In our first installment of law enforcement-related fields, we get a great opportunity to learn about the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).  To advance American interests and foreign policy, DSS protects people, property and information at more than 270 State Department missions worldwide. This agency is assigned many responsibilities as their agents are tasked with such missions as protecting the secretary of state and foreign dignitaries the U.S., combating international human trafficking, and investigation passport and visa fraud to help secure our borders.   Given recent events such as the attack on the U.S. Embassy on December 31, 2019, this episode could not be more relevant today. Special Agent Federico Casso discusses DSS, his assignments and his experience working with this dynamic organization. If you are in college working towards your bachelor’s degree and considering a job in law enforcement, this may be the perfect career for you.

Timeline:

• 00:00    Introduction
• 00:51    What is Diplomatic Security and what do they do?
• 02:16    The job, the missions and assignments abroad.
• 07:32    Building relationships and support with host countries.  Example Paraguay
• 16:13    Assignments within the United States.
• 18:32    Requirements to join the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
• 19:46    Factors that may affect you negatively in applying to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security or any Federal job.
• 23:38    Stages of Training to be a member of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security
• 28:44    What is a typical day for you like?
• 31:27    What are the challenges you have come across over the 16 years of your Career?
• 33:33    What are the rewarding aspects of your job?
• 34:58    How do you manage stress?
• 35:28    What kind of impact does your job have on spouse and family life?
• 39:00    Any other memorable experiences in the course of your career?
• 41:10    The diverse educational backgrounds of agents operating in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
• 43:27     What do you know now that you wish you knew back in college?
• 45:52     What other opportunities are available for someone with your career, your Background?
• 48:42     Closing and Summary

1. Photo credit: U.S. Department of State Photo(s)

Links:  

https://www.globaltiesus.org/news/members-in-the-news/1431-agents-unknown-true-stories-of-life-as-a-special-agent-in-the-diplomatic-security-service

https://careers.state.gov/ds/

https://careers.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018_SA_Brochure_v1.pdf

https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-management/bureau-of-diplomatic-security/

Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/StateDeptDSS/videos/458202725056748/

Link for career information and salary:

https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/career-tracks/diplomatic-security-special-agent/

Great YouTube videos:  

https://www.youtube.com/embed/-QTzTP9vZRk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdlTm4q1s_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pUwqAN4KtM

 

[rev_slider alias="episode-15-orlando-gomez-recording-engineer"]   Incredible Closeup this week with recording and mixing engineer Orlando Gomez of Beacon Hill Recording studio! Orlando gives us a great insight to the world of producing multi-platinum level musical projects, working with local talent to superstar artists and the teamwork behind the scenes it takes to make it all come together. Orlando discusses his own personal experiences in the industry as well as his recommendations for success in his field. Not surprisingly, his advice will help you succeed in any field.   Time 00:00 Intro 01:06 Role of audio engineer 02:17 The many roles in the production of a song 06:11 At what point did you decide to pursue a career in music? 07:29 How were you able to succeed in both your degree in electrical engineering and still pursue your role in the music industry? 08:58 Where do you see the music industry going with the emergence of sites like Soundcloud, youTube and iTunes? 10:53 What advice do you have for people trying to make it as musicians or producers at these sites? 13:27 What are some of the things you feel have had the most impact on your success as you were going through high school, college, or Apprenticeship? 14:13 Could you share with us some of the resources out there that someone in high school or college could use to help them further their music production knowledge? 15:32 Could you describe an average day of what it is like working as a music producer? 17:52 Are there any eclectic or offbeat ways you tap into your creativity? 19:22 Did you estimate the degree of success Khalid would have as you were working on his music? How did you feel about Grammy nomination? 21:16 Looking back at your success, what advice would you have for yourself when you were starting out? 22:41 What would you like to see happen in El Paso to keep the momentum going in terms of the music scene? 25:55 Working long hours as you mentioned, can you tell us about the challenges you come across in the process? Challenges with an artist, interpersonal challenges, creative challenges? 27:40 Is there anything else you want anyone to know who is interested in the music or production industry? 28:34 Summary   Related Links: Beacon Hill Recording Studio El Paso, TX- See the team at this studio, the artists they work with, and links to samples of their work. Beacon Hill Recording Studio's Soundcloud link Recording Connection  - Real studio education, real studio connections. They offer many certifications in many cities across the United States.  Orlando featured in Recording Connection's Apprenticeship to Employment and  Success stories Audio Engineering Society - for more information on this field. Sokanu - What does an Audio Engineer do? Audio Engineer - career information from TheBalance.com

