The Career Ready Podcast

College of DuPage Career Services
  • 4.8 (5)
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Listen to The Career Ready Podcast to learn about resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, interviewing, and all the things you need to Be Career Ready with the Career Services Center at College of DuPage.

  1. 3d ago

    LinkedIn: Enhancing Your Profile

    In this episode, Pierre Michiels shares how to build a strategic LinkedIn profile that supports your career goals. Topics include updating your industry and location, using the Open to Work feature, adding projects and experiences, and optimizing your skills section. But first, Rebecca Harrington introduces LinkedIn Learning and explains how students can use it to build in-demand skills. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of how to make LinkedIn work for your career.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   0:00-5:45 | Exploring LinkedIn Learning  Rebecca introduces LinkedIn Learning, an online platform offering thousands of professional development courses on topics ranging from technical skills to interview preparation. She discusses how many colleges, including College of DuPage, provide free access, the value of learning from vetted industry experts, earning certifications, and how LinkedIn's AI-powered recommendations can help students create personalized learning plans.  5:45-10:29 | Building a Strategic LinkedIn Foundation  Pierre explains the difference between a completed LinkedIn profile and a strategic one. He emphasizes aligning your profile with future career goals by updating industry and location settings to reflect where you want to work rather than where you have been. The discussion highlights how these settings influence recruiter searches, networking suggestions, and job recommendations.   10:29-14:25 | Using Open to Work and Maintaining Your Profile  The conversation focuses on LinkedIn's Open to Work feature and how students can improve visibility by selecting specific job titles, employment types, and preferred locations. Rebecca Harrington adds practical advice on revisiting and updating LinkedIn after significant milestones such as internships, major projects, leadership experiences, or career changes to keep the profile current and relevant.  14:25-19:38 | Leveraging LinkedIn Sections to Showcase Experience  Pierre reviews LinkedIn's Add Section feature, including core, recommended, and additional profile categories. Particular attention is given to the Projects section, which allows students and professionals to highlight coursework, internships, research, and other accomplishments that may not fit naturally into a resume. The hosts discuss using LinkedIn to tell a more complete professional story.  19:38-23:36 | Optimizing Skills and Creating a Career Narrative  The episode concludes with strategies for maximizing LinkedIn's Skills section. Pierre explains how carefully selected and prioritized skills improve discoverability by recruiters and align a profile with future career goals. The hosts encourage listeners to view LinkedIn as an evolving career management tool that communicates not only past experiences but also future aspirations and professional growth.  Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  2. Oct 13

    Internship Playbook: Finding the Right Opportunity

    In this episode, Rebecca Harrington shares information on finding an internship that is the right fit for you, including micro-internships, part-time, virtual, and on-campus opportunities, plus tips for evaluating internships based on skills, goals, and lifestyle. But first, Pierre Michiels answers a listener question about avoiding the job application "dead zone" through targeted applications, networking, and strategic follow-up. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of finding the right internship.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00-07:45 | Avoiding the Application "Dead Zone"  Pierre Michiels answers a listener question about applications disappearing into the "dead zone." He explains the importance of applying strategically, targeting positions that match at least 60-75% of your qualifications, tailoring resumes with keywords from job descriptions, and leveraging networking and follow-up communications to increase visibility with employers. He also discusses appropriate follow-up timing and why quality applications outperform high-volume job searching.  07:45-14:20 | Alternative Internship Options That Count  Rebecca Harrington challenges the idea that internships must be full-time summer positions. She introduces flexible alternatives including micro-internships, part-time internships, virtual opportunities, hybrid roles, and on-campus experiences. The discussion highlights how employers value demonstrated skills and results more than the format of the experience, making these alternatives valuable additions to a resume.  14:20-19:05 | Finding the Right Internship Fit  The hosts discuss how students can evaluate internships based on three key factors: skills, goals, and lifestyle. They encourage listeners to seek opportunities that build desired skills, align with long-term career interests, and fit within existing commitments such as work, classes, and family responsibilities. The conversation also emphasizes using internships to explore career interests and gain clarity about future goals.  19:05-25:20 | Where to Find Internship Opportunities  The focus shifts to internship search strategies. Rebecca Harrington recommends leveraging faculty connections, college resources, local business networks, and chambers of commerce. The hosts explain why smaller local employers can provide meaningful projects and easier access to experience than highly competitive national internship programs. They also encourage students to proactively pitch project ideas and use networking to uncover hidden opportunities.  25:20-30:08 | Evaluating Internship Offers and Final Advice  The episode concludes with guidance on assessing internship offers. Topics include seeking paid opportunities when possible, clarifying expectations through written agreements, ensuring there is a learning component, and avoiding situations where interns are used primarily as inexpensive labor. The hosts remind listeners that internships should be educational partnerships that develop skills, provide mentorship, and help students make informed decisions about their future careers.  Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  3. Sep 29

