The College and Career Ready Podcast | empowering students for the careers of tomorrow

In this special 100th episode of The College and Career Ready Podcast, I’m reflecting on my journey as a career coach, educator, and podcaster to provide parents with insights on how to support their teens in preparing for their future. From starting as a pharmacy technician to becoming a Career and Technology Education expert, my non-linear path taught me valuable lessons about career guidance, self-discovery, and the power of connections. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help parents guide their teens from high school to college and beyond, including: Career ConnectionsAs I pause podcasting to focus on DiscoverU College and Career Coaching, I’m sharing tips and tools you can use to help your teen prepare for their journey with purpose and direction. Resources Mentioned: collegecareerready.org/joinCareer Connectionshttps://collegecareerready.org/courseLet’s Stay Connected: Website:collegecareerready.orgNewsletter:collegecareerready.org/joinThis isn’t goodbye but an hasta pronto! Thank you for being part of this journey. Always remember – stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey! Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, I dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: how parents can best support their children as they transition from high school to college and beyond. I’ll talk about the power of self-discovery and why it’s so crucial for students to truly understand their strengths, values, and interests before taking that next big step. I also share my own career journey, including the twists and turns of my non-linear path, to show that there isn’t one “right” way to find success. I’m excited to share that my next cohort of my signature Career Connections online course will be opening soon for registration. You can add yourself to the waitlist by going to www.CollegeCareerReady.org/course , The Career Connections course is designed to help students build meaningful career connections and set clear, actionable goals to thrive in today’s job market. They will learn my signature framework that will get them closer to defining a career major and ultimately a career path just for them! Throughout this episode, I’ll offer practical, actionable advice for parents on how to guide their children in developing self-awareness, planning their future with confidence, and making impactful connections that open doors they didn't even know existed. Whether your child is just starting to think about their career or is preparing to enter the workforce, this episode is filled with insights to help you support them every step of the way. So listen in and join us! 00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast 00:47 Supporting Your Child's Academic and Career Journey 01:44 The Importance of Self-Discovery 03:21 Careers Are Not Linear 06:19 Understanding Gen Z's Mission-Based Approach 08:20 Helping Your Child Discover Their Unique Story 13:17 Building Real-World Connections 15:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Episodes mentioned: 66. Connect with your teen using their primary love language 80. The Network Generation: From Introverts to Influencers w/ Podcast Hosts of The BEN Show Podcast 97. From Campus to Career: Leverage Alumni Networks for College and Career Readiness 61. [Student Pep Talk] Craft a Strategic LinkedIn Presence for Ambitious Students w/ Jesse Undergrad Student at Howard University Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

What if the first step in your career could open doors you never imagined? Join me, as I share my journey from being a first-generation college graduate to becoming a certified pharmacy technician, to an educator and now as your Career Coach and holding a Master of Science Degree. This episode celebrates National Pharmacy Technician Day by honoring the crucial role of pharmacy technicians in healthcare and beyond. I recount my experiences at San Jacinto College, where I faced the challenges of navigating career choices without much guidance as a first-gen student. With the support of my first mentor, Chris LeBlanc, a registered pharmacist, I discovered the power of mentorship and envisioning a broader career path. My story underscores the transformative impact of mentorship and the importance of technical careers as vital stepping stones to achieving greater aspirations. Explore with me the significance of acquiring skills early on and preparing for future career opportunities. From pharmacy technician to career coach and navigator at the Pearland Innovation Hub, this is my story. It illustrates how taking that first step can lead to unexpected opportunities and new paths. I encourage students and aspiring professionals to dream bigger by seizing opportunities and finding the right mentors who can guide them toward achieving greater things. As we celebrate the invaluable contributions of pharmacy technicians, I express my gratitude for your ongoing support and invite you to connect on social media. Let's redefine what it means to be college and career ready, together. Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Harnessing Alumni Networks: A Journey from Campus to Career In this episode of 'College and Career Ready,' host Sonia Cacique introduces Quincey Hettinger as they continue the conversation. Together they explore her experiences as a student at Brigham Young University. Quincey shares how involvement in the Student Alumni Association shaped her college experience, provided leadership opportunities, and helped build meaningful connections that furthered her career. The discussion emphasizes the importance of networking, leveraging alumni associations, and actively participating in college events to transition smoothly from education to a successful career. 