In this episode, Lisa and Ramon discuss:

• The importance of real-world work experience in building employable skills
• How to approach job searching and internships with a strategic mindset
• The unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent students in career development
• Why traditional career services often fall short in preparing students for the real job market

Key Takeaways: 

• Applying to hundreds of jobs (e.g., 500+) with a generic resume rarely yields results; students must instead craft targeted, high-quality applications with a strong business case for themselves.
• Any job, including so-called “little” ones like lifeguarding or concessions, teaches transferable skills—such as teamwork, responsibility, and pressure management—that employers value and belong on a resume.
• Students should proactively connect with professionals on LinkedIn and through school-specific portals to build relationships with potential employers early.
• For neurodivergent students, building confidence involves reframing perceived weaknesses as strengths and learning not only how to interview but also why each step in the process is important, thereby fostering independence and long-term career success.

“I don’t want you starting your networking when you’re 30. I want you to start when you’re 21.” – Ramon Santillan

About Ramon Santillan: Ramon Santillan is the founder of PersuasiveInterview.com. Before he was an Interview & Negotiation Coach, he was a tax consultant for the world’s biggest accounting firm, the world’s biggest oil driller, and the founder of his own tax practice.
Ramon teaches professionals how to be more charismatic, feel and look more confident, shows them the right way to sell themselves during interviews and client meetings, and negotiate their salaries to what they deserve. He has been quoted by U.S. News & World Report, CBS, Yahoo!, CareerBuilder.com, Chicago Tribune, and many others as an interviewing and salary negotiation expert.
Ramon is a graduate of UT’s Red McCombs School of Business, a graduate of the FBI’s Citizen Academy, a Certified Corporate Trainer, and has served as Historian, Vice President, and President for the ALPFA Houston Chapter. He is a husband of one, father of two, and friend of many.
He loves reading—tell him about your favorite book and he’ll add it to his Amazon wishlist.
Ramon also enjoys writing about himself in the third person. He thinks it’s fun.

Episode References:
A free step-by-step guide to building a Student LinkedIn Profile: flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin
Handshake/CareerConnect: https://joinhandshake.com/
#164 Unlocking Neurodiversity & Career Planning Success with Rebecca Whittaker Matte: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/164 

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). 
flourishcoachingco.com/video 

Connect with Ramon:
Website: https://persuasiveinterview.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/interviewcoach/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co