Incredible Closeup this week with recording and mixing engineer Orlando Gomez of Beacon Hill Recording studio! Orlando gives us a great insight to the world of producing multi-platinum level musical projects, working with local talent to superstar artists and the teamwork behind the scenes it takes to make it all come together. Orlando discusses his own personal experiences in the industry as well as his recommendations for success in his field. Not surprisingly, his advice will help you succeed in any field.

 

Time Line:

00:00 Intro

01:06 Role of audio engineer

02:17 The many roles in the production of a song

06:11 At what point did you decide to pursue a career in music?

07:29 How were you able to succeed in both your degree in electrical engineering and still pursue your role in the music industry?

08:58 Where do you see the music industry going with the emergence of sites like Soundcloud, youTube and iTunes?

10:53 What advice do you have for people trying to make it as musicians or producers at these sites?

13:27 What are some of the things you feel have had the most impact on your success as you were going through high school, college, or Apprenticeship?

14:13 Could you share with us some of the resources out there that someone in high school or college could use to help them further their music production knowledge?

15:32 Could you describe an average day of what it is like working as a music producer?

17:52 Are there any eclectic or offbeat ways you tap into your creativity?

19:22 Did you estimate the degree of success Khalid would have as you were working on his music? How did you feel about Grammy nomination?

21:16 Looking back at your success, what advice would you have for yourself when you were starting out?

22:41 What would you like to see happen in El Paso to keep the momentum going in terms of the music scene?

25:55 Working long hours as you mentioned, can you tell us about the challenges you come across in the process? Challenges with an artist, interpersonal challenges, creative challenges?

27:40 Is there anything else you want anyone to know who is interested in the music or production industry?

28:34 Summary

 

Related Links:

Beacon Hill Recording Studio El Paso, TX- See the team at this studio, the artist they work with and links to their social media.

Recording Connection  - Real studio education, real studio connections. They offer many certifications in many cities all across the United States.

Beacon Hill Recording Studio's Soundcloud link

Audio Engineering Society - for more information on this field.

Sokanu - What does an Audio Engineer do?

Audio Engineer - career information from TheBalance.com

 

[rev_slider alias="episode-14-shandi-keller-blackhawk-pilot-and-instructor"]   Shandi Keller is someone we knew we wanted to speak to due to her accomplishments as a helicopter pilot in the Army and as an instructor for other pilots. We were fortunate she was able to stop by the day before moving to a new training station so we could record this interview.  In this episode, she discusses how she decided to enlist in the Army, what she did to prepare, and what she did to move up through ranks during her time in the Army. She also discusses ways to enter the military with a higher rank, different pathways to becoming a pilot in the military, and some misconceptions people may have regarding those in the military. One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of networking at every level, from sitting down with people who do the job that interests you, to making sure those who evaluate or rank you know who you are. It is important not only to make a name for yourself by doing your best, but to maintain your integrity in a small community where your reputation will most likely precede you.   Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 1:48 High school, decision to join Army and preparation to enlist 6:10 How long were you a Medevac pilot and how did you transition out of active duty? 8:55 Typical day as Instructor 10:00 Favorite part and challenges of job 12:32 Most memorable moments 19:55 Advice for someone wanting to be a pilot in the military? 27:00 What does she know now that she wishes she would have known earlier? 30:34 Any misconceptions about the military she would like to address?   Related Links: FAA - Becoming a Pilot US Army - UH60 Repairer (15T) , US Army - High School to Flight School (Street to Seat) US Army - Aircraft, Helicopters and UAV Book - Shoot Like a Girl Story of Medevac pilot Air National Guard major Mary Jennings “MJ” Hegar Book - Danger Close Story of Kiowa pilot Amber Smith

