The Career Ready Podcast

In today’s episode, host Pierre Michiels interviews Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard, career counselors from Northern Illinois University’s Career Services. They discuss how students—especially those transferring—can use reflection, exploration, and intentional planning to clarify career goals and build momentum. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of navigating academic and career transitions with confidence. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–03:00 | Welcome and Episode Focus: Pierre introduces the Career Ready Podcast and welcomes NIU career counselors Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard.

03:00–08:00 | Understanding Career Exploration Early On: The guests discuss how students begin choosing majors—often unintentionally—and emphasize that career decision-making is a process. They introduce exploration as a key first step, encouraging curiosity, exposure, and self-reflection.

08:00–14:00 | Reflection During Transition Periods: The conversation centers on transfer students and the importance of pausing to reflect on accomplishments, skills, and experiences before moving to a four-year institution. Updating resumes and documenting progress are highlighted as critical practices.

14:00–20:00 | From Exploration to Intentional Planning: Teri and Edward explain how exploration leads into planning, including researching careers, reviewing job postings early, and understanding employer expectations. Planning is framed as flexible and non-linear.

20:00–26:00 | Hitting the Ground Running as a Transfer Student: Advice is shared on how transfer students can quickly engage with campus resources, career services, and academic departments to maximize limited time and avoid feeling behind.

26:00–33:00 | Internships and Experiential Learning: The guests discuss internships as career “tryouts,” how to prepare for the search, and how part-time work, leadership, and volunteer experiences also build valuable skills.

33:00–41:00 | Networking and Career Progress: Emphasis is placed on networking, maintaining professional relationships, and focusing on progress rather than comparison. Students are encouraged to take small, consistent steps forward.

41:00–49:00 | Employer Expectations and Skills-Based Hiring: The discussion shifts to trends in hiring, including the growing importance of relevant experience and transferable skills over GPA alone, and how students can communicate their value effectively.

49:00–60:00 | Career Tools, Resources, and Final Advice: NIU resources such as Husky Career Launchpad, Forage simulations, and career fairs are shared. The episode concludes with encouragement for students to take ownership of their career journey while using available support.

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Pierre Michiels interview Dr. Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage. Dr. Siddiqi shares his career journey and discusses the future of work, AI’s impact on jobs, lifelong learning, and the importance of durable skills like communication and critical thinking. After listening, we hope you better understand how to stay career ready in a changing workforce. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–04:00 | Welcome and Guest Introduction 

Hosts Rebecca Harrington and Pierre Michiels introduce the Career Ready Podcast and welcome Dr. Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage. Dr. Siddiqi shares his professional background, including global industry experience, workforce development, and his personal connection to community colleges. 

04:00–09:00 | Lifelong Learning and Community Colleges 

Dr. Siddiqi discusses how community colleges support reskilling and upskilling at every career stage. He emphasizes lifelong learning and explains how education must continue well beyond a first degree. 

09:00–14:00 | The Future of Work and AI Disruption 

The conversation explores major workforce trends, including artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies. Dr. Siddiqi highlights how these tools are reshaping both work and daily life. 

14:00–18:00 | Employability vs. Employment 

Dr. Siddiqi explains the difference between getting a first job and remaining employable over time. Adaptability, reinvention, and continuous skill development are positioned as essential for long-term success. 

18:00–23:00 | Human Skills in an AI Economy 

The episode focuses on the lasting value of communication, teamwork, ethics, and critical thinking. Dr. Siddiqi introduces the concept of T‑shaped professionals who combine technical skills with liberal arts foundations. 

23:00–28:00 | Preparing Students for Career Readiness 

Discussion turns to visible skills, certifications, extracurricular involvement, and civic engagement. Dr. Siddiqi stresses that a degree is the floor, not the ceiling, for career opportunities. 

28:00–33:00 | What Employers Are Really Looking For 

Drawing on employer feedback, Dr. Siddiqi explains that companies prioritize problem-solving, collaboration, and growth mindset over narrow technical expertise. 

