HTB: How to Become

Bernhard Peters

Real people. Real jobs. Real stories. Honest conversations about what different careers are actually like. Perfect for students, parents, and anyone exploring their next step. How to Become interviews professionals in all sorts of careers, from fighter pilots to electricians to business professionals. Learn how they got there, gain insights on the job's highs and lows, and learn how others can follow in their footsteps.

  1. 2 days ago

    How to Become: A Creative Operations Director in Fashion

    Sarah shares her inspiring journey from television production to leading creative operations in fashion, emphasizing the importance of following passions, taking risks, and continuous learning. This episode offers practical advice for career growth, navigating industry changes, and balancing creativity with business needs. Keywords: career development, creative leadership, fashion industry, risk-taking, continuous learning, work-life balance, industry transitions, networking, negotiation, AI in creative work Key topics: Sarah's career transition from television to fashionThe importance of following passion and continuous learningNavigating industry changes and embracing new skills like AIStrategies for effective networking and negotiationBalancing creative freedom with business constraints Chapters 00:00Introduction to Sarah's career journey 55:32:50Industry changes and adaptability 61:06:13Negotiating pay and understanding worth 66:39:35Leadership and managing egos in creative teams 83:19:35The impact of industry buyouts and layoffs 888:52:59The role of testing, learning, and building in career growth 1055:32:59The importance of purpose and impact in work 1194:26:19Advice for young professionals and students 1527:46:19The value of education and following passions 1666:39:39Balancing creative inspiration with business constraints 1722:12:59Integrating AI to enhance efficiency without replacing creativity 1944:26:19Transition to current company and industry evolution 2249:59:39Working within a larger corporate structure 3083:19:39Traits of effective creative directors 3888:52:59Supporting and empowering creative teams 3916:39:39Managing busy seasons and project deadlines 3999:59:39Work-life balance and predictability in creative roles 4222:12:59Advice to 17-year-old Sarah and future generations 4249:59:42The importance of persistence, networking, and staying true to passions 4305:33:02Closing thoughts and gratitude

  2. 3 Sept

    How to Become: A Navy Chaplain

    In this episode, Josh Sherwin, a U.S. Navy Chaplain, shares insights on the role of religion in the military, the importance of maintaining professionalism, and how faith supports service members in challenging environments. Discover how faith, morality, and leadership intersect in military life. Keywords: military chaplain, religion in the military, faith and leadership, morality in war, spiritual connection, Navy, religious services, First Amendment, moral dilemmas, military professionalism Key topics: The significance of the left and right collar in military rank and influenceThe importance of professionalism and standards for military officersThe role of religious services and faith in deployed environmentsLegal foundations of religious freedom in the military under the First AmendmentThe moral dilemmas faced by military personnel in combat situationsThe impact of faith on resilience and moral injury in warThe importance of spiritual connection and personal belief systemsAdvice for young people considering military service or faith-based careersTakeaways: The left collar signifies access and influence, while the right collar signifies professionalism and standards.Military officers must balance personal faith with the expectations of their role and the law.Religious services in the military are protected by the First Amendment and are vital for morale.Faith provides a moral compass and resilience for service members in high-stress environments.Chaplains help service members navigate moral and ethical dilemmas in combat.Maintaining professionalism and discipline is crucial for military effectiveness.Spirituality is a personal lens that helps individuals make sense of the world.Openness to opportunities and following passions can lead to unexpected paths. Chapters 00:00 Career Exploration and Job Options02:42 The Role of a Navy Chaplain03:22 Military Training and Deployment Experiences04:20 Challenges and Responsibilities of Being a Chaplain09:22 Interfaith Education and Deployment Experiences in Afghanistan18:32 Promotion Process for Chaplains19:03 Career Progression and Promotion21:11 Varied Roles and Responsibilities23:39 Educational Background and Training26:57 Chaplaincy in the Medical Field34:32 Personality Traits of a Good Chaplain36:36 Balancing the Influence of the Left and Right Collar577:46:36 Religious Services and Faith in Naval Deployments922:13:16 Legal Foundations of Religious Freedom in the Military1416:39:58 The Importance of Faith and Morality in Service1758:20:00 Leading Inclusive and Respectful Religious Services2050:00:00 Spirituality as a Lens to View the World2263:53:20 Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Challenges in Combat2725:00:00 Supporting Isolated and Morally Injured Service Members2936:06:40 Advice to Young Josh and Embracing Opportunities Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: TB6ZR281P4E0AL0Z

