The Career Ready Podcast

Episodes

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  LinkedIn: Enhancing Your Profile 27.10.2026 23m

  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.&nbs...
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  Internship Playbook: Finding the Right Opportunity 13.10.2026 30m

  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 fi...
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  What Happens After You Click Apply? Insights from a Recruiter 29.09.2026 46m

  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 epis...
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  LinkedIn: Four Core Profile Pieces 15.09.2026 23m

  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 optimizati...
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  Using Curiosity to Build Career Success a Conversation with Nicole and People’s Resource Center 01.09.2026 28m

  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 connect...
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  Careers in Eye Care with Mitzi Thomas 18.08.2026 20m

  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 p...
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  Studying English to Create a Career Path, with Jason Snart 04.08.2026 24m

  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 ...
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  Careers in Film and Video with John Rangel 21.07.2026 22m

  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 ...
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  Careers in Aviation with Tim Genc 07.07.2026 25m

  In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Tim Genc, an Associate Professor of Aviation at the College of DuPage. Tim shares his unique journey into aviation and his experience building the college’s aviation program. In the interview, they discuss the wide range of career paths within aviation beyond piloting, common misconceptions about entering the field, the skills and mindset needed for success, and how students can gain exposure through networking, events, and hands-on learning opportu...
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  Careers in Criminal Justice with Dr. Theo Darden 23.06.2026 25m

  In this episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Dr. Theo Darden. Dr. Darden is a Professor of Criminal Justice Studies at the College of DuPage with extensive experience in both academia and law enforcement. In the interview, they discuss the wide range of career paths within criminal justice beyond traditional law enforcement, including roles in juvenile justice, victim advocacy, corrections, and data analysis, as well as the education pathways required for these careers. They also explore th...
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  Careers in Personal Training with Nicole Juhl 09.06.2026 30m

  In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Nicole Juhl. Nicole is an Associate Professor in Physical Education who oversees the Certified Personal Trainer program at College of DuPage. They discuss career paths in personal training, essential skills like communication and professionalism, and ways students can gain experience and build networks. After listening, we hope you better understand the personal training field and its opportunities. Full episode transcript can be found on the episod...
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  You’re Not Behind: Career Planning and Transfer Insights from NIU Career Counselors 26.05.2026 1h

  In today’s episode, host Pierre Michiels interviews Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard, career counselors from Northern Illinois University’s Career Services. They discuss how students—especially those transferring—can use reflection, exploration, and intentional planning to clarify career goals and build momentum. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of navigating academic and career transitions with confidence. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page...
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  What Employers Really Want in an AI Economy with the President of College of DuPage Dr. Siddiqi 12.05.2026 36m

  In today’s episode, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Pierre Michiels interview Dr. Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage. Dr. Siddiqi shares his career journey and discusses the future of work, AI’s impact on jobs, lifelong learning, and the importance of durable skills like communication and critical thinking. After listening, we hope you better understand how to stay career ready in a changing workforce. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timest...
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  Internship Playbook: First Week Tips 28.04.2026 22m

  In today’s episode, host Rebecca Harrington shares information on how to make your first week as an intern a success. Information discussed includes showing curiosity over perfection, asking clarifying questions, taking detailed notes, learning workplace communication norms, and building relationships early. But first, Jordan Rembrecht starts the episode by answering a listener mailbag question about how to keep track of the many new people you meet during interviews and in the early days of ...
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  Benefits 101 with Angelina Ragano: What New Grads Need to Know 14.04.2026 50m

  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 graduates, benefits can feel overwhelming, full of unfamiliar terms and fine print. Angelina breaks everything down in simple, practical language to help first‑time job seekers feel confident as they evaluate offers and step into the professional world.&n...
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  Professionalism in Interviews: How to Tackle Mistakes, Failures, and Weaknesses 31.03.2026 16m

  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 honesty and strategy, and how to use the STAR Method to highlight growth, professionalism, and resilience. But first, Rebecca starts the episode by exploring the NACE competency of Professionalism—specifically what it means to be present, prepared, and depe...
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  Turning Interview Anxiety into Confidence: Expert Strategies from a Speech Professor 17.03.2026 40m

  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-building strategies, and effective communication habits. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of managing anxiety during interviews. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary...
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  Your Campus Is a Networking Goldmine - Here’s How to Tap In 03.03.2026 25m

  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 through career fairs, student organizations, professors, alumni, and guest speakers, along with tips for starting early, showing curiosity, and following up effectively. But first, Pierre Michiels starts the episode by exploring the NACE competency of c...
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  Networking and Volunteering: A Student’s Journey Through Career Change 17.02.2026 24m

  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, transitioning from a career in real estate to the legal field, and navigating cultural and professional differences while building a new career path. She also discusses the importance of networking, volunteering, mentorship, and using campus resources to gai...
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  Be Résumé Ready: Using Your Coursework to Stand Out 03.02.2026 14m

  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 first, Jordan starts the episode by highlighting the NACE leadership competency. After listening, we hope you better understand how classroom experience strengthens your résumé. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a ge...