33:00–36:00 | Final Advice and Campus Resources 

Dr. Siddiqi closes with advice for students to complete their programs, use campus resources, and stay engaged as lifelong learners to remain career ready in a changing economy.

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, host Rebecca Harrington shares information on how to make your first week as an intern a success. Information discussed includes showing curiosity over perfection, asking clarifying questions, taking detailed notes, learning workplace communication norms, and building relationships early. But first, Jordan Rembrecht starts the episode by answering a listener mailbag question about how to keep track of the many new people you meet during interviews and in the early days of an internship, offering practical strategies like note‑taking and proactive communication. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how to confidently navigate your first week and start your internship strong. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–01:00 | Introduction & Episode Overview 
Rebecca opens the episode and introduces the main topic: tips for making your first week as an intern successful. Jordan joins as co‑host, setting the stage for the discussion. 

01:00–04:00 | Listener Mailbag: Tracking New Contacts 
Jordan answers a listener question about keeping track of the many people met during interviews and early internship days, offering practical strategies such as noting names, titles, and roles and staying proactive in communication. 

04:00–10:00 | Preparing Before Day One 
Jordan explains what to expect between accepting an internship offer and the start date, including onboarding timelines, background checks, I‑9 documentation, and key questions to ask HR or supervisors prior to starting. 

10:00–15:00 | Starting Strong: Curiosity, Communication & Priorities 
Rebecca discusses beginning the internship with curiosity rather than perfection, emphasizing asking questions, clarifying priorities, observing team norms, and building trust early through communication. 

15:00–19:00 | Workplace Norms, Note‑Taking & Tools 
The hosts cover unwritten rules such as communication styles, meeting etiquette, arrival times, dress expectations, and the importance of thorough note‑taking on names, processes, software, and IT procedures. 

19:00–22:00 | Building Relationships & Final Advice 
They highlight introducing yourself confidently, owning mistakes, and remembering that internships are learning experiences. The episode closes with encouragement and an invitation for listener questions. 

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In this episode, Rebecca and Jordan sit down with Angelina Ragano, a Senior HR Generalist at an electronics manufacturing company, to unpack one of the most confusing—yet most important—parts of any job offer: employee benefits. For many new graduates, benefits can feel overwhelming, full of unfamiliar terms and fine print. Angelina breaks everything down in simple, practical language to help first‑time job seekers feel confident as they evaluate offers and step into the professional world. 

Whether you're preparing for interviews, comparing compensation packages, or just trying to understand what “PPO” or “vesting” even mean, this episode gives you the clarity you’ve been looking for. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

01:05 – 05:02 | What Are Employee Benefits & Why They Matter 

Angelina shares an overview of traditional and modern benefits, including health, wellness, and time-off, and explains how benefits contribute to total compensation. 

 
06:04 – 15:22 | Health Insurance Basics Explained 

A beginner-friendly breakdown of PPO vs. HMO, deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, out-of-pocket maximums, and how to choose a plan based on individual needs. 

 
15:22 – 23:40 | Dental, Vision & Mental Health Resources (EAPs) 

Angelina differentiates dental and vision insurance from medical coverage and explains how Employee Assistance Programs support mental health and personal needs. 

 
23:40 – 31:40 | Financial Benefits: 401(k), Matching, Vesting & Tuition Reimbursement 

A clear overview of retirement plans, employer matching strategies, vesting timelines, and how tuition reimbursement works for continuing education. 

 
31:40 – 40:25 | PTO, Sick Leave, Illinois Paid Leave & FMLA 

Discussion of major time-off structures, state-specific leave policies, and what new grads should know about job‑protected federal leave. 

 
40:25 – 45:18 | Workplace Perks & Soft Benefits 

Hybrid work arrangements, home-office stipends, wellness reimbursements, pet insurance, and lifestyle spending accounts—what they are and why they matter. 

 
45:18 – 49:32 | Evaluating Job Offers & Spotting Red Flags 

Angelina shares how to read a benefits packet, what to look for in waiting periods and plan options, and which elements may be negotiable. 