00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast 01:08 Guest Introduction: Meet Quincey Hettinger 01:48 Discovering the Alumni Association 05:13 The Power of Connections 08:35 Networking for Career Success 13:25 Leadership and Volunteering Experiences 14:54 Final Thoughts and Advice 15:36 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Navigating College and Careers: Insights from Quincey Hettinger In this episode of College and Career Ready, host Sonia Cacique interviews Quincey, a resilient individual who successfully transitioned from high school to college and then into a fulfilling career at PepsiCo. Quincey shares her journey from entering college undecided and utilizing resources such as clubs, career development classes, and real-world networking to find her career path. She discusses the importance of exploring interests, leveraging connections, and being patient with self-assessment to build a successful career. Quincey also provides advice for students facing challenges in their career journey, emphasizing resilience and proactive networking. 00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast 00:35 Meet Quincey: From Undecided Major to Career Success 01:17 Quincey's High School Journey and College Decision 05:30 Exploring Majors and Career Development in College 06:32 Navigating College Clubs and Career Choices 13:43 Quincey's Post-College Career Path 19:39 Overcoming Career Challenges and Finding the Right Fit 26:31 Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement 28:43 Closing Remarks and How to Connect Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, host Sonia Cacique welcomes Khalil Vinson, the founder and CEO of TechFest Live. Khalil shares his mission to bridge the technology gap for black and brown students through TechFest Live, an ed-tech nonprofit organization. They discuss the importance of identifying student interests, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the broad opportunities technology offers across various industries. Khalil also provides insights into the upcoming TechFest Expo on November 8th at the University of Houston, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship in navigating tech careers. 00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast 00:39 Meet Khalil Vinson: Bridging the Technology Gap 03:13 Exploring Tech Education and Career Opportunities 05:00 Identifying Interests and Leveraging Technology 17:26 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Mentors 24:18 The Future of Technology and Inclusivity 27:03 TechFest Live: Empowering the Community 34:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more information on Tech Fest Live: https://techfestlive.com/ Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, we sit down with Sophia, a high school senior from Turner College and Career High School in Pearland, TX. Sophia shares her inspiring journey of discovering her passion in STEM during her junior year. Like many students, Sophia wasn’t always sure what she wanted to pursue, despite trying various activities like sports, arts, and writing. It wasn’t until she took a CAD course at Alvin Community College that she found her true calling in engineering and robotics. Throughout this episode, Sophia discusses the challenges and uncertainties she faced while searching for her passion. She also shares valuable insights on the importance of exploring different interests, developing soft skills, and the role of perseverance in finding one’s true path. Her story is a powerful reminder that the journey to discovering your passion is just as important as the destination. Key Takeaways: - The importance of exploring various interests to find your true passion. - How taking a CAD course led Sophia to discover her love for engineering and robotics. - The value of soft skills, mentorship, and not focusing solely on GPA in personal and professional growth. - Encouragement for students who are unsure about their future paths. Resources Mentioned: - Alvin Community College CAD - Robotics Clubs and STEM Programs Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us grow and reach more students and educators! Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Embrace a Fresh Start: Top 3 Tips for Your New School Year! In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, host Sonia Cacique, shares invaluable insights to help students make a successful transition into the new school year. Sonia discusses the top three focus areas that can enhance your academic and personal growth. Don't miss out on this chance to start a fresh new school year and make meaningful strides in your educational journey. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring tips to kick off the year on the right foot. Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Unlocking College Success: Expert Tips on Choosing the Right College In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, Coach Sonia spoke with her special guest Michelle McAnaney, founder and lead independent educational consultant of the College Spy. Michelle shares invaluable insights on the college selection process, discussing factors such as return on investment, understanding various college cultures, and the importance of finding a school that fits a student's unique needs. She emphasizes the benefit of hidden gem colleges and the practical importance of in-person campus visits. This episode is packed with essential advice for high school students and their families navigating the college admissions journey, highlighting the need for thorough research and self-reflection to make well-informed decisions. 00:00 Introduction to the College and Career Ready Podcast 00:36 Meet Michelle McAnaney: Founder of The College Spy 02:22 Understanding Return on Investment in College Selection 06:20 The Importance of College Fit Over Name Brand 15:36 Creating a Personalized College List 23:10 The Value of Campus Visits and Virtual Tours 28:32 Discovering Hidden Gem Colleges 36:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode, we dive into the critical question of how to determine if the career or degree program you’ve selected is truly the right fit for you. This discussion is essential for high school students, college students, and recent graduates who may have doubts about their chosen paths. The episode provides thought-provoking exercises to help listeners critically evaluate their career choices and motivations. Tune in for valuable insights and strategies to ensure your career aligns with your authentic self. 00:00 Introduction: Is Your Career the Right Fit? 01:30 Celebrating Milestones: Nearing the 100th Episode 05:02 Reflecting on Career Choices 07:48 Personal Story: My Career Journey 10:39 Self-Reflection Exercise: Why Did You Choose Your Career? 14:33 Exploring Career Alignment 16:58 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview Episodes mentioned: Why Connections Might Matter More Than Grades: A Lesson You Won't Learn in School or College Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

