The Career Ready Podcast

Thinking about a creative career? In this episode, Rebecca interviews Professor Daniel Millhouse, who shares what it’s really like to work in theater and how studying the arts can prepare you for any career path. From public speaking and teamwork to problem-solving under pressure, theater helps students build skills that employers love. Whether you want to be on stage or just think creatively in your future job, this episode will inspire you to see theater in a whole new way.

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.

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In today’s episode Marisela interviews David Ellis, Professor in the Welding Technology Program at College of DuPage. They discuss career possibilities within Welding along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to what the program has to offer its students at College of DuPage.   

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]

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Think speech class is just about public speaking? Think again. In this episode, Pierre Michaels sits down with Cassandra Wingert, Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at College of DuPage, to explore how communication skills shape career success in every field—from healthcare to business to law. Cassandra shares how speech courses build confidence, foster leadership, and prepare students for real-world challenges through hands-on experiences like mock interviews and persuasive presentations. Whether you're nervous about speaking up or ready to lead the conversation, this episode will show you how communication can be your most powerful career tool.

View the College of DuPage Speech Communication program
Contact the Speech Communication program or Cassandra Wingert directly by emailing [email protected]

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

00:00–00:01:30
Introduction
Host Pierre Michaels introduces the Career Ready podcast and welcomes guest Cassandra Wingert, Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at College of DuPage.

00:01:30–00:03:40
Cassandra’s Background & Role
Cassandra shares her teaching philosophy and the importance of communication skills in all professional settings.

00:03:40–00:06:50
Value of Speech Communication Across Careers
Discussion on how communication skills apply to various fields like healthcare, marketing, and law, and how they enhance employability and promotability.

00:06:50–00:09:00
Soft Skills and Classroom Experience
Exploration of how speech classes build confidence, empathy, and community through interactive learning and feedback.

00:09:00–00:11:30
Hard Skills and Transferable Skills
Students gain practical skills like public speaking, interviewing, and message design, which are applicable across industries.

00:11:30–00:13:40
Advice for Students: Say Yes to Opportunities
Cassandra encourages students to get involved, try new things, and use experiences to build stories for interviews.

00:13:40–00:17:20
Classroom Activities That Build Career Readiness
Overview of real-world assignments like mock interviews, resume building, and persuasive speeches tailored to students’ career goals.

00:17:20–00:20:00
Final Advice: Practice, Network, and Tell Your Story
Cassandra emphasizes the importance of treating college as a networking opportunity and using storytelling to stand out professionally.

00:20:00–00:23:16
Resources and Closing
Information on how to learn more about the speech program at College of DuPage, and final thoughts from the host and guest.

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]

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In today’s episode Michelle interviews Stephanie McLemore, Assistant Professor in the Cosmetology Program at College of DuPage, to explore the dynamic world of cosmetology. Stephanie shares the wide range of career opportunities available in the field, the essential skills needed to thrive, and how students can get started. Learn about the hands-on training, industry insights, and supportive community offered through the College of DuPage’s Cosmetology Program. Whether you're curious about the beauty industry or ready to take the next step, this episode is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you shine.

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]

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What can you do with a political science degree? More than you think. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Professor Maureen Heffren-Ponicki to explore the many ways students can turn their passion for politics, justice, and community into meaningful careers. From public service to grassroots organizing, policy research to civic education, Professor Heffren-Ponicki shares real-world insights, personal stories, and empowering advice for students ready to make a difference. Whether you're dreaming of Capitol Hill or your local city hall, this conversation will help you find your path—and your purpose.

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]

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In today’s episode, Marisela interviews Holly Gaydurgis, ASL Interpreter Assistant Professor at College of DuPage. Together, they discuss the two main career paths in ASL interpreting—educational and freelance—highlighting the skills developed in the program, such as ASL and English proficiency, ethical decision-making, and cultural mediation. She emphasizes the importance of immersion in the deaf community, learning from deaf influencers, and gaining hands-on experience through practicum and service learning projects. Tune in to learn more about American Sign Language Interpreting Program and explore the details of studying this dynamic program at the College of DuPage.

View the College of DuPage American Sign Language Interpreting program
Contact Holly Gaydurgis by emailing [email protected] or contact the ASL Interpreting program

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

00:00:00 - 00:01:24
Introduction, Host: Maricela Morales & Guest: Holly Gaydurgis, ASL Interpreter Assistant Professor at College of DuPage.