 
49:32 – End | Final Advice for New Graduates 

Key takeaways, common things students overlook, and encouragement for asking questions during the job-offer stage. 

 Do you have questions for Angelina? Send them to [email protected] or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/angelina-ragano/

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, Pierre leads a discussion on how to effectively respond to the common interview question about past mistakes. Information discussed includes why employers ask these types of questions, how to approach your response with honesty and strategy, and how to use the STAR Method to highlight growth, professionalism, and resilience. But first, Rebecca starts the episode by exploring the NACE competency of Professionalism—specifically what it means to be present, prepared, and dependable during the interview process. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how to thoughtfully address questions about mistakes in an interview. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–01:00 — Introduction & Episode Overview 
The hosts welcome listeners to the Career Ready Podcast and introduce today’s topics: professionalism in interviewing and how to answer questions about past mistakes. 

01:00–04:00 — NACE Competency: Professionalism 
Rebecca explains the NACE definition of Professionalism, emphasizing being present, prepared, and dependable. She connects these behaviors to interview success, discussing timing, avoiding distractions, and bringing essential materials. 

04:00–07:00 — Interview Behavior & Preparation 
The conversation highlights how interviews begin the moment a candidate arrives. Tips include appropriate arrival times, minimizing phone use, and preparing resumes, references, and questions. Follow‑up actions such as timely responses and thank‑you emails are also discussed. 

07:00–12:00 — Understanding Mistake‑Based Interview Questions 
Pierre transitions into why employers ask about mistakes, failures, or weaknesses. The hosts stress honesty, self‑awareness, ownership, and growth. They outline how candidates should choose examples from work, academics, or volunteering. 

12:00–16:00 — Using the STAR Method & Example Answers 
Pierre explains the STAR Method and provides model responses to mistake and weakness questions. The hosts emphasize focusing on actions and results rather than the negative event itself. The episode closes with reminders about professionalism, resilience, and continual improvement. 

Resources Discussed: 

The Career Ready Podcast, Episode 28: Interview Prep - Answering Behavioral Questions 

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Cassandra Wingert. Cassandra Wingert is a speech communication professor who specializes in helping students manage high speech anxiety. In the interview, they discuss interview nerves, confidence-building strategies, and effective communication habits. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of managing anxiety during interviews. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

0:00–4:00 — Introduction & Teaching Philosophy
Pierre welcomes Cassandra back to the podcast. She introduces her role as a speech communication professor and explains her “Maslow before Bloom” philosophy, emphasizing safety, regulation, and play-based learning as foundations for confident public speaking. 

4:00–9:00 — Understanding Interview Anxiety
Cassandra breaks down the psychology of nervousness using a car analogy, describing how the amygdala triggers stress responses that disrupt clear thinking. She explains why interview anxiety is normal and how the brain misinterprets interviews as threats. 

9:00–15:00 — Strategies to Manage Anxiety
They explore physical, mental, and behavioral techniques such as breath regulation, mindset reframing, practicing aloud, and simulating interview environments. Cassandra highlights how preparation reduces the brain’s “alarm system.” 

15:00–21:00 — Perfectionism & Recovering from Mistakes
Cassandra explains how perfectionism drives anxiety and shares methods for recovering when losing one’s place. She emphasizes that interviewers value professionalism and resilience over flawless performance. 

21:00–28:00 — Vocal Habits & Communication Techniques
They discuss common nervous speaking habits—speeding up, rambling, monotone delivery—and practical ways to slow down, pause effectively, structure responses, and maintain vocal clarity. 

28:00–36:00 — Nonverbal Communication & Confidence
Cassandra covers posture, eye contact, facial expression, and how to project steadiness even when nervous. She advises shifting from “performance mode” to “contribution mode.” 

36:00–40:00 — Long-Term Skill Building & Final Insights
They explore how consistent practice, mock interviews, and communication courses build lasting confidence. Cassandra closes by reinforcing that communication is a learnable skill and encourages students to lean into discomfort to grow. 