The Power of Connections in Career Success In this episode of 'College and Career Ready,' host Sonia Cacique emphasizes the importance of building connections for high school and college students. Sonia, a former educator and now a career coach, shares her personal journey and how connections with mentors and professionals influenced her career growth. She offers practical advice on networking, gaining career clarity and even finding hidden scholarship opportunities for students. After this episode you will have gained valuable resources to start making connections early and to discover new career opportunities. Coach Sonia shares personal anecdotes demonstrating how connections have significantly impacted her own career journey and advises students to engage with professionals in their fields of interest to gain insight and opportunities. The episode is a motivational guide on leveraging relationships to discover and pursue fulfilling career paths. 00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast 01:06 The Importance of Connections 01:21 Join the College and Career Connections Club 02:49 Personal Journey and the Value of Mentors 05:55 Building Your Network for Career Success 10:39 Practical Steps to Build Connections 14:08 Career Connections Course and Community 16:12 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Mentioned in the podcast: Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/course College and Career Connections Club: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode, Coach Sonia explores the emotional rollercoaster that comes with starting a new school year or trying something new. Also, don't miss out on the announcement of a full tuition scholarship for STEM students at Houston Christian University. Join us for valuable insights and encouragement to embrace new challenges with confidence. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing New Beginnings 01:27 Personal Experience: Hosting My First Event 03:57 Facing Fears: The Journey to Overcome Anxiety 06:43 3 Tips for Confronting New Experiences 11:29 Scholarship Announcement: Opportunities for STEM Students 12:24 Conclusion: Embrace the Journey Ahead Scholarship mentioned: For more information, go here. Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Maximizing Your College Experience: Career Insights with Reena Friedman Watts In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, Coach Sonia welcomes Reena Friedman Watts, host of the Better Call Daddy podcast. Reena shares her inspiring journey from college radio to working on shows like the Jerry Springer Show and Nanny 911, and transitioning into marketing and podcasting. They discuss building meaningful connections, exploring career paths, and leveraging life experiences to achieve career success. Reena also provides tips for parents on how to support their children's talents and emphasizes the importance of networking for college students. Tune in for valuable advice and strategies to help college students excel. Topic of conversation: Connect with Reena: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Building Connections: Connor's Journey from College to a Career in Sports In this episode of the College and Career Ready Podcast, Coach Sonia welcomes Connor Potkonjak, a fourth-year commerce and international business student at the University of Victoria, British Columbia. Connor shares his process of building crucial connections within the sports industry, including how a LinkedIn cold message inspired by the College and Career Ready Podcast led him to a meaningful info session with Yvette Yzaguirre from the Seattle Mariners. He discusses the importance of mentorship, persistence, and understanding one's 'why' in navigating career opportunities. Tune in to learn valuable tips for transitioning from college to a career and the significance of nurturing professional relationships. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:43 Meet Connor Pockinjack 02:44 Building Connections on LinkedIn 07:14 Transitioning from High School to College 12:06 The Importance of Mentorship 13:07 Connecting with Yvette Izaguirre 18:09 Connor's Career Journey and Advice 21:27 Closing Remarks and Farewell Connect with Connor: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/connor-potkonjak Instagram: connorpotkonjak Episodes mentioned with Yvette Yzaguirre: Episode #51 and #52: https://collegecareerready.org/podcast Career Connections Summer Course ✔ Define interests, abilities & career goals ✔ Explore employment opportunities and trends ✔ Create your LinkedIn profile ✔ Establish S.M.A.R.T goals ✔ Create a personalized roadmap It is a 5-week Self-Paced Online Course w/ Weekly Virtual Group Sessions; first group session starts July 15th. For more info: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/Course Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

