DCS Pathways

Lauren graduated from Dublin City Schools in 2020. She pursued college after high school but after a year decided that she wanted to put her money and time into being an entrepreneur. She is now the proud owner of Lauren Alexander Designs, where she focuses on creating reusable items for consumer products that are often thrown away after one use. Be sure to check out her website at www.laurenalexanderdesigns.com.

This episode features the following topics:

• How Lauren started her business journey in high school through a love of art.
• Details about her small business and tips on how to get started.
• The challenge of selecting a post-high school career pathway that did not include college.
• The value of real-world experience, which Lauren received through participating in Dublin's Young Professionals Academy in high school.
• How mentorship and community connections can provide invaluable guidance in entrepreneurship.

Caden graduated from Dublin City Schools in 2018. He went on to earn an Interior Design degree at The Ohio State University. Currently he is a workplace designer for DLR Group in Denver, CO.

This episode features the following topics:

• Caden's current role and responsibilities as a Workplace Designer and his journey to finding this path.
• How mentorship has played a crucial role in Caden's career development.
• Shifting from engineering to interior design while in college.
• Diverse career paths available within interior design beyond residential work.
• How building relationships in college can lead to unexpected job opportunities.
• The importance of seeking internships and real-world experiences early on.
• Great advice on the value of positive self-talk and having a growth mindset.

Kishore graduated from Dublin City Schools in 2021. He then went on to pursue a Computer Science degree at The Ohio State University. Currently he is a graduate student at OSU on pace to earn his Master's in Computer Science.

This episode features the following topics:

• How Kishore accelerated his college education by leveraging high school AP classes.
• The unique challenges faced by International students in the college admissions process.
• How Kishore's research interests were sparked by the emergence of AI technologies.
• The significant role that mentorship has played in Kishore's academic and career decisions.
• How the combined BS and MS program at OSU allowed Kishore to save time and money.
• Some of the changes that AI is expected to create in the field of software engineering.

Aislin graduated from Dublin City Schools in 2020. She began her journey after high school at the University of Minnesota on a scholarship through the US Army ROTC program. She earned a degree in Business Management and is now in her first year of Law School at the University of St. Thomas.

This episode features the following topics:

• Aislin's unexpected journey to law school.
• The ROTC experiences that provided great leadership opportunities.
• The importance of being open to flexibility when selecting career paths.
• Tips on LSAT (Law School Admission Test) preparation.

• How networking and working with mentors can play a critical role in where you land.

• Ideas on how to explore various military options.
• The importance of balancing studies and extracurricular activities.

Deepthi graduated from Dublin City Schools in 2016. She then went on to earn a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree from Washington and Lee University (Neuroscience/Math) and Wake Forest University (Neuroscience), respectively. Today Deepthi works as a Hospital Liaison for a law firm in Texas where she provides pertinent information that is used in resolving legal matters related to healthcare.

This episodes features the following topics:

• Details about her current role and what she enjoys about being the translator between law and healthcare professionals

• The importance of networking and keeping an open mind when it comes to possible career pathways
• The importance of focusing on "culture" when it comes to colleges and/or companies to work for
• Tips on how to go about the college selection process
• The teachers and programs in high school that had the greatest influence on her future decision making
• How a conversation with a friend's parent led to her discovery of a great career option and how current students can benefit from this strategy!

In this conversation, Kevin Patton and Greg Moeller, Assistant Dean for Student Success at Ohio University's Scripps College of Communication, discuss the various opportunities available in communication and journalism at OU. They explore the role of the Assistant Dean, the importance of academic advising, and the flexibility of programs that allow students to pursue minors and certificates alongside their major. The discussion highlights the significance of internships and real-world experiences, proactive advising, and the impact of emerging technologies on career pathways. They also emphasize the importance of high school preparation and involvement in extracurricular activities to enhance college readiness.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Opportunities in Communication and Journalism