Resources Discussed:
Cassandra Wingert: [email protected] 
College of DuPage course Speech 1100 (reach out each semester for the special High Speech Anxiety section numbers) 
College of DuPage course Speech 1150 Intro Business Communication 
College of DuPage course Speech 1120 Small-Group Communication

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

Networking isn’t just for job seekers - it starts right where you are. In today’s episode, Rebecca Harrington shares information on how to start networking on campus. Information discussed includes practical ways students can build connections through career fairs, student organizations, professors, alumni, and guest speakers, along with tips for starting early, showing curiosity, and following up effectively. But first, Pierre Michiels starts the episode by exploring the NACE competency of career and self-development, emphasizing curiosity, continuous learning, and seeking development opportunities as foundations for meaningful networking. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how to approach networking in a low‑pressure, relationship‑focused way that supports your long‑term career growth. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–01:30 — Introduction & Episode Overview 
The hosts introduce the Career Ready Podcast and outline the day’s focus on networking on campus, setting the stage for understanding career readiness and essential skills. 

01:30–03:30 — NACE Career & Self‑Development Competency 
Pierre explains the NACE competency of career and self‑development, emphasizing curiosity, continuous learning, seeking feedback, and using relationships to grow professionally. 

03:30–08:00 — Why Networking Matters 
The discussion highlights networking as a relationship‑building process rather than a job hunt. Rebecca explains how early, low‑pressure networking helps students access opportunities and learn from others. 

08:00–12:30 — Networking Through Student Organizations 
The hosts explore how clubs, leadership roles, guest speakers, and staying after events create natural connections that often lead to internships and mentorships. 

12:30–17:00 — Building Relationships with Professors 
Rebecca and Pierre describe professors as powerful networking allies, encouraging students to attend office hours, ask about career paths, and build genuine professional relationships. 

17:00–21:30 — Leveraging Alumni Networks 
They discuss how alumni can offer advice, informational interviews, and industry insights, and how personalized outreach increases the likelihood of meaningful connections. 

21:30–25:00 — Campus Events & Guest Speakers 
The episode wraps by emphasizing guest lectures and workshops as low‑pressure networking moments, with tips on asking questions, introducing yourself, and following up. 

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Kika, a legal studies student at College of DuPage and a legal professional working in immigration law. In the interview, Kika shares her journey of moving from Colombia to the United States, transitioning from a career in real estate to the legal field, and navigating cultural and professional differences while building a new career path. She also discusses the importance of networking, volunteering, mentorship, and using campus resources to gain experience and confidence. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how to approach major career transitions with intention, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–02:00 | Episode Introduction & Guest Overview

Host Pierre Michiels introduces the Career Ready Podcast and welcomes Kika, a legal studies student at College of DuPage. He previews her story, which includes immigrating to the U.S., changing careers, and pursuing work in the legal field. 

02:00–08:00 | Cultural Transition & Professional Norms

Kika discusses moving from Colombia to the United States and adjusting to cultural and workplace differences. She reflects on professional expectations, time management, and how understanding U.S. norms has shaped her growth and confidence in the workplace. 

08:00–14:30 | Career Change & Choosing Legal Studies 

The conversation shifts to Kika’s background in real estate and what motivated her transition into legal studies. She explains how her past experience aligned with legal work and how College of DuPage supported her career pivot through practical, real-world instruction. 

14:30–19:00 | Networking, Volunteering & Skill Building 

Kika shares actionable advice on networking with intention, volunteering, joining student organizations, and building relationships that lead to opportunities. She emphasizes humility, consistency, and gaining experience while still in school. 

19:00–23:45 | Final Advice & Encouragement 

To close, Kika offers guidance for students facing imposter syndrome or uncertainty, encouraging them to take action before feeling “ready.” Pierre reinforces the importance of self-advocacy, campus resources, and steady progress in career development.

