The Career Ready Podcast
Episodes
97 episodes
Benefits 101 with Angelina Ragano: What New Grads Need to Know
In this episode, Rebecca and Jordan sit down with Angelina Ragano, a Senior HR Generalist at an electronics manufacturing company, to unpack one of the most confusing—yet most important—parts of any job offer: employee benefits. For many new gr...
Professionalism in Interviews: How to Tackle Mistakes, Failures, and Weaknesses
In today’s episode, Pierre leads a discussion on how to effectively respond to the common interview question about past mistakes. Information discussed includes why employers ask these types of questions, how to approach your response with hone...
Turning Interview Anxiety into Confidence: Expert Strategies from a Speech Professor
In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Cassandra Wingert. Cassandra Wingert is a speech communication professor who specializes in helping students manage high speech anxiety. In the interview, they discuss interview nerves, confidence-...
Your Campus Is a Networking Goldmine - Here’s How to Tap In
Networking isn’t just for job seekers - it starts right where you are. In today’s episode, Rebecca Harrington shares information on how to start networking on campus. Information discussed includes practical ways students can build connections ...
Networking and Volunteering: A Student’s Journey Through Career Change
In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Kika, a legal studies student at College of DuPage and a legal professional working in immigration law. In the interview, Kika shares her journey of moving from Colombia to the United States, trans...
Be Résumé Ready: Using Your Coursework to Stand Out
In today’s episode, Pierre shares information on translating classroom experience into a strong résumé. Information discussed includes identifying academic projects, using action‑focused bullet points, and showcasing relevant coursework. But fi...
Respiratory Care Careers with Christa Brennan
In today’s episode, Jordan Rembrecht interviews Christa Brennan, Program Director for Respiratory Care at College of DuPage. Christa shares her 20 years of experience in the field, including work in neonatal and pediatric care, and discusses th...
Human Services Careers with Jason Floren
In today’s episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Jason Floren. Jason is a professor of Human Services at College of DuPage. In the interview, they discuss the diverse career paths within human services, the skills students gain through COD’s p...
Automotive Careers with Joe Aranki
In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Joe Aranki. Joe Aranki is the Automotive Program Coordinator and professor at College of DuPage with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. In the interview, Joe shares his journey...
Understanding Job Boards: Strategies for a Smarter Job Search
In today’s episode, Marisela Morales shares strategies for using job boards effectively, including filtering by date, applying early, tailoring applications, and avoiding scams. But first, Pierre Michiels highlights the NACE competency of...
From Student Athlete to Working Professional with Troy Doris
In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Troy Doris. Troy Doris is a former Olympic triple jumper for Guyana, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and current marketing professional and city councilman. In the interview, Troy shares his jour...
Career Readiness for Transfer Students - Interview with Chris de Kok at Aurora University
Whether you're new to campus or planning a transfer, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay career ready.This episode spotlights the unique career challenges and opportunities transfer students face when moving to ...
Upgrade Your Job Search: Researching Companies and Industries
Learn how to search smarter - not just for jobs, but for the companies and industries that align with your goals. Discover how to find hidden opportunities and make your job search more intentional. In this episode, hosts Rebecca Ha...
Networking Reimagined: Building Support and Finding Opportunities with COD Student Juan Hernandez
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. In this episode of Career Podcast, host Marisela Morales explores a new way to think about networking: as building community, trust, and support systems that can open doors to real oppor...
Using the Library as a Job Search Resource with Christine Kickels
In this episode, host Pierre Michiels interview features Christine Kickels, Reference Librarian at College of DuPage, who shares insights on how students can use the library to explore careers, research companies, and access hidden resources. B...
Navigating the Future of Work with Julio Rodriguez
In this episode, host Pierre Michiels talks with Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Employment and Training, about the future of work and workforce development in Illinois. Julio shares insights on emerging industries li...
Skills That Get You Hired: Insights from NACE’s Dr. Mary Gatta
In this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Jordan Rembrecht welcome Dr. Mary Gatta, Director of Research and Public Policy at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).
Creative Futures: Theater and Beyond with Daniel Millhouse
Thinking about a creative career? In this episode, Rebecca interviews Professor Daniel Millhouse, who shares what it’s really like to work in theater and how studying the arts can prepare you for any career path. From public speaking and teamwo...
Discover the Power of Welding Careers with Professor David Ellis
In today’s episode Marisela interviews David Ellis, Professor in the Welding Technology Program at College of DuPage. They discuss career possibilities within Welding along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started ar...
Studying Speech to Create a Career Path with Cassandra Wingert
Think speech class is just about public speaking? Think again. In this episode, Pierre Michaels sits down with Cassandra Wingert, Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at College of DuPage, to explore how communication skills shape career...
Crafting a Career in Cosmetology: Insights from Professor Stephanie McLemore
In today’s episode Michelle interviews Stephanie McLemore, Assistant Professor in the Cosmetology Program at College of DuPage, to explore the dynamic world of cosmetology. Stephanie shares the wide range of career opportunities available in th...
Purpose & Policy: Inspiring Paths in Political and Civic Life with Maureen Heffern Ponicki
What can you do with a political science degree? More than you think. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Professor Maureen Heffren-Ponicki to explore the many ways students can turn their passion for politics, justice, and community into meani...
Careers in ASL Interpreting with Holly Gaydurgis
In today’s episode, Marisela interviews Holly Gaydurgis, ASL Interpreter Assistant Professor at College of DuPage. Together, they discuss the two main career paths in ASL interpreting—educational and freelance—highlighting the skills developed ...
My Career Path with Jordan Rembrecht
In this kickoff episode of our summer series, host Michelle Malik sits down with Jordan Rembrecht, the newest Career Specialist at College of DuPage and newest host of The Career Ready Podcast. Jordan shares her career journey—fr...
Smarter Interview Prep with AI: What Every Job Seeker Should Know
Stepping into your first job interview can feel overwhelming—but what if you had a personal coach available 24/7? In this episode, we explore how college students and recent grads can use AI tools to prepare smarter, faster, and with more confi...