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We break down why clarity isn’t missing—it’s blocked by perfectionism, comparison, fear of choosing wrong, and low self-trust. Through our stories and client wins, we share simple steps to act before you feel ready and build a path that fits your life.

• how anxiety and control show up during transitions
• perfectionism stalling applications and exploration
• small experiments to reduce the stakes
• comparison on social media and LinkedIn
• reframing timelines and tracking real progress
• fear of choosing wrong and the myth of a forever career
• happenstance and learning from unplanned choices
• culture, family pressure, and communication
• building self-trust through boundaries and reps
• practical prompts to choose, learn, and adjust

Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoy our show, we ask that you write a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people looking to level up their career.

Follow CareerRise on Instagram for career advice and motivation to help you stay up to date on all things career.

Be sure to also visit my website, careerise.org, to book a career counseling package and access free career resources.

You can follow me on Instagram at Career ConfidentLatina for your daily dose of career advice and my journey as a first generation Latina counselor.

You can access free resources or even work with me by visiting my website, careerconfidence.online

I want to help you grow your confidence and help you reach your career dreams.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

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We explore why grades and right answers don’t translate cleanly into the workplace and how to build the habits that employers actually value. We share stories from our first jobs, talk about generational friction, and offer practical ways to create structure, seek feedback, and grow.

• shifting from answer seeking to critical thinking
• valuing transferable skills from non‑job experiences
• navigating ambiguity without a syllabus
• generational differences in workplace expectations
• building feedback tolerance and resilience
• career readiness starting earlier than college
• creating your own onboarding and structure
• using mentors and community for support
• embracing experimentation over perfection
• mindset shifts for confidence and growth

If you enjoy our show, we ask that you write a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people looking to level up their career
Follow CareerRise on Instagram for career advice and motivation to help you stay up to date on all things career
Be sure to also visit my website, careerise.org to book a career counseling package and access free career resources
You can follow me on Instagram at Career ConfidentLatina for your daily dose of career advice and my journey as a first generation Latina counselor
You can access free resources or even work with me by visiting my website, careerconfidence.online
I want to help you grow your confidence and help you reach your career dreams

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

Send us a text

We break down why public speaking triggers anxiety and how to turn that energy into presence, clarity, and connection. From slide design and storytelling to the three V’s and audience engagement, we share practical tools to help you speak with confidence without losing yourself.

• performance anxiety drivers and why it feels intense
• career value of clear communication and leadership signals
• presentations at any scale, not just big stages
• simple slide design and message-first structure
• storytelling as a tool for retention and impact
• authenticity and personal brand in delivery
• the three V’s: verbal, vocal, visual and their weight
• eye contact, pacing, pausing, and tone control
• managing nerves with breathing and self-talk
• practice for progress, not perfection
• conversational tactics to engage the room

If you enjoy our show, we ask that you write a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more people looking to level up their career
Want to connect with us? Be sure to follow our Instagrams and websites
Follow CareerRise on Instagram for career advice and motivation to help you stay up to date on all things career
Be sure to also visit my website, careerise.org, to book a career counseling package and access free career resources
My goal is to help you clarify your goals, make a plan, and feel confident in your career journey
You can follow me on Instagram at Career ConfidentLatina for your daily dose of career advice and my journey as a first generation Latina counselor
You can access free resources or even work with me by visiting my website, careerconfidence.online
I want to help you grow your confidence and help you reach your career dreams

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

Send us a text

Job searching brings a spectrum of emotions from uncertainty and anxiety to excitement, creating a mental and emotional rollercoaster that many struggle to navigate effectively. We explore practical techniques to manage career anxiety while maintaining momentum in your search.

• Understanding that career anxiety is normal and acknowledging your feelings as valid
• Implementing self-care practices like breathwork, meditation, and physical activity to reset your nervous system
• Creating structured tracking systems to organize applications and maintain momentum
• Reframing anxiety as a normal response rather than a personal failing
• Building community through LinkedIn groups, Reddit forums, and other platforms to share experiences
• Working with a career coach for personalized guidance and accountability
• Shifting your mindset to view job searching as a growth process rather than just an outcome
• Recognizing that the average job search takes 7-9 months, so patience is essential

Download our free Breathwork Workbook at careerrise.org to access techniques that help manage anxiety during your job search journey. 

Download Job Search Tracker 

Follow us on Instagram @CareerRise and @CareerConfidentLatina for daily career advice.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

Send us a text

Want to know the skills that get you hired?  The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified core competencies that employers across industries are expecting from job seekers.

The good news? These competencies can be developed at any career stage through intentional practice. Online courses, mentorship relationships, job shadowing, and cross-training opportunities all provide pathways to strengthen these essential skills. When preparing for interviews or updating your resume, consider how specific examples demonstrate these competencies.

You don't need perfect mastery of all eight areas—everyone has natural strengths and areas for growth. The key is identifying where you shine and where you can improve, then intentionally developing a well-rounded professional profile. By showcasing these competencies effectively, you'll position yourself as exactly what employers are seeking: a candidate with the fundamental skills to succeed in today's dynamic workplace.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

Send us a text

The landscape of education and career preparation is changing dramatically, and today's high school students are navigating these shifts with new perspectives on what success looks like. In this eye-opening conversation with high school teacher Nare Movsisyan, we explore the significant movement away from traditional four-year colleges toward trade schools and certification programs as students seek faster routes to meaningful employment.

Nare, who brings a decade of experience in education, reveals how students with clear career goals are increasingly choosing specialized training over general education. This pragmatic approach represents a fundamental shift in how younger generations view the purpose and value of education.

The episode uncovers critical gaps in our education system, particularly around career readiness. Despite the importance of preparing students for their futures, high schools often lack resources to adequately inform students about the realities of different careers. Basic professional skills—interviewing techniques, resume writing, professional etiquette—remain largely untaught. Through this conversation, we confront the reality that career education should begin much earlier and be approached more systematically, working backward from career goals rather than focusing exclusively on college preparation.

Ready to rethink how we prepare young people for their futures? Listen now and join the conversation about creating better pathways to success for the next generation.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

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What if the biggest obstacle in your career journey isn't your resume, network, or skillset—but the way you talk to yourself? In this episode, we explore how our internal dialogue shapes our professional possibilities in profound ways.

Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research reveals that people with growth mindsets are three times more likely to excel in achievement tests, and similar patterns emerge in workplace success. We share personal struggles with "deficit mindset"—that persistent feeling of not being enough that can feel like hiking uphill in the blazing sun. 

It's not just positive thinking—it's about creating the internal conditions that allow you to take action, see opportunities, and persevere through challenges. We talk about highly successful people who share that they don't experience imposter syndrome and we reflect on how their beliefs impact their success.

Ready to transform your career by changing your mindset? Grab your coffee and join us for this conversation that might just change how you think about your professional potential. Subscribe, share with someone who needs to hear this message, and let us know: what limiting belief are you ready to leave behind?

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

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The modern job search feels increasingly like shouting into a void – applications disappear, algorithms filter resumes before human eyes ever see them, and the infamous "easy apply" buttons tempt us with convenience while sabotaging our chances. If you've found yourself submitting dozens or even hundreds of applications without response, you're not alone, but there's a better way forward.

In this episode we take a refreshing dive into what actually works in today's complex job market. They challenge the quantity-over-quality approach that leaves so many job seekers frustrated and demoralized. Instead, we discuss how to be strategic and intentional with your applications, like leveraging modern tools like AI and LinkedIn without sacrificing authenticity.

Our conversation explores how AI can transform your job search when used ethically – analyzing job descriptions, highlighting relevant skills, and even practicing interview questions. You'll discover efficient and specific approaches for using free AI tools that enhance your documents rather than replace your unique voice.

LinkedIn emerges as the essential platform not just for finding job postings, but for being found by recruiters searching for candidates with your exact skills. For those uncomfortable with self-promotion, we provide practical approaches to authentic engagement that builds your professional brand without feeling inauthentic. 

Join us as we help you transform your job search process from an anxiety-inducing obligation into an intentional process of growth and connection!

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

Send us a text

"What is my purpose?" stands among life's most profound questions, keeping us awake at night searching for clarity. But what if finding your purpose isn't about discovering one perfect answer or having a magical "aha" moment? What if purpose is something we actively build through daily work, meaningful connections, and overcoming challenges?

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore purpose as a dynamic, evolving force rather than a static destination. Purpose extends far beyond your job title—it encompasses how you show up as a parent, community member, friend, and human being. We challenge the damaging societal pressure that demands young people to "figure it all out" immediately and stick with one path forever. This narrative creates needless anxiety when the truth is that purpose development represents an ongoing journey of discovery.

The mindset you bring to your purpose journey matters tremendously. Those who approach life with openness, positivity, and a willingness to say "yes" to new challenges consistently find themselves gravitating toward meaningful work. Combined with the support of a strong community that both reflects your talents and connects you to opportunities, this growth mindset becomes the foundation for purpose-driven living.

Listen now and discover how to build a life that feels deeply aligned with who you are becoming.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

Send us a text

Career success isn't just about who you know, but how real those connections are. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of authentic workplace relationships—the kind built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine curiosity about others. We offer five tips and strategies to help our listeners build authentic relationships to level up their career.

Drawing from our own experiences we explore how these meaningful connections differ from traditional networking. Rather than focusing on transactional relationships, we advocate for engaging in deeper conversations with an international interest. These authentic connections don't just happen—they require consistency, vulnerability, and showing up with an open heart.

We personal stories of how relationships built years ago unexpectedly led to career opportunities, speaking engagements, and business partnerships that wouldn't have transpired from traditional networking alone. We discuss practical strategies for building these connections, from engaging in "water cooler conversations" to recognizing colleagues' contributions without expecting anything in return. 

Whether you're looking to advance in your career or simply find more fulfillment in your current role, this episode offers valuable insights into how authentic workplace relationships can become your career superpower.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/