05:35 Career Paths and Unexpected Opportunities

11:21 Ohio University Programs and Study Away Opportunities

19:12 Advising and Proactive Student Engagement

24:55 Making Informed Decisions About College and Careers

34:40 Embracing eSports and New Educational Opportunities

40:05 Exploring College Options Early

45:51 Preparing for College: Skills and Experiences

52:17 Life Lessons and Balancing Priorities

In this conversation, Kevin Patton discusses the various opportunities available for students interested in creative careers in fashion and design with guests Laurie Lisk Wilson from the University of Cincinnati and Dr. Lauren Copeland from Kent State University. They explore the unique programs offered at both institutions, including co-op experiences, hands-on learning in maker spaces, and summer camps designed to nurture young talent. The discussion emphasizes the importance of real-world experience, collaboration, and the diverse pathways available for creative students .

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Fashion and Design Programs

02:15 Exploring the University of Cincinnati's DAAP Program

12:01 Kent State's Fashion Program and Global Opportunities

20:13 Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experience

26:21 DAAP Camps: Nurturing Future Creatives

28:08 Exploring Summer Camps and Student Engagement

31:31 Innovative Design Spaces and Technologies

37:10 Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations in Fashion

41:10 Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

43:00 Skills for Future Success in Creative Careers

DCS Pathways Counselor, Kevin Patton, interviews Billie Caryl, Recruiting Mgr for Transportation Research Center (TRC), and Doug Hammon, Chair - Transportation Maintenance Technology at Columbus State Community College, to feature career pathways in the Transportation industry.

Summary

This conversation explores various career pathways in the transportation industry, focusing on opportunities in automotive and aviation sectors. Panelists from the Transportation Research Center (TRC) and Columbus State Community College discuss the importance of hands-on experience, entry-level roles, and the evolving nature of technician jobs. They emphasize the value of internships, networking, and transferable skills, while also addressing the job outlook for graduates in these fields. The discussion aims to inform students about the diverse opportunities available and encourage them to explore their interests in transportation careers.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Transportation Career Pathways

05:38 Entry-Level Opportunities at TRC

11:28 The Importance of Experience in Career Development

17:25 The Future of Automotive and Aviation Careers

23:19 Building Connections and Gaining Experience

28:20 Career Pathways in Engineering and Technician Roles

33:42 Opportunities for Women and Minorities in Aviation

40:23 Encouragement for Students to Explore Options

In this conversation, Kevin Patton engages with Jason Gilmore (Technical Partner at Xenon Partners) and Steven Popovich (DCS Alum and Software Engineer at GitHub), two professionals in the tech industry, to explore their journeys, the evolving landscape of technology, and the impact of AI on future careers. They discuss the importance of passion projects, the non-linear nature of career paths, and practical advice for students interested in technology. The conversation emphasizes the value of hands-on experience, the significance of personal projects, and the need for foundational knowledge in programming to leverage AI tools effectively.

Topics covered and where to find them:

00:00 - Introduction to Tech Opportunities

02:42 - Personal Journeys in Technology

05:16 - Unexpected Career Shifts

08:04 - The Importance of Seizing Opportunities

10:50 - Early Projects and Their Impact

13:17 - The Value of Non-Traditional Learning Paths

21:24 - The Value of College Education

22:29 - The Impact of AI on Technology Jobs

28:28 - Navigating Career Opportunities in Tech

35:28 - Practical Steps for Aspiring Tech Students

41:56 - Final Thoughts on Learning and Growth

Scott graduated from Dublin City Schools in 2008. He then went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy where he earned a degree in Systems Engineering Management. After a ten year career in the military, Scott retired and is now a full time Pharmaceutical Sales Consultant for Ferring Pharmaceuticals. He and his family reside in Dublin where Scott also helps out as an assistant coach for the Coffman basketball program.

This episodes features the following topics:

• A description of Scott's current role as a pharmaceutical sales consultant.
• The basketball career that took Scott to the Air Force Academy as well as the injuries that got in the way.
• Options that are available for students interested in learning about different ways to pursues leadership training and education through the US military.
• Scott's roles while serving in the Air Force including an opportunity to lead the ROTC program at the University of Cincinnati.
• Great advice around goal setting and allowing priorities to change as you work towards achieving them.