    What Happens After You Click Apply? Insights from a Recruiter

    In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Dawn Pieczonka, a senior recruiter with more than eight years of experience across corporate, healthcare, and live event industries. Dawn shares insider perspectives on what happens after you apply, the roles of recruiters and hiring managers, resume and interview best practices, networking, LinkedIn, and the growing impact of AI in hiring. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of the recruiting and hiring process.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00 - 09:35 | Meet the Recruiter & Understanding the Hiring Team  Host Pierre Michiels welcomes recruiter Dawn, who shares her background in corporate, healthcare, and event recruiting. The discussion explores the distinct roles of recruiters, hiring managers, and executives, what each evaluates during the hiring process, and why candidates should tailor their communication to each audience.  09:35 - 18:30 | What Really Happens After You Click Apply?  Dawn pulls back the curtain on the application process, explaining how resumes are reviewed, why internal candidates often receive early consideration, how referrals influence hiring, and why applicants may not hear back immediately. She also shares advice on following up professionally and leveraging LinkedIn connections.  18:30 - 28:45 | Resume Strategies for Standing Out  The conversation shifts to resumes, including the six-second review rule recruiters often follow. Topics include keeping resumes clear and concise, avoiding common mistakes, tailoring content to specific roles, and how students with limited experience can highlight coursework, volunteering, projects, and transferable skills.  28:45 - 38:10 | Interviewing, Professionalism & LinkedIn  Dawn shares what recruiters look for during interviews, including authenticity, responsiveness, communication skills, and confidence. She discusses professionalism, appropriate interview attire, handling lateness through clear communication, and the importance of maintaining consistency across resumes, interviews, and LinkedIn profiles.  38:10 - 41:40 | AI in the Modern Job Search  The episode explores how organizations use AI in recruiting and applicant screening. Dawn explains how job seekers can use AI effectively to refine resumes, align applications with job descriptions, and improve their materials while keeping their experiences and accomplishments authentic.  41:40 - 45:56 | Final Recruiter Tips for Job Seekers  To close the episode, Dawn provides practical advice, including creating job alerts, applying within the first 24-48 hours of a posting, asking thoughtful questions during interviews, sending thank-you notes, networking through LinkedIn and professional communities, and using career services resources. She emphasizes that persistence, relationships, and preparation are key to long-term job search success.  Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  4. Sep 15

    LinkedIn: Four Core Profile Pieces

    In this episode, Pierre Michiels shares information on building a stronger LinkedIn profile. Information discussed includes professional profile photos, effective headlines, personalized LinkedIn URLs, and using industry keywords to improve visibility with recruiters. But first, Rebecca Harrington starts the episode by answering a listener question about finding the right keywords for resumes and LinkedIn. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of LinkedIn profile optimization.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   0:00 - 7:20 | Finding the Right Industry Keywords  Rebecca Harrington answers a listener question about how to identify the keywords employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) are looking for on resumes and LinkedIn profiles. She shares three practical strategies: analyzing multiple job descriptions, reviewing LinkedIn profiles of professionals in target roles, and following industry news and trade publications. The discussion also covers how to avoid keyword stuffing and effectively incorporate industry terminology into job search materials.  7:20 - 13:20 | The Importance of Your LinkedIn Profile Photo  Pierre Michiels begins a discussion on four key components of a strong LinkedIn profile by focusing on profile photos. He explains how a professional image helps establish credibility, creates positive first impressions, and increases the likelihood that recruiters will engage with a profile. The hosts share recommendations on lighting, attire, background selection, and how LinkedIn profile photos differ from photos used on other social media platforms.  13:20 - 17:20 | Creating a Compelling LinkedIn Headline  The conversation shifts to LinkedIn headlines and how they can help candidates stand out in searches. Pierre explains a simple formula for building an effective headline using current status, career interests, and key skills. Examples are provided to demonstrate how students can showcase future career goals while incorporating relevant industry terminology.  17:20 - 19:15 | Customizing Your LinkedIn URL  Pierre discusses the value of personalizing a LinkedIn URL to make profiles more professional and easier to share on resumes and networking materials. He explains how removing random characters and creating a cleaner link can strengthen a candidate's professional brand and improve accessibility for recruiters and contacts.  19:15 - 23:41 | Using Industry Terminology Throughout Your Profile  The episode concludes with a deeper look at incorporating industry-specific language across all areas of LinkedIn, including the headline, About section, experience descriptions, projects, and skills. The hosts emphasize that LinkedIn is a living marketing document that should evolve with career goals and industry trends. They close by encouraging listeners to spend time reviewing and updating these four profile areas to strengthen their professional brand and improve visibility in recruiter searches.  Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  5. Sep 1

    Using Curiosity to Build Career Success a Conversation with Nicole and People’s Resource Center

    In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Nicole Tochalauski. Nicole is the Employment and Technology Access Manager at the People’s Resource Center, where she helps adults in DuPage County navigate job searches, career development, and technology access. In the interview, they discuss the importance of curiosity as a career readiness skill, how curiosity can help individuals explore career paths, build meaningful professional relationships, and strengthen networking through genuine connection and learning. Nicole also shares practical strategies for developing curiosity, leveraging community resources, volunteering, and using informational conversations to uncover career opportunities and solve problems. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how curiosity can support career readiness, professional growth, and long-term career success.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   0:00-3:35 | Meet Nicole and the People’s Resource Center  Host Pierre Michaels welcomes Nicole, Employment and Technology Access Manager at the People’s Resource Center (PRC). Nicole shares her background in nonprofit work, explains PRC’s mission, and highlights the organization’s employment coaching services, volunteer-powered support model, and successful job seeker outcomes.  3:35-6:20 | Why Curiosity Matters for Career Readiness  Nicole introduces curiosity as a “career superpower” that employers value. She discusses how asking open-ended questions helps individuals learn, adapt to new environments, and engage more effectively with others during their career journey.  6:20-13:50 | Networking Through Curiosity and Connection  The conversation reframes networking as relationship building rather than transactional interactions. Nicole shares examples of how everyday conversations, community connections, alumni networks, and volunteering can create career opportunities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining relationships before a job search begins.  13:50-17:55 | Building Meaningful Professional Relationships  Pierre and Nicole explore how curiosity leads to stronger informational interviews and deeper professional conversations. Nicole explains the value of asking questions that cannot easily be answered through an online search and learning from others’ lived experiences.  17:55-23:50 | Using Curiosity to Shape Career Paths  Nicole discusses how curiosity can help individuals identify problems they want to solve, evaluate possible career directions, and adapt to changing interests over time. The conversation also covers career pivots, long-term planning, and how curiosity can reduce fear and uncertainty during a challenging job market.  23:50-28:39 | Developing Curiosity as a Lifelong Skill  To close the episode, Nicole shares practical ways to strengthen curiosity, including exploring unfamiliar ideas, media, and experiences. She explains how curiosity functions like a muscle that grows through practice and why it remains a key trait for career advancement, professional growth, and lifelong learning.  Resources Discussed:  Visit the People’s Resource Center webpage  Learn more about PRC’s Job Assistance program  Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  6. Aug 18

    Careers in Eye Care with Mitzi Thomas

    In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Mitzi Thomas. Mitzi Thomas is the Department Chair and Assistant Professor of the Ophthalmic Technician Program at College of DuPage. In the interview, they discuss the ophthalmic technician career path, the differences between eye care assistant and ophthalmic technician roles, the education and training required for the field, key skills such as communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking, and how hands-on clinical experiences help prepare students for successful careers in eye care. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the ophthalmic technician profession and the educational pathways available to enter this growing healthcare field.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00 - 02:24 | Guest Introduction and Career Journey  Host Pierre Michiels welcomes listeners and introduces Mitzi Thomas, Department Chair and Assistant Professor of the Ophthalmic Technician Program at College of DuPage. Mitzi shares her professional background, including her experience as an ophthalmic technician, work in hospital systems, and her role in launching the college's ophthalmic technician program.  02:24 - 08:25 | Understanding the Ophthalmic Technician Career Path  Mitzi explains the ophthalmic technician profession, including responsibilities such as diagnostic testing, patient care, imaging, and supporting ophthalmologists. She discusses the Eye Care Assistant Certificate and Ophthalmic Technician AAS pathways at COD, compares these options to becoming an ophthalmologist, and highlights how students can enter the field quickly while still exploring long-term healthcare careers.  08:25 - 11:53 | Essential Skills for Success in Eye Care  The conversation shifts to the skills needed for the profession. Mitzi emphasizes adaptability, communication, attention to detail, documentation accuracy, and critical thinking. She explains how technicians interact closely with patients and must think proactively when evaluating patient information and vision changes.  11:53 - 16:54 | Hands-On Learning and Program Preparation  Mitzi describes how students develop professional competencies through clinical placements, externships, laboratory experiences, simulations, and electronic health record training. She explains how the program blends classroom instruction with real-world application to build confidence and career readiness.  16:54 - 19:49 | Career Exploration and Program Resources  As the episode concludes, Mitzi encourages students to remain open-minded when exploring healthcare careers and to consider alternative pathways if initial plans change. She discusses advising sessions, open house opportunities, and resources available through the program for prospective students interested in learning more about eye care careers.  19:49 - 20:23 | Closing Remarks  Pierre thanks Mitzi for joining the podcast, shares information about submitting listener questions, and concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to continue exploring career pathways in healthcare and ophthalmic technology.  Resources Discussed:   Contact: Mitzi Thomas thomasm90@cod.edu for program questions  College of DuPage Ophthalmic Technician Program web page   College of DuPage Eye Care Assistant Program web page  Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  7. Aug 4