00:01:24 - 00:03:02 
Overview of ASL Interpreting Field

00:03:02 - 00:10:00
Skills Developed in ASL Interpreting Program

00:10:00 - 00:14:00
Experiences and Opportunities for Growth

00:14:00 - 00:19:00
Preparation for Careers in ASL Interpreting

00:19:00 - 00:24:00
Advice for Aspiring ASL Interpreters

00:24:00 - 00:29:00
Resources and Contact Information

00:29:00 - 00:30:13
Conclusion

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 kickoff episode of our summer series, host Michelle Malik sits down with Jordan  Rembrecht, the newest Career Specialist at College of DuPage and newest host of The Career Ready Podcast. Jordan shares her career journey—from volunteering in high school and switching majors in college to working in HR and eventually joining Career Services.

Hear how mentorship, internships, and involvement in programs like Best Buddies and the COACH program helped shape her path. Jordan also offers advice for students exploring careers and navigating the job search.

💼 Topics include:

• The value of getting involved on campus
• Changing majors and discovering your strengths
• Making the most of internships
• The power of mentorship
• Transitioning from HR to higher ed

🎧 Plus: Find out what show Jordan plans to binge this summer!

📬 Got a question for us? Email [email protected]

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

Stepping into your first job interview can feel overwhelming—but what if you had a personal coach available 24/7? In this episode, we explore how college students and recent grads can use AI tools to prepare smarter, faster, and with more confidence. Learn how to generate common questions, build STAR stories, polish your delivery, and tailor your responses to specific job descriptions—all with the help of AI. Also learn about the importance of clear communication to get ahead at the workplace. 

Example AI Prompts for Interview Prep 

00:27:03 - Asking Questions to improve Communication

00:09:51:18 - Using AI to Prep for your Interview

Link to episode details and transcript

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 of the Career Podcast, hosts Pierre Michaels and Rebecca Harrington dive into the essentials of career readiness. Pierre interviews Samuel Wilson, a College of DuPage graduate and tax consultant at Deloitte. Samuel shares his inspiring journey from high school electives to landing his dream job. The conversation includes the importance of networking, internships, and leveraging AI tools for resume building. Samuel's insights on transitioning from college to the workforce and finding your niche are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in their career. 

Before the interview, Rebecca kicks off the episode with a listener question on how to answer the daunting "Why should we hire you?" Interview question. She provides actionable tips to showcase your unique value. 

Tune in to hear Samuel's advice on embracing challenges, staying passionate, and making impactful connections. Plus, discover his favorite board game that combines strategy and fun! 

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

00:00:00:00 - 00:00:22:28
Introduction to the Career Podcast and overview of the episode.

00:00:23:00 - 00:01:10:04
Tips on answering "Why should we hire you?"

00:01:10:04 - 00:02:24:29
Further advice on connecting skills to the job description and understanding the company.

00:02:25:01 - 00:03:07:12
Researching a company before an interview.

00:03:07:14 - 00:05:31:16
Recap of key points for answering "Why should we hire you?"

00:05:31:16 - 00:06:00:29
Introduction to Samuel Wilson's interview.

00:06:00:29 - 00:08:23:25
Samuel Wilson's background and hobbies.

00:08:23:28 - 00:11:10:29
Samuel's journey into accounting and reassessing career paths.

00:11:10:29 - 00:12:47:07
Resources Samuel utilized as a student.

00:12:47:07 - 00:15:13:22
Samuel's approach to creating his resume.

00:15:13:22 - 00:18:06:25
Advice on preparing for interviews.

00:18:06:25 - 00:22:18:26
Importance of internships and networking.

00:22:18:26 - 00:27:07:15
Adjustments transitioning from college to the workforce.

00:27:07:15 - 00:29:09:23
Advice on challenging oneself with difficult classes.

00:29:09:23 - 00:30:01:24
Final thoughts and words of encouragement.

00:30:01:24 - 00:31:01:10
Discussion on Samuel's favorite board game.

00:31:01:10 - 00:36:53:21
Hosts reflect on key takeaways from the interview.

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]

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In this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, we explore two crucial aspects of career success, teamwork and the resume. Mari provides tips and insight to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance your job search, specifically in crafting effective resumes. Before learning about resume AI tools, Pierre discussed the importance of teamwork and accountability in the workplace, drawing insights from the research of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Learn how to navigate teamwork dynamics and utilize AI tools to help you #BeCareerReady. 

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