How do you become a Cosmetologist? 

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Joni Ochoa, Director of Cosmetology at New Mexico Junior College.

Joni opens up about the her journey from cleaning nail polish bottles in her friend's beauty salon to the hustle of entrepreneurship and owning her own business.

Whether you're dreaming of your own chair in a salon or just love a good story of perseverance and passion, this conversation is packed with real talk, heartfelt reflections, and plenty of laughs. Tune in for a glimpse into the colorful, empowering world of a young cosmetologist on the rise.

On this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, we sit down with Briana Santilli, a professional aquarist whose journey into the world of aquarium science is anything but ordinary.

Briana talks about how her passion for animals that led her into a hands-on, purpose-driven career caring for aquatic life. From the challenges of the job to the quiet, awe-inspiring moments behind the scenes, she shares a real look at what it means to work in this unique field.

Whether you're a student thinking about science, someone curious about animal care, or just a fan of cool jobs you don’t hear about every day—this one’s for you.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

How Briana got her start in aquarium work

What a typical day looks like in her role

Tips for those interested in marine science or animal care

A peek behind the curtain of aquarium operations

Tune in and get inspired to follow your own unique path—whatever it may be.

How did Maria Vianco become one of the few female aviation mechanics in New Mexico? In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, host Stacy Johnston dives into Maria's incredible career path—from leaving college to follow her passion for mechanics to becoming a successful aviation technician and business owner.

What you'll learn in this episode:

How Maria transitioned from mechanical engineering to aviation maintenance

What it takes to become an aviation technician and start your own business

The challenges and rewards of being a female mechanic in a male-dominated industry

Wild aviation stories—including an emergency landing and a surprising encounter with a snake in a plane wing

If you’re interested in aviation careers, aircraft maintenance, entrepreneurship, or inspiring career change stories, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and Follow for more career stories and insights.

Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Watch now and get inspired!

#AviationMechanic #WomenInSTEM #AircraftMaintenance #Entrepreneurship #CareerChange #Podcast #AviationLife #FemaleMechanic #STEMCareers

In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, host Stacy Johnston and guest host Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair speak with Joseph M. Maestas, PE CFE, the State Auditor of New Mexico. Maestas shares his journey from growing up on a rural farm to studying civil engineering and later transitioning into public service. He opens up about the dedication to his studies through college, the federal government, and becoming Mayor of Española.

Maestas offers valuable insights on the importance of education, problem-solving, and adapting to new career opportunities. Tune in to hear how persistence, resilience, and a willingness to fight for what is right can lead to unexpected and fulfilling careers.

Join us as we sit down with Mary-Charlotte Domandi, a seasoned radio and podcasting expert, to explore her experiences in the industry. From her early inspirations to the insights she’s gained over the years, we dive into the world of audio storytelling, creativity, and connection. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and behind-the-scenes stories from a true broadcasting professional.

Welcome to Season 2!

Sarita shares her journey—from studying African-American studies to working in international development, earning a law degree, and finding unexpected opportunities along the way. We also discuss the surprising (and sometimes hilarious) results of career aptitude tests, the evolving job landscape, and how quantum technology and aerospace are shaping the state's economy.

With candid reflections on embracing uncertainty, connecting the dots in hindsight, and the invaluable guidance of mentors, this episode is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating their professional journey.

Welcome to the season finale of Good Job, New Mexico! Join hosts Stacy and Karla as they reflect on their favorite moments and the insightful guests of season one.

As Karla bids farewell to the podcast to pursue new opportunities, Stacy looks forward to future seasons filled with more inspiring stories and career insights. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion, fun anecdotes, and a promise of more to come.

How Do You Become an Apprentice? Is Apprenticeship worth it?

In this episode, Frank Lopez and Skyler Romero from Local Union 412 explore the transformative power of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, celebrating the 10th National Apprenticeship Week.

Whether you're contemplating a career change or just starting to explore your options, this conversation dives into how apprenticeships offer a pathway to a fulfilling, lifelong career. Learn about the value of hands-on training, the role these programs play in building New Mexico’s workforce, and how they’re shaping industries of the future.

Tune in to the Local 412 411 Podcast: https://ualocal412.org/podcasts/

Ready to start your journey? Discover more about apprenticeships here: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Apprenticeship

How do you become an Industrial Engineer? 

Growing up in Las Cruces, New Mexico, surrounded by family and pecan trees, Marissa's path was far from clear. But through the guidance of mentors and a passion for problem-solving, she found herself immersed in the world of engineering. Discover how she navigated her way from working at Sandia National Labs to making impactful changes at Blue Halo, all while balancing family life and ultra-marathons.

Explore the fascinating work of Blue Halo, a company making strides in military defense and creating jobs in Albuquerque. Marissa shares her experiences, challenges, and the harmony she has found between work and life. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the intriguing world of the Z machine and the unexpected adventures it brought.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights on engineering, career growth, and the importance of mentorship. Whether you're an aspiring engineer or simply curious about the field, this episode offers a delightful blend of personal stories and professional wisdom.

Explore career opportunities and learn more about Blue Halo:

https://bluehalo.com/careers/

How do you become a Librarian? What's the difference between public and academic libraries? 

In this episode, Nadia shares her experiences of balancing a busy family life with her love for literature, the differences between public and academic libraries, and the vital role libraries play in communities. Explore the diverse resources libraries offer and their adaptability in an ever-evolving digital world.

Get ready for a lively discussion on the importance of mentorship, the joy of learning, and the unexpected surprises of library life. Plus, discover how libraries continue to be a cornerstone of community support and engagement.

Good Job New Mexico!