Today on the Podcast and in honor of Veteran’s day, a very special interview with a U.S. Army Veteran that Francis and I know well.  We get an insight on what it is like to serve, the job of the enlisted in the service and to serve in the role as an officer.  The words sacrifice, challenge and demanding are mentioned.  Despite the depth of these words, they do not do justice to the true hardship our service members and their families endure to protect our freedom.  Join us today and learn about the true dedication and commitment one makes when you choose to join the armed forces.

Timeline:

00:00  Introduction

01:55  Role in the military and decision to serve

03:42  Why the topic of Veterans and military service is important.

06:03  What life in the military and working as a soldier are like?

12:11  What I can expect if I enlisted tomorrow?

13:20  To be a great soldier

17:17   What was the impact of your service on your life?

21:28  What military service taught me about myself?

25:09  What were the best parts of your military service?

26:12  What were the more challenging parts of military service?

27:38  What advice did you share with your young soldiers?

31:18  What advice would you have for high school or college students considering military service?

36:58  What do these demonstrations by professional athletes truly mean to a veteran like you?

45:26  Summary

Related Links:

US Army goarmy.com

ArmyTimes article of best jobs for long term Army careers

Non-profit group to help veterans: thebattlecontinues.org

Inspiring Military Books:

Admiral William McRaven's 2014 University of Texas Commencement Address and book

Ghost Soldiers - Story of World War II's Bataan Death March

Flags of Our Fathers - The story behind the immortal photograph of Iowa Jima

It Doesn't Take a Hero - Autobiography of General H. Norman Schwartzkopf

Medal of Honor - The story of Roy P. Benevides's journey from poverty and prejudice

Black Hawk Down - 1993 Battle in Mogadishu

 

On this episode of Career Closeup, we take another dive into the world of medicine.  We sat down with Dr. Raul Santos, MD.  A Dallas area Interventional Cardiologist.  From his early years in college and his service in the U.S Army to his residency and fellowship in Cardiology, Dr. Santos gave us a great insight into the training, practice and rewarding aspects of his incredible field.  If you are thinking about medicine or are in medical school and considering a career treating disease of the heart, this is a realistic and informative close up.   Show notes: 00:00 Introduction 01:00  The job of an interventional cardiologist. 02:19  What exactly is a catheterization? 04:10  Tell us about the training to become Interventional Cardiologist. 05:33  What influenced you to go into cardiology and proceeding to interventional cardiology? 07:47  What is a typical day like for an interventional cardiologist? Being “On-Call”? 10:48  How does this field affect your lifestyle, family? 12:10  What would you say are most rewarding and most challenging parts of your job? 13:18  How do you deal with the stress? 14:07  Dr. Santos’ path to success; high school, college and Army days. 17:23  Dr. Santos’ recommendations for high school students, college students that are interested in medicine and cardiology. 18:22  Are there any misconceptions about the medical field, cardiology you want to address? 19:19  Summary   Related Links: US Army - Operating Room Specialist (68D) University of North Texas University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston Medical School Cedars-Sinai Internal Medicine residency Baylor Scott & White Health - Cardiovascular Disease fellowship Baylor Scott & White Health -Interventional Cardiology fellowship Link to: catheterization procedure of Heart  Link to video: Leg, Peripheral vascular disease

Myongki “Tony” Yi is a tattoo artist in El Paso who owns his own tattoo studio, 3Tattoo. Tony's studio is as unique as his style, and this keeps him booked months in advance. In this episode we discuss how he started in Fine Arts at a design school, and just before completing the program, he came to find tattooing as a viable career option, despite the stigma it carries. Specifically for Tony, being of Korean decent, such a field is considered taboo. Tattoos have become very mainstream today as people from all walks of life have tattoos, and $1.6 billion dollars are spent in the US annually on tattoos. Tony explains the ways to get started in the field and then the process for setting up a studio. In addition to getting all the required licenses and training, Tony recommends working on communication skills, as much of your time will be spent one on one with the customers. Tony is an artist who chooses to use skin as his medium of choice. He sees the skin as a blank canvas, and appreciates how people who have tattoos can tell you who created each one and that you create a bond with your customers which will bring them back to you. Some customers see your work and then seek you out, so you can create something special for them. 49% of people getting tattoos think that the person tattooing you or the studio is the most important factor, and 43% think the personal meaning of the tattoo is the most important factor (See Tattoo Statistics - Statistic Brain in Related Links). Looking through the photos from 3Tattoo, it seems Tony has created every style of tattoos, from tribal to watercolor, black and white portraits to the colorful Japanese style. He enjoys going to expos and conventions to not only show what he can do, but also to gain exposure to new techniques, new equipment and to network and grow as an artist. In addition to being something to admire, tattoo ink may be able to help monitor the glucose levels in diabetics and monitor other health conditions in the near future. Check out the related links for more MIT studies and potential ways to make body art functional.

Time Line:

0:00 Intro to Tony Yi

1:37 How he got started in Fine Art/Fashion design after high school

3:00 The tattoo artist that made an impression on Tony and caused him to rethink Art degree and realize there was money in tattoos, and he could be still creative artistically

5:27 Getting into tattooing/apprenticeship search

6:18 Seeing how people would from around the world come searching out a tattoo artist

7:15 The process from the start, find artist you like and apply to be their apprentice (clean shop, practice drawing, draw for artist, find out about machines, take blood borne class for license, and slowly start getting comfortable with tattooing skills)

10:17 Finish program and ready to start tattooing, what's next? Multiple licenses...

11:41 Opening his studio expenses and machines/equipment needed

13:30 Typical Day, best parts of his job, freedom to make his own schedule and be his own boss

15:12 More difficult parts of his job, not being able to help everyone

16:17  Tattoo expos and shows are great for showing off work, meeting and networking with other artists, learning techniques and finding out about new technology

17:50 Favorite style of tattoo or thing to do - something really meaningful to customer

18:36 Times he has said "No" to doing tattoos

22:00 Tattoos to help reconstruct after surgery

23:54 Advice to those interested in the field of tattooing

26:28 Summary

Related Links:

Bloodborne Pathogen license

Tattoo and Body Piercing requirements in Texas

12 Cool Tattoo Styles

Check out Tony's work at his website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Tattoo Statistics - Statistic Brain

Tattoo Takeover - Harris Poll

In the future:

MIT study of Dermal Abyss and Health Monitoring through Tattoos

Disappearing ink, tech tats and 3D printing?

Duo-Skin and MIT collaboration with temporary tattoos

This is a quick Closeup with Jose Cos.  We are looking into more information about the avenues to complete a medical education.  With a national shortage of physicians, efforts are in place to try and increase the number of graduating doctors.  In addition to more medical schools opening throughout the country, accelerated programs that decrease the years of study from 8 years to 7, or even 6 years in some cases, are expanding across the country. Jose is a student at the University of Texas El Paso and a participant in the A-PRIME TIME program (Accelerated - Professional, Relevant, Integrated Medical Education Transformation in Medical Education). The A-PRIME TIME is an accelerated BS/MD program with the potential to complete both in as little as 6 years.  Listen to this episode to get an idea of the demands and challenges in an already arduous degree course!

Timeline:

00:00  Intro

01:20   The A-PRIME TIME (APT) program and the application process

05:27   How demanding is this program?

08:02   At what point in the program are you guaranteed acceptance into medical school?

09:45   What happens to students who don’t get accepted to Medical school?

12:21   Are there any other programs like the A-PRIME TIME program in Texas or other states?

(See links below)

13:30  Are there any regrets about taking this more aggressive, challenging course through college?