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, Pierre shares information on translating classroom experience into a strong résumé. Information discussed includes identifying academic projects, using action‑focused bullet points, and showcasing relevant coursework. But first, Jordan starts the episode by highlighting the NACE leadership competency. After listening, we hope you better understand how classroom experience strengthens your résumé. 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00–01:00 | Introduction & Episode Overview 
Pierre and Jordan introduce the Career Ready Podcast and outline today’s focus on how classroom experience can be translated into résumé‑ready content. Jordan begins by highlighting leadership as a key NACE competency and why it consistently ranks highly among employer priorities. 

01:00–03:30 | Leadership Competency & Student Application 
Jordan explains how leadership involves motivating others, recognizing strengths, and building trust. She connects these behaviors to group projects, emphasizing how students can demonstrate leadership before entering the workplace and how academic relationships can support long‑term growth. 

03:30–06:00 | Understanding Classroom Experience as Real Experience 
Pierre discusses the hidden value of academic work and how students often underestimate their classroom accomplishments. He lists examples such as labs, research, presentations, and software use, emphasizing how these experiences mirror real‑world expectations and should be included on a résumé. 

06:00–09:00 | Examples Across Academic Disciplines 
Pierre walks through how STEM, business, humanities, social sciences, and creative programs all provide résumé‑worthy experiences. He explains tasks like data analysis, financial reviews, interviews, writing, and portfolio creation—showing how they align with workplace responsibilities. 

09:00–12:00 | How to Format Academic Experience on a Résumé 
Pierre outlines how to structure academic experience: listing institution, class, dates, a descriptive title, and 3–5 action‑oriented bullet points. He offers sample statements for accounting, legal studies, biology, and marketing, and recommends using Career Coach for professional language. 

12:00–13:45 | Final Tips & Encouragement 
Jordan and Pierre close by encouraging students to recognize the value of their academic work across résumés, LinkedIn, and interviews. They stress that adding details boosts confidence and helps showcase readiness for internships and early‑career roles. 

Resource Mentioned:
• Career Coach for general job descriptions and résumé language 

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In today’s episode, Jordan Rembrecht interviews Christa Brennan, Program Director for Respiratory Care at College of DuPage. Christa shares her 20 years of experience in the field, including work in neonatal and pediatric care, and discusses the diverse career paths available in respiratory therapy—from critical care and acute care to roles in rehab facilities, physician offices, and home health. The conversation also highlights the skills students gain through COD’s program, such as critical thinking, communication, and professionalism, and the hands-on training offered through labs and clinical rotations. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the respiratory care profession and how COD prepares students for success in this dynamic healthcare field. 

View the College of DuPage Respiratory Care program
Contact the Respiratory Care program or Christa Brennan directly by emailing [email protected]   

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00 – 01:17 | Introductions 
Jordan welcomes listeners and introduces Christa Brennan, Program Director for Respiratory Care at College of DuPage. Christa shares her background, including 20 years as a respiratory therapist and experience in neonatal/pediatric care, transport teams, project management, and teaching. 

02:18 – 06:58 | Career Paths in Respiratory Care 
Christa explains the variety of roles available in respiratory care—from critical care and ICUs to acute care, rehab facilities, physician offices, pharmaceutical companies, and home health. She emphasizes flexibility and opportunities for specialization after gaining experience. 

07:22 – 11:30 | Skills and Competencies 
Discussion shifts to essential skills for success: communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and teamwork. Christa highlights how the program reinforces these competencies to meet employer expectations. 

12:10 – 16:43 | Program Structure and Clinical Rotations 
Christa outlines the program’s unique structure, including lectures, labs, tutoring, and diverse clinical rotations in medical floors, ICUs, emergency departments, and specialized units like neonatal and pulmonary labs. 

17:11 – 21:48 | Preparing for Success 
Advice for students includes leveraging resources, practicing teamwork, managing stress in high-pressure situations, and being receptive to feedback for professional growth. 

23:08 – 24:47 | How to Learn More 
Christa shares how prospective students can access program details and advising sessions through the College of DuPage website. 

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at [email protected]

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter