My Career Shop

Umair Shaikh

Do you know what happens in the career you are pursuing? Do you know what kind of life you are signing up for, how to actually get there, and how to prosper in your field of choice? Well, as a young high school and college student, I sure didn’t, so I am putting together the My Career Shop Podcast which is where I get the opportunity to interview individuals from different careers so you have a better idea what happens in the life of the career that interests you. 

  1. 12/10/2025

    Journey to Becoming a Theater Actor - Award Nominee - Michael Perrie Jr.​

    In this episode of the My Career Shop Podcast, we explore the world of theater acting with our guest Michael Perrie Jr., a Helen Hayes–nominated actor known for his dynamic performances on stage and in film. This conversation is designed for students, career changers, and anyone curious about what it actually takes to build a successful career as a theater actor. Michael breaks down his journey in the performing arts—from discovering his passion to earning professional roles, navigating auditions, mastering emotional expression, understanding the differences between film and theater, and sustaining a long-term career on stage. He also shares practical, step-by-step guidance for aspiring actors, including education options, where beginners can find opportunities, expected earnings, essential skills, daily routines, and what personality types fit (or don’t fit) this field. If you’ve ever wondered what life as an actor really looks like behind the curtain, this episode provides a clear, honest, and detailed look into the profession. Guest: Michael Perrie Jr. Visit his website: https://www.michaelperriejr.com/ Trailer to the Conspiracists: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc6BegrlxQE Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    2h 26m
  2. 03/13/2025

    A Product Manager's Journey - Bhavna Devani

    Are you curious about the world of Product Management and Product Strategy? In this episode of the My Career Shop Podcast, we dive deep into what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field with Bhavna Devani, a seasoned Product Strategist and Founder of Apricity Consulting. Bhavna has an impressive track record, having worked with top companies like McKinsey & Company, eBay, Carbon Five, and Pearl Automation in roles such as Product Specialist, Team Lead, Senior Product Manager, and Product Strategist. Now, as the Founder of Apricity Consulting, she helps leaders navigate pivotal business transitions, providing fractional product leadership and strategic guidance to foster cultures of innovation. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How to break into Product Management & Strategy ✅ What product managers do ✅ Salary expectations in the field ✅ The must-have skills to succeed ✅ Who thrives in this career and who might struggle ✅ And much more! This was an eye-opening conversation about the endless opportunities in product strategy and how to carve out a successful career in this field. 🔔 Subscribe for more career insights! If you found this episode valuable, don’t forget to like, comment, and share with anyone exploring different career paths. Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    1h 26m
  3. 02/25/2025

    How to Choose a Career Path? - CEO of Career Fit (Stephen Shortt)

    🎙 Finding Your Ideal Career with Stephen Shortt Are you stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you? Do you feel like there’s something better out there, but you’re not sure what? You’re not alone—the majority of people feel miserable in their jobs. That’s why Stephen Shortt, a career and talent strategist and CEO of Career Fit, is on a mission to help people find careers that align with their skills, interests, and real-world demand. Through his Career Fit Report, Stephen has developed a quiz that recommends 16 potential career paths tailored to your strengths and aspirations. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Why so many people are unhappy in their careers ✅ How to discover a fulfilling and rewarding career path ✅ The Career Fit Report and how it helps you make informed career choices ✅ Steps to take right now to move toward your ideal job If you’re looking for clarity, direction, and a career that actually excites you, this episode is for you! 🎧 Tune in now and take charge of your career journey! Website: https://https://careerfit.com/ To Find your Career Path: https://findingyouridealcareer.com/ Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    49 min
  4. 02/14/2025

    Discovering Colleges Has Never Been Easier - Andrew Allemann (CollegeIQ)

    🎙️ Did you know you don't need to pay full price for college tuition? To discuss everything about college admissions and how to find the right college for you, I connected with Andrew Allemann, an experienced entrepreneur and the founder of CollegeIQ. If you think you have to pay the full sticker price for college tuition—think again! Did you know that you can actually negotiate tuition? There were so many surprising insights about the college application process that I learned, I knew I had to bring Andrew on the show to share them with you. Andrew, like many parents, was helping his children navigate college admissions when he realized just how much crucial information was missing. So, he took matters into his own hands and built CollegeIQ.com—a powerful platform where students can filter colleges by location, weather, demographics, enrollment size, admissions data, academics, lifestyle, and even financial aid policies. And here’s the game-changer: CollegeIQ doesn’t just show the cost of admission—it reveals how each college treats need-based vs. merit-based aid so you can make the smartest financial decision possible. If you’re planning to attend college in the U.S., or know someone who is, this episode is a must-listen. Andrew shares insider knowledge that can help students and parents make the most informed, cost-effective decisions about higher education. So, sit back, tune in, and get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about paying for college. Let’s dive in! 🎧 Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    46 min
  5. 11/24/2024

    A Human Resource Professional's Journey - Wendy Sellers (the HR Lady)

