The Career Ready Podcast

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.

The Career Ready Podcast is a business podcast hosted by College of DuPage Career Services, with 108 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

College of DuPage Career Services hosts The Career Ready Podcast, a business show with 108 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #107

  What Happens After You Click Apply? Insights from a Recruiter

  Sep 29, 202646 minS13

  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

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  Episode #105

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

  Sep 1, 202629 minS13

  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

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  Episode #104

  Careers in Eye Care

  Aug 18, 202621 minS12

  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

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  Episode #103

  Studying English to Create a Career Path, with Jason Snart

  Aug 4, 202624 minS12

  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

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  Episode #102

  Careers in Film and Video with John Rangel

  Jul 21, 202622 minS12

  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

  ListenShow Notes

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