  3. 9 Jun

    How to Become: A Coffee Roaster

    Summary: In this in-depth interview, Eric shares his journey from a print salesman to a successful coffee roaster and entrepreneur. Discover the science behind coffee roasting, the challenges of sourcing and tariffs, and how to differentiate in a competitive market. Keywords: Coffee roasting, coffee business, coffee science, entrepreneurship, sourcing, tariffs, coffee industry, organic coffee, wholesale, subscription service Key topics: Coffee roasting science and techniquesBusiness strategies for coffee entrepreneursSourcing and supply chain management in coffee industryGuest name: Eric Medina Sound Bites: "A good roast is like baking cookies.""Light roasts are the most difficult to perfect.""Each region has unique flavor profiles." Chapters: 00:00From La Jolla to Italy: Education in Coffee Science 02:21The Impact of Coffee Science Education 03:35Starting Libra Coffee in San Diego 04:30The Master's Program in Italy: Trieste and Illicafe 05:50The Mission: Giving Back with Coffee 07:06First Steps After Graduation: Building the Business 08:34Buying a Turnkey Roaster: Pros and Cons 10:01Roasting Techniques: First Roast and Flavor Development 11:49Understanding First and Second Crack in Roasting 13:34Challenges of Light vs Dark Roasts 14:09From First Batch to Consistent Product 14:41Market Preferences: Light vs Dark Roast 15:44Customer Segments and Business Models 16:23Wholesale, Private Label, and Volume Strategies 17:25Sourcing Green Coffee: Relationships and Economics 18:32Supply Chain and Reliability in Coffee Sourcing 19:21From Cherry to Cup: Coffee Growing and Harvesting 21:16Processing Methods: Natural vs Washed Coffee 22:30Quality Factors in Green Coffee Selection 23:13Regional Flavor Profiles and Blends 23:58Market Trends: Blends vs Single Origin 25:14Global Coffee Supply Chain and Tariffs 26:52Impact of Tariffs and War on Coffee Prices 28:09Advice for Aspiring Coffee Entrepreneurs 28:48Starting Small: Equipment and Licensing Tips 30:01Day-to-Day Challenges of Coffee Business 30:58Differentiating Your Coffee Brand 32:11Delivery and Customer Engagement 32:52Join the Libra Coffee Team 33:14The Art of Coffee Branding 35:25The Value of Organic Certification 38:27Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 39:47The Journey to Coffee Mastery 40:17Hands-On Learning and Career Opportunities

  4. 26 May

    How to Become: A CPA and CFO

    Summary: In this conversation, Nicole shares her journey from being a CPA at PWC to becoming a CFO in the biotech industry. She discusses the importance of mentorship, the challenges of work-life balance in public accounting, and the skills necessary for success in finance. Nicole emphasizes the value of continuous professional development and encourages young professionals, especially women, to seek out networking opportunities and not be discouraged in their career paths. Keywords: CFO, career path, accounting, CPA, work-life balance, corporate finance, professional development, women in leadership, biotech Takeaways: Nicole is the CFO at a biotech company.She transitioned from a CPA at PWC to CFO, emphasizing the importance of mentorship.Becoming a CPA requires a graduate degree and passing four exams.Working in audit provides valuable experience and develops soft skills.Career progression in accounting firms is structured and offers clear advancement paths.Work-life balance can be challenging in public accounting, especially during busy seasons.Transitioning to corporate finance involves leveraging industry-specific knowledge.International experience can enhance understanding of different accounting standards.Continuous professional development is crucial for career advancement.Women in finance should seek mentorship and networking opportunities. Sound Bites: "You learn a lot very quickly.""You can't do it all alone.""Don't be discouraged." Chapters: 00:00Introduction to Nicole LaBrosse 02:41Role and Responsibilities of a CFO 04:38Becoming a CPA 07:38Experience in Audit at Big Four Firms 09:31Career Progression in Public Accounting 13:45Work-Life Balance in Accounting Firms 15:29Transitioning to Corporate World 17:27Specialization in Accounting Industries 19:25International Experience in Accounting 22:30Career Progression to CFO 24:03Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 27:08Support and Development at Halos-Ime 29:35Balancing Work and Home Life 30:51Essential Skills for CFO Success 33:21Navigating Career Paths in Finance 35:15Understanding Different CFO Backgrounds 38:07Challenges in the Biotech Industry 39:48Advice for Aspiring CFOs 43:06Empowering Women in Finance 45:05Impacting Patients' Lives

