Today we have a special guest, Jamie Cotler, an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Siena College. Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge on career readiness, emotional intelligence, and breaking into the ever-evolving tech landscape.

In this episode, Jamie shares invaluable insights into the importance of emotional and social intelligence in technical roles, her work at Siena College, and innovative programs like the trauma-informed UX design travel course to Poland. She also delves into practical steps for career readiness, from freshman to senior year, with an emphasis on networking, internships, and professional development.

Whether you're a current student or a seasoned professional, Jamie's advice on building empathy, teamwork, and self-awareness will resonate with you. Stay tuned as we explore how these "superpower skills" can elevate your technical abilities and make you stand out in your career. Let's dive in!

Time Stamps:

00:00 Teaching capstone and career readiness courses at Siena.

03:43 Psychology, computer science collaboration for trauma-informed UX design.

06:29 Freshmen: resumes, LinkedIn, GitHub, network; Sophomores: internships.

10:56 High schools lack qualified computer science teachers.

13:52 Career readiness: courses offering resume and teamwork skills.

17:07 Build psychological safety, self-awareness, and team synergy.

21:37 Understanding emotions enhances empathy and self-awareness.

24:23 Networking and alumni connections are key.

26:01 Phenomenal episode on emotional intelligence; connect Jamie.