    🚀 Thinking About a Career in Human Resources (HR) On today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of Human Resources with none other than Wendy Sellers—The HR Lady®—your no-nonsense HR and management expert. Wendy’s bold, straightforward approach and over 25 years of real-world HR experience make her the perfect guide to this fascinating career path.” Wendy’s done it all: HR consulting, management training, teaching, and even hosting her own podcast. She’s worked across industries like healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and more, helping businesses attract and retain top talent while keeping them out of court! In this episode, Wendy breaks down how to break into HR, the skills you need to thrive, and the value of degrees versus certifications—or even starting with no experience at all. We also explore leadership, the evolving role of HR, and how AI is shaking things up in the field. Whether you’re curious about HR or looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. So, let’s get started—here’s my conversation with Wendy Sellers! Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    1h 26m
  6. 10/26/2024

    A Social Media Manager's Journey - Kyle Craichy

    🚀 Thinking About a Career as a Social Media Manager or running your own Social Media Agency? 🎉 In this episode of the My Career Shop Podcast, I had an incredible conversation with Kyle Craichy, Founder of People Trendy, a social media agency specializing in personal brand growth and audience engagement. Kyle shared his journey and gave insights into what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced field. Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered: • The different roles and skills needed to excel as a social media manager • Breaking down branding vs. marketing and how each contributes to success • AI in social media—how it’s transforming content creation and engagement • Navigating the ever-changing social media landscape and staying ahead of trends • Handling negative feedback with confidence and professionalism Whether you’re new to the field or looking to elevate your social media game, Kyle’s advice is packed with actionable tips and real-world experience. 🎧 Listen now to discover what it really takes to build a career as a social media manager and develop a brand that resonates! Guest: Kyle Craichy, Founder of People Trendy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecraichy/ Website: https://peopletrendy.com/ Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    1h 39m
  7. 08/30/2024

    A Doctor's Journey (MD Route) - Dr. Anil Krishna Sharma

    Are you interested in becoming a Doctor? On this episode of the My Career Shop podcast, we again got to delve into the world of healthcare, exploring the journeys of medical professionals and uncovering the intricacies of their specialized fields, and I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Anil Krishna Sharma, a General Internal Medicine Doctor to learn about the profession of a Doctor. Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of the rigorous journey towards becoming a doctor. As Dr. Sharma went to the Caribbean to complete medical school, he shared insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered along the path to become a doctor. From the arduous years of medical school to the demanding residency programs, we uncover the dedication required to succeed in the field of medicine. Whether you're an aspiring medical student, a seasoned healthcare professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of the medical field, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Join us to learn everything about the path to becoming a doctor, and what to expect once one enters the profession as a doctor and specifically, an internist. More details regarding this episode and the career of a Doctor are at https://mycareershop.com Guest: Dr. Anil Krishna Sharma Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    2h 19m
  8. 08/07/2024

    A Technology Sales Professional's Journey - Kashif Khokhar

    Are you interested in becoming a part of the strategy and future direction of a company's technology? Well, you may be interested in the career path of a  Technology Sales Professional.  On this episode of the My Career Podcast, I am joined by Kashif Khokhar, who as a skilled sales development representative, account manager and now account executive, found a great amount of success in this field. Kashif is a two times winner of the President's Club and has had the opportunity to find this success at one of the largest IT solutions and services provider in North America. With his wealth of experience as a Technology Sales Professional, Kashif has founded Sales Coaching 101, where he is on a mission to help other aspiring technology sales professionals.  In this episode, we covered what the field of Tech Sales is about, Kashif's journey into this field from beginning as a Sales Development Representative and moving up to an Account Executive, the skills and characteristics required to enter this field, salary and OTE, and lots of advice for anyone looking to enter and prosper in the field of Technology Sales.  Guest: Kashif Khokhar, Account Executive and Founder of SalesCoaching101 Instagram: @salescoaching101 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kashifkhokhar/ Support the show Thank you for listening! Contact me at umair.shaikh@mycareershop.com Please provide a 5-star rating, subscribe and leave a comment on the platform you are listening on! Also, let me know what other professions you would like to hear from! More details regarding each profession can be found at https://mycareershop.com (Under Construction) THE MY CAREER SHOP PODCAST (“PODCAST”) DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR REPRESENT AS TO THE ACCURACY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE INFORMATION FEATURED IN THIS PODCAST. THE INFORMATION, OPINIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ANY RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS PODCAST IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. UNLESS SPECIFICALLY STATED OTHERWISE, MY CAREER SHOP, LLC DOES NOT ENDORSE, RECOMMEND, APPROVE, OR CERTIFY ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT, PROCESS, SERVICE, OR ORGANIZATION PRESENTED OR MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST, AND INFORMATION FROM THIS PODCAST SHOULD NOT BE REFERENCED IN ANY WAY TO IMPLY SUCH APPROVAL OR ENDORSEMENT. MY CAREER SHOP, LLC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT CONTAINED IN THIS PODCAST.

    1h 55m

About

Do you know what happens in the career you are pursuing? Do you know what kind of life you are signing up for, how to actually get there, and how to prosper in your field of choice? Well, as a young high school and college student, I sure didn’t, so I am putting together the My Career Shop Podcast which is where I get the opportunity to interview individuals from different careers so you have a better idea what happens in the life of the career that interests you.