In this episode, Ryane and Brett speak with David Muirhead about his long career working in international development. David spent the majority of his career working in the Middle East and was part of a team that developed a stadium for the 2022 World Cup. Listen to their conversation to learn more about working abroad, developing leadership skills, and what life is like for an engineer.

Link: The Tower, April 18, 1980

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: David Muirhead LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett speak with alumnus Christopher DeSimone about his career in communications. The group talks about navigating early career struggles and figuring out what you want to do after graduation, in addition to ways for all of us to become better at understanding our audiences.

Link: The Tower, January 31, 2014

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Christopher DeSimone LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett speak with alumnus Dr. Ali Mattu about his career as a mental health practitioner and content creator. He has been featured in shows on Netflix, HBO, and other media outlets, and now operates his own YouTube channel that focuses on providing accessible mental health tips. Listen in on their conversation to learn how to position yourself well in your job search, issues facing mental health practitioners today, and how to develop your own online persona.

Link: Dr. Ali's Website

Link: Dr. Ali's YouTube Channel

Link: Dr. Ali on Netflix's The Mind Explained

Link: Dr. Ali on A&E's The Employables

Link: Marbles by Ellen Forney

Link: Rock Steady by Ellen Forney

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Dr. Ali's LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett banter about the upcoming CatholicU on Wall Street trip with students and alumni. They then interview alumna Lauren Maffeo, B.A. 2011 about her career in writing and design, as well as her new book. Listen in on their conversation for tips on becoming a better writer, how to talk about your transferable skills, and what it is like to work in the District of Columbia where history is always being made.

Link: The Tower Article on the 2009 Inauguration

Link: Lauren's book, Designing Data Governance from the Ground Up: Six Steps to Build a Data-Driven Culture

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Lauren Maffeo LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett are joined by a Catholic University luminary, Ms. Willie Joyner. Ms. Willie has served Catholic University for nearly fifty years, and she shares her wisdom from experience and love. The group discusses what brought Ms. Willie to D.C. and Catholic University, her experience working on union matters, and what makes her approach to caring for people so special.

You can support the naming of the Ms. Willie Joyner Dining Hall here (link).

Link: The Tower, September 22, 1978 Article on Ms. Willie

Link: Ms. Willie in the University Archives

Link: Ms. Willie in the Washington Post

Link: Ms. Willie on Fox News

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett chat about the university's career week and the new CACS space in Garvey Hall. Then, they interview Mark Fellin about his career path and current work with Amazon. The three of them discuss working in a large company, developing a professional network, and Mark's time as the CatholicU homecoming king. 

Link: Article 1 in The Tower

Link: Article 2 in The Tower and Mark's Homecoming King Picture

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Mark Fellin LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett chat about MLK Day of Service and then turn to a conversation with Lauren Hand Sarmir. Lauren works in communications for Northrop Grumman, and previously worked for USCCB. They discuss the common CatholicU student dream of working on the Hill and how it contributes to career development, interning in Parliament during the Brexit referendum, and the differences between working in the non-profit space and the corporate world. Finally, they discuss a recent CatholicU tradition: CapitalFest.

Link: Article in The Tower for Blast from the Past

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Lauren Sarmir LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

In this episode, Ryane and Brett sit down with Patrick Coleman, B.A. 1994 to discuss his career in journalism, corporate communications, and sports. Patrick is the founder of the d3sports.com portfolio of sites, including d3hoops and d3football, and has broadcast division 3 athletics since his time as a student. Currently working in corporate communications and social media, Patrick shares his wisdom on how to communicate effectively, how he broke into journalism, and how to find your niche when starting a company. 

Link: The Cardinal 1993 Yearbook Story

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Patrick Coleman LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

Ryane and Brett are joined by Dr. Melva Covington, B.A. 1984 to talk about her career in developing research and research teams in healthcare. Dr. Covington has supported research initiatives across many organizations and is known as the 'patient lady' for her emphasis on patients' perspectives and person-centered research. She offers insights on leadership, navigating large organizations and startups, and talks about her role on campus through BOSCUA.

Link: The Tower, March 23, 1984 - Blast from the Past

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Melva Covington LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America

Ryane and Brett are joined by Andrew Wade, B.S.B.A 2019 for a discussion about his young career in basketball. Andrew is currently a coach for the Washington Mystics and spent time in the 2020 WNBA bubble. Andrew offers reflections on breaking into sports, developing grit, and recognizing the role of others in your career journey.

Link: November 11, 2016 The Tower on CatholicU vs. Notre Dame Men's Basketball Game

Link: Cardinal Connect

Link: Center for Career and Academic Success

Link: Andrew Wade LinkedIn

Link: Ryane Cheatham LinkedIn

Link: Brett LaPrad LinkedIn

Link: Give to The Catholic University of America