The Power of Connections: Anthony Newton's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader In this podcast episode, Sonia interviews Anthony Newton, CEO and founder of Kaduceus Holdings, about his inspiring career journey. Anthony shares his inspirational journey from his early days in Houston, through a pivotal mentorship by his high school teacher Ms. Betty Brown, to becoming a leader in educational and medical training. He discusses how his diverse experiences and exposure to different facets of pharmacy work led him to establish Kaduceus Holdings, which provides educational and medical training across the U.S. The conversation underscores the value of CONNECTIONS, mentorship, resilience, and faith in achieving career success. The episode also highlights Sonia's upcoming career connections online course which starts July 8, 2024. It is aimed at helping students explore career opportunities and create actionable plans for their futures. The episode emphasizes the importance of exposure, mentorship, and community in achieving success. 00:00 Introduction and Building Connections 03:32 Interview with Anthony Newton: Career Journey 06:41 Anthony's Early Career and Mentorship 12:15 Founding kaduceus Holdings 19:00 Expanding and Overcoming Challenges 26:43 Advice and Reflections 34:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, Sonia interviews Amelia Sofjan, a passionate educator and recent founder of Masterpiece an Acton Academy. Amelia shares her inspiring journey from immigrating to the U.S. at age 11, discovering her passion for teaching and chemistry, to pursuing a dream career in pharmacy education. She discusses her innovative approach to teaching, emphasizing the importance of character development, freedom, and responsibility in learning. Amelia reveals how her experience with Acton Academy inspired her to apply this approach with her adult learners, a class of pharmacy students, and saw much success within that timeframe. That led her to create an unconventional private school that focuses on real-world skills over standardized tests. The conversation also explores the significance of failure, growth mindset, and the role of parents in shaping their children's education. Tune in to learn how Amelia is challenging the status quo in education and preparing the next generation for meaningful careers. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:20 Guest Background and Journey 03:06 Innovative Teaching Methods 04:36 Implementing Acton Methods 14:22 Growth Mindset and Real-World Skills 26:28 Parental Guidance and Education 29:33 Conclusion and School Information Connect with Amelia Sofjan: https://www.instagram.com/masterpieceacton/ https://www.facebook.com/masterpieceacton To learn about Masterpiece: https://www.masterpieceacademy.org/ Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode, Coach Sonia discusses what colleges and universities seek beyond GPA and class rank in college applications. She reflects on her experience at the QuestBridge College Launch event with admission representatives from top colleges such as Bowdin, Dartmouth, Pomona College, and Rice University. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the college admissions process, advising students to highlight their struggles, personal growth, and unique stories in their application essays. This episode aims to provide practical tips and encouragement for students and parents navigating the college admissions journey. We will discuss: Loved this episode, share it with a friend. Want to connect further and be part of our growing community? Then join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Do you wonder why so many adults are pivoting careers? Are you wondering why this trend is happening in the workplace today? Listen in to this week as Sonia interviews Bryan Hill, a former teacher turned business owner who discusses the importance of students identifying their purpose or 'why.' Together they explore how understanding one's passions and motivations can guide career and college choices. Bryan shares his background and experiences, emphasizing the significance of human connections, networking, and reflecting on personal successes to help students and parents. They also discuss the Cup of Joey initiative, a community networking group focused on personal stories and human connection. To connect with Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-hill1992/ To learn more about Cup of Joey: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cup-of-joey/ Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Ready to prepare your teens for college? Tune in to our latest episode with licensed professional counselor Lauren Wolfe as she shares invaluable tips for helping your adolescents transition smoothly to college life. In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, we have as a guest a licensed professional counselor Lauren Wolfe. Lauren, who has over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families, discusses key strategies for preparing adolescents for the transition from high school to college. She also shares her personal experience of preparing her own son for college. We cover topics such as the importance of fostering independence, executive functioning skills, managing responsibilities, and effective communication. Throughout the conversation, Lauren provides actionable advice for parents, including the benefits of part-time jobs, practical tips for building independence, and recognizing the need for supportive interventions. Episode mentioned on the podcast: 62. Is it Stress or Anxiety? Strategies in Managing Mental Health for Kids, High-Achieving Teens and Adults with Lauren Wolfe Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Unlock Your Adolescent's Potential: Essential Tips for a Transformative Summer Break How you can help your adolescent maximize their summer break? By building character and developing essential skills. Whether you're a parent or an adolescent yourself, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice to ensure a productive and enriching summer. Episode Highlights: Discuss Summer PlanningInternships and Job OpportunitiesSummer Classes and WorkshopsVolunteeringSkill Development and Leadership ProgramsAcademic and Career PreparationHealth and WellnessSpecial Announcement: Introduction to our upcoming online course for 10th-12th graders with live group coaching sessions and modules covering character development, career connections, and more. For more information email info@college.careerready.org Additional Resources: Episode 78: Importance of Letters of RecommendationEpisode 79: Creating a Standout Portfolio Get in Touch: Emailinfo@collegecareerready.orgWebsitecollegecareerready.orgThank you for joining us today! We hope this episode inspires you to start meaningful conversations with your adolescent about their summer plans. Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey. See you next week! Send us a text Connect with Sonia Cacique LinkedIn Instagram Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE "Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"