  5. 12 Mar

    How to Become: An Aerospace Engineer

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tommy, an aerospace engineer with a unique career journey from working on the B2 bomber to supporting future programs like the B21. The conversation covers Tomy's career progression from working on the production line to pursuing an engineering degree and transitioning into manufacturing and engineering roles. It explores the challenges in manufacturing, the involvement in aircraft design, and the benefits of a career in the aerospace industry. The conversation covers Tomy's career transition, early work experience, travel, work-life balance, security clearance, career advancement, automation, career progression, challenges at work, product satisfaction, and advice for career reflection. Tomy reflects on his journey, work experiences, and the impact of technology on his role, providing insights into career decisions and challenges. Keywords: Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing, Career Development, Automation, AI, Northrop Grumman, B2 Bomber, B21, Military Technology Key Topics: Career transition from line worker to engineer Impact of automation and AI in aerospace manufacturing Collaborative processes in aerospace design and production Action Items: Focus on gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing. Leverage company-sponsored education programs. Stay adaptable to technological changes in aerospace. Sound bites: "Seeing the B2 fly still gives me chills." "Work hard and listen to everybody, experience is key." "All that graybeard knowledge is starting to retire." Chapters: 00:00 Working on the B2 Bomber and Career Progression 02:56 Supporting Future Programs: The B21 and Beyond 07:28 Balancing Work, Education, and Family 12:15 The Role of Manufacturing Technology and Engineering 16:48 Collaborative Design and Manufacturing Processes 22:19 Impact of Automation and AI in Aerospace 26:54 Security Protocols and Workplace Environment 31:24 Materials, Challenges, and Big Problems in Manufacturing 38:42 The Satisfaction of Seeing the Final Product Fly 39:36 Advice to 17-Year-Old Tommy and Career Insights 42:17 Tommy's Journey: From High School to Career Success 43:16 The Value of Practical Experience and Mentorship Resources: Northrop Grumman Official Site - https://www.northropgrumman.com Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - https://www.erau.edu F-35 Lightning II - https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-35.html B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber - https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104503/b-2-spirit/ B21 Raider Future Stealth Bomber - https://www.northropgrumman.com/aircraft/b-21-raider/

  6. 26 Feb

    How to Become: A Firefigher

    In this in-depth interview, Emily shares her unconventional journey from CPA to firefighter and paramedic, highlighting the rigorous training, career progression, and the mental and physical demands of the job. Discover practical advice for aspiring firefighters and insights into the evolving fire service industry. Keywords: firefighter, paramedic, career change, emergency services, training, mental health, career advice, firefighting career path, EMS, fire industry trends Key Topics Path to becoming a firefighterTraining and certification processMental and physical demands of the jobTitles From CPA to Firefighter: Emily's Unconventional JourneyInside the Fire Service: Training, Career Progression & Mental ToughnessSound Bites "You get inoculated over time.""It changed my perspective on risk.""Never give up trying to get hired."Chapters 00:00The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter 03:52Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field 06:55The Path to Securing a Firefighting Job 09:46Experiences in Emergency Medical Services 12:41Life as a Firefighter and EMT 16:40Choosing the Right Path in Firefighting 17:42A Day in the Life of a Firefighter 19:54The Rigorous Academy Experience 21:29Mental and Physical Toughness in Firefighting 23:19Navigating the Probationary Period 25:16Transitioning from Probation to Full-Time 26:09Understanding Pay and Benefits 27:47Life After Retirement as a Firefighter 29:15The Importance of Physical Fitness 32:14Preparing for High-Stress Situations 34:12The Reality of Firefighting vs. TV Portrayals 36:25Building Camaraderie in the Firehouse 38:10Balancing Family Life with Firefighting 40:22Career Mobility and Opportunities in Firefighting 45:21The Evolution of Firefighting: Technology and Gender Dynamics 49:43The Human Element: Teamwork and Personal Growth in Firefighting 56:12Work-Life Balance: Scheduling and Vacation in Firefighting 01:02:01Pathways to Becoming a Firefighter: Advice for Aspiring Candidates 01:05:25Emily's Transformative Journey to Firefighting 01:06:44The Challenges of the Firefighter Academy

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Real people. Real jobs. Real stories. Honest conversations about what different careers are actually like. Perfect for students, parents, and anyone exploring their next step. How to Become interviews professionals in all sorts of careers, from fighter pilots to electricians to business professionals. Learn how they got there, gain insights on the job's highs and lows, and learn how others can follow in their footsteps.