    Studying English to Create a Career Path, with Jason Snart

    In this episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Jason Snart. Jason Snart is a Professor of English at the College of DuPage and chair within the English department, specializing in areas such as creative writing, film, and literature. In the interview, they discuss the wide range of career paths an English degree can support, the transferable skills students develop—such as communication, critical thinking, storytelling, and research—and how these align with employer expectations and the NACE competencies. They also explore the different areas within English studies, the importance of audience awareness, and ways students can gain experience and stand out through involvement and curiosity. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the value and versatility of an English degree in preparing for a variety of careers.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00–02:30 | Introduction & Overview of English Degrees  Rebecca Harrington introduces the episode and welcomes Professor Jason Snart, who shares his background and explains the broad scope of English studies. They begin by framing English as a versatile degree that supports many career paths rather than a single, direct profession.  02:30–06:30 | Transferable Skills & Career Readiness  The conversation focuses on key skills developed through English programs, including communication, critical thinking, research, and collaboration. These competencies are connected to employer expectations and NACE career readiness standards, emphasizing their relevance across industries.  06:30–11:30 | Areas Within English & Storytelling Skills  Snart highlights different disciplines within English—creative writing, literature, film, and professional writing—and how each builds analytical and creative abilities. The importance of storytelling, audience awareness, and adapting communication for different contexts is emphasized.  11:30–15:30 | Experiential Learning & Co-Curricular Opportunities  They discuss ways students can build experience outside the classroom, including clubs, events, and campus involvement. Both stress the value of engagement, curiosity, and applying classroom learning to real-world environments.  15:30–19:30 | Career Preparation, Positioning Skills & English as a Complement  Advice is shared on how students can market their skills, develop an “elevator pitch,” and use English courses or a minor to enhance other fields of study. The discussion reinforces English as a strong complement to technical degrees.  19:30–23:30 | Long-Term Value, AI, & Final Advice  The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting value of communication and critical thinking skills, even as technology evolves. Snart underscores the importance of authentic voice and adaptability, encouraging students to leverage English skills throughout their careers.  Resources Discussed:  College of DuPage English Programs webpage Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  8. Jul 21

    Careers in Film and Video with John Rangel

    In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews John Rangel. John Rangel is a motion picture and television professor at the College of DuPage as well as an independent filmmaker. In the interview, they discuss the film and video program, the wide range of career paths available in the industry, and the key skills needed for success, including networking, creativity, and hands-on experience. They also highlight the importance of getting involved on film sets, building a portfolio, and leveraging internships to break into the field. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of careers in the film and video industry and how to get started.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00–03:00 | Introduction & Program Overview  Pierre Michiels introduces the episode and guest John Rangel, a motion picture and television professor and independent filmmaker. They outline the purpose of exploring the film and video field and begin discussing the College of DuPage program, which provides a broad foundation in filmmaking through exposure to directing, writing, producing, and more.   03:00–08:00 | Career Paths & Industry Roles  The conversation highlights the wide range of career opportunities within film and video, emphasizing how many specialized roles exist, as seen in film credits. Rangel explains that students can pursue paths in production, videography, or related industries, while Michiels stresses the importance of recognizing these diverse options.   08:00–12:00 | Key Skills for Success  Rangel identifies essential skills, including collaboration, networking, and consistent content creation. He emphasizes that success depends not just on technical ability but also on engaging with others, building connections, and actively sharing work to gain visibility.   12:00–15:30 | Gaining Experience & Internships  They discuss the value of hands-on experience through working on film sets, stepping outside comfort zones, and pursuing internships. Internships are framed as critical entry points, often leading directly to job opportunities through relationships and demonstrated skills.   15:30–18:30 | Program Preparation & Student Opportunities  Rangel explains how the program prepares students through frequent project work, resume and demo reel development, and a film festival that simulates real industry experiences. These opportunities help students build portfolios and confidence.   18:30–End | Final Advice & Resources  The episode concludes with advice to focus on storytelling over equipment, watch diverse films, and create complete, polished projects. Rangel shares how students can learn more about the program, and the episode wraps with key takeaways on entering the field.   Resources Discussed:  College of DuPage Film & Video Program webpage Contact: rangell@cod.edu for program questions Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

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Listen to The Career Ready Podcast to learn about resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, interviewing, and all the things you need to Be Career Ready with the Career Services Center at College of DuPage.

Information

  • Creator
    College of DuPage Career Services
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Career Ready Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Career Ready Podcast

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