions that start with phrases like “Tell me about a time” or “Please share an example” or “What would you do if.” One of the best ways to answer these questions is using the STAR method. Listen to learn how to prepare yourself for these questions. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 in the workforce including remote work and AI. Topic #2 : Michelle discusses some key behaviors from the Technology competency. This competency is a part of the top 8 competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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, Michelle Malik, Pierre Michiels, and Rebecca Harrington Topic #2 – Highlights from our summer interviews with faculty in several key programs – Writing Studies, Accounting, Surgical Technology, Horticulture, Information Technology, and Sports Management. Topic #3 – Tips for college students to have a great fall semester getting ready for internships and career. Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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 of DuPage. Learn more about COD's Horticulture Program here: cod.edu/academics/programs/horticulture/ Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter