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Picture this: you're sipping on coffee by the fireplace, pondering your next big career move. That's what we’re exploring in this episode—how to carve out time for self-reflection during the busiest season of the year. Tune in as we share creative techniques to have meaningful career conversations with yourself, whether it's through voice memos, vision boards, or just talking to yourself during your daily commute. Discover how these practices can help you assess your career journey and align with your future aspirations, even when life feels like a whirlwind.

We also discuss the power of letting go of past regrets and emotions. Imagine the cathartic release of burning written thoughts during a retreat or flushing away old pages to symbolically free yourself from past burdens. We'll share personal stories and experiences of how such acts can lead to profound self-realization and growth. Hear how these rituals aid in realigning your decisions with your core values and goals, ensuring that every choice you make steers you closer to the person you aspire to become.

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect moment to reflect on personal growth and evolution. This episode encourages you to ask deep questions about your purpose and values, ensuring your daily actions resonate with your aspirations. With insights on seeking constructive feedback and engaging in honest dialogue, we aim to guide you toward a fulfilling and balanced life. Join us as we wrap up the year with stories and strategies for nurturing contentment across all areas of life.

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Career conversations with family can bring up many emotions, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Join us as we share personal stories and offer practical strategies to handle these moments with grace and confidence. From using exploratory language like "I'm still exploring" to establishing firm boundaries, we provide insights to help you communicate your career journey effectively, even when faced with uncertainty.

Confidence is key when discussing your career development with family and friends, but it's not always easy to maintain. We dive into the importance of proactively sharing your efforts and the steps you're taking toward your career goals. By understanding that unsolicited advice often reflects others' personal anxieties, you can maintain self-assurance and stay true to your path. This episode encourages reflection on why certain questions may feel uncomfortable and offers reassurance that you're not alone in facing these challenges.

For many, balancing career ambitions with cultural and familial expectations can be particularly challenging. We explore how authenticity and self-awareness play crucial roles in navigating these pressures, especially within various cultures. With the right support system, it can be more attainable to flourish in your career. Whether you're entering the job market or considering a career change, this episode underscores the importance of having a supportive network and being proactive in shaping your career path, while also navigating career conversations with family and friends.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

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Amidst the joyous chaos of the holiday season, we often forget to pause and appreciate the blessings right under our noses. On this episode of Coffee and Career Hour, we reflect on the blessings we have in our careers and what we appreciate most about the work that we do. We discuss the magic of witnessing growth in our clients and the beauty of working in a space where we can continue to explore, learn, and grow. We share personal stories of how childhood experiences shaped our views on stability and career paths, which has led us to the work that we do today.

We explore how stepping out of comfort zones can be a catalyst for growth, both personally and professionally. Fueled by supportive relationships, we've found inspiration in using modern tools like social media and podcasts to connect with and inspire diverse communities. It’s a celebration of character, resilience, and the transformative power of sharing knowledge and passion widely. Join us as we express gratitude for the wealth of opportunities available today that make such impactful connections possible.

This episode is an invitation to embrace gratitude, celebrate personal and professional achievements, and acknowledge the positive impacts we can make in our world. As the year draws to a close, we hope you'll join us in honoring the journey and the milestones along the way.

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Cynthia Kossan is a career consultant and educator with a decade of experience working with early to mid-level professionals through every facet of career development and job search strategy. She is passionate and dedicated to empowering her clients to achieve their career goals and thrive in a competitive job market.

As the founder of CK Career Consulting, Cynthia shares her incredible journey from a young career advisor to a thriving entrepreneur balancing work and family. Join us as Cynthia takes us on a journey through her transition from a structured role in higher education to the unpredictable, yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship.

Balancing motherhood and a career is no easy feat. Cynthia shares the intricate dance between career aspirations and the profound journey of motherhood. She delves into her journey navigating an identity shifting moment, societal expectations, and leaving a decade-long career to pursue a more flexible path. Cynthia emphasizes the power of community and the importance of building supportive networks, and encourages you to build supportive networks, both online and offline.

We hope this episode inspires you to find a balance between your career and personal life. Cynthia’s story offers a realistic look at the challenges and rewards of motherhood, work-life integration, and self-fulfillment.

Learn more about CK Career Consulting here: www.ckcareerconsulting.com

Connect with Cynthia on Instagram @ckcareerconsulting 

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

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Could improving your negotiation skills lead to a significant salary boost? Tune in as we unravel the secrets to negotiating your compensation by highlighting your value proposition. This episode is brimming with strategies designed to empower you in the often nerve-wracking world of salary negotiations.

Navigating the labyrinth of salary discussions can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We dissect common fears surrounding negotiation and fortify you with the tools needed to approach offers with confidence rather than apprehension. From understanding industry norms to the art of presenting a salary range, we provide a roadmap for optimizing your negotiation tactics. Explore why asking for up to a 20% increase isn't just a bold move but a calculated step towards securing fair compensation.

Our discussion expands to cover the nuances of negotiating across various sectors, shining a light on why self-reflection and understanding your unique contributions can be pivotal. Hear why negotiation is less about conflict and more about collaboration, arm yourself with compelling statistics, and learn why 85% of negotiators see part of their requests fulfilled. Whether you're stepping into your first role or navigating a new offer, these insights aim to transform how you advocate for yourself in the professional arena.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Wondering how to confidently navigate salary negotiations without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Coffee and Career Hour, we have you covered. Learn the secrets of effective compensation discussions, even when job postings leave you guessing. We share personal stories and expert insights, emphasizing the importance of research and networking to understand industry norms. We also discuss pay transparency laws in states like California and how to empower yourself in salary negotiations.

Discover why waiting until the later stages of the interview process before discussing compensation can be beneficial, and arm yourself with practical advice on setting realistic salary expectations. Resources like Salary.com, Payscale.com, and Glassdoor.com are your new best friends. We also delve into the utility of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and ONET for a comprehensive understanding of job growth and salary trends.

We wrap up with actionable strategies for handling job offers, from understanding the true salary range to requesting time for consideration. Learn why negotiating in person or via video call can give you the upper hand, and how asking for about 20% more than the initial offer is a good starting point. We highlight the importance of patience and preparation, offering one-on-one sessions for those needing extra support. Tune in for invaluable tips, personal anecdotes, and strategies to help you negotiate your salary with confidence and poise.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Unlock the secrets of navigating the hidden job market and uncover unexpected career opportunities. This episode of Coffee and Career Hour highlights a unique perspective on job search. Join us as we share personal stories of landing jobs through unadvertised channels, explore the reasons behind the existence of the hidden job market, and highlight its impact on equity and accessibility. You'll also gain insights into why companies often choose not to advertise openings and how internal hiring can streamline their processes.

We'll also discuss the immense power of authenticity in networking. Hear real-life examples of how genuine conversations about personal passions can lead to career breakthroughs. Discover why being true to yourself is essential in making meaningful professional connections. Plus, learn how to leverage LinkedIn and social media to stay connected and uncover hidden job opportunities. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you unlock the hidden job market and advance your career by being your authentic self. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to navigate the complexities of job hunting and career fulfillment.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Get ready to uncover every crucial detail of navigating the journey to law school. In this episode, we discuss the application components and process as well as a realistic timeline for applying to law school. We review how law school applications stand apart from other graduate programs and provide tips on how to navigate the different components of the application. Discover why starting early can make all the difference.

In this packed episode, we break down the essentials: mastering the LSAT or GRE, crafting a standout personal statement, and utilizing optional essays strategically. Hear our tips on connecting with faculty, students, and alumni to gain invaluable insights. Whether you're considering the best prep programs like Blueprint or Khan Academy, or wondering how to present your challenges and aspirations compellingly, we've got you covered. Tune in to equip yourself with everything you need to make your law school application process smooth and successful!

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Join us as we celebrate our 50th episode of Coffee and Career Hour, where we take you on a heartfelt journey from the podcast's humble beginnings in the summer of 2021 to this milestone moment. With personal anecdotes about the initial solo episodes, challenges in editing, and the unwavering support from Armine's husband, this episode is a genuine reflection on how far we've come. We reminisce about our favorite episodes and the evolution of our content, all while expressing deep gratitude for the incredible support from our listeners.

We reflect on our top 5 episodes and explore how transitioning to more genuine, natural conversations has transformed our podcast and careers. We discuss the importance of knowing your material and letting your personality shine through. This chapter is filled with insights on overcoming initial hesitations, embracing your true self, and the power of authentic, dynamic energy in professional growth.

Through compelling anecdotes, we discuss the irreplaceable value of human interaction in career guidance and address concerns about AI taking over jobs. Additionally, we reflect on the inspiring resilience of older clients and family members, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in making career decisions. Celebrate with us as we reflect on these rich, engaging topics and the incredible journey of Coffee and Career Hour!

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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Join us on this episode of Coffee and Career Hour as we explore the ways professionalism transcends the workplace and impacts every aspect of our lives. We challenge the traditional notions of professionalism, offering a broader perspective rooted in ethics and character.

Discover the eight essential traits that define true professionalism, including respect, integrity, and emotional intelligence. Through our journeys, encounters, and experiences we underline the importance of authentic professionalism, especially when under stress. We delve into why staying true to one's word can significantly impact both personal and professional relationships, and how a committed approach to these traits can lead to career growth and personal fulfillment.

From personal anecdotes about grad school during COVID to navigating workplace meetings, we examine the role of emotional intelligence and the evolving nature of professionalism. Technology and generational differences are reshaping our work values and expectations, leading to shifting definitions of professionalism. We underscore the importance of understanding these generational mindsets to foster empathy and cohesiveness in the workplace. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how professionalism is continuously adapting in our ever-changing world.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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