15:43  Summary

Links:

A-PRIME TIME homepage

A-PRIME TIME participating universities and links

Applying to A-PRIME TIME starts with applying to the Pre-Health Professions Program in Senior Year of High School

University of Texas Rio Grand Valley A-PRIME TIME program

Penn State's Accelerated BS/MD program with sample schedule

Combined and Accelerated Premedical Program Information

Premedroadmap.com's list of 7-year medical programs

Today’s episode features a very special interview addressing working in a field dealing with one of our country's leading social issues.  We sit down with Megan Bennett, a case manager working with homeless teens in the Dallas area. We learn about the challenges and wins when counseling, parenting and guiding these troubled youths at times through the most fundamental life skills needed to transition to a more stable life.  Megan’s heartfelt regard for her work and residents of this transitional living facility is refreshing and reminds us there are many people out there who still care and work to make a difference.  Additionally, you will be enlightened on the factors and difficulties that often leave young people feeling that the street is their only option.  Learn how Megan found her way to this job, her experiences working with homeless teens and how you too can make a difference.

NOTE: Since recording this episode, Megan has transitioned to a position in school counseling due to an out of state move. We will catch up with her at a later date to find out more about her experiences in that field!

RELATED LINKS:

Promise House Dallas  

NCSL Statistics on Homeless and Runaway Youth

If you would like to help: https://www.justgive.org/donations/help-homeless.jsp http://nationalhomeless.org/donate/index.html

Mark Cuban's strategy to get best college degree for less money

50+ best jobs with degree in Psychology (Associate's degree through PhD) 

Bureau of Labor and Statistics School and Career Counselor job summary (recommended degree Master's in School Counseling)

Bureau of Labor and Statistics Social Workers (recommended degree Bachelor's in Social Work, but can use Bachelor's of Psychology)

Bureau of Labor and Statistics Psychologist (usually a PhD or PsyD, but in some fields a Master's Degree)

Dallas Pets Alive! -the group she worked with to rescue and foster dogs

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 Intro and description of work

2:10 How she got into social work

3:48 Megan’s passion for her work and her background

5:21 Megan’s course through college

6:30 Her average day at work

8:26 Best parts and more challenging aspects of job

11:59 Any specialized training needed?

13:59 Advice for those interested in this field

14:50 Advice she would go back and give herself in high school

15:50 How Megan deals with challenges and stress

17:23 Megan’s passion for saving and fostering dogs

18:26 Misconceptions of job and homeless population

21:02 Summary

[rev_slider alias="episode-8-rick-lopez-showrunner-assistant"][/rev_slider] On this episode of Career Closeup, we meet Rick Lopez.  Rick works on the set of Fox’s hit series Lucifer as the assistant to the Showrunner(s).  While many of us have heard about the executive producer, producer, and directors associated with television shows and in big screen movies, who truly runs everything in a production? The “CEO” of the set on any given television series is the Showrunner.  The Showrunner hires the producers, directors, actors and staff for a series.  This incredibly busy individual gets the praise as well as the blame for the success or failure of a show.  As one of the showrunner's assistants to two showrunners, Rick keeps "the train on the tracks." Rick is the gatekeeper that coordinates everything at his level as assistant, allowing the show runners the time to focus on "a billion decisions a day."  It's not a job for everybody, but it offers insight and contact with many areas involved in getting ideas turned into scenes on TV.  It is an ideal job to gain experience and access if one wants to become a writer.   Links: About the show: Lucifer Link to documentary on Showrunners Blog about a showrunner's assistant Showrunner's Assistant interview on Any Possibility Shownotes: 0:00    Introduction to Rick and summary of show Lucifer 4:00    Description/responsibilities of showrunner 7:51    What the cast and crew/the team is like 11:00 Favorite thing to do and the most challenging part of your job 16:01 How Rick heard about job/became interested in it 17:00 What is common to all writer’s rooms 19:23  An average day and things Rick loves most about his job 25:55  Competitiveness and what can make you stand out 32:47  Tips for college students wanting to go into writing or working on a show 42:59 Qualities that would be beneficial as a showrunner’s assistant 47:08  Summary