The Career Ready Podcast

On this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, Pierre interviews Jim Fuller, General Manager of the student newspaper at College of DuPage. The conversations explore the significant technological disruptions that have reshaped the journalism industry, and how those lessons can prepare us for the AI-driven future. We'll discuss the transition from print to digital, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, and the essential skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. Learn how to evaluate information credibility, showcase your adaptability, and #BeCareerReady. 

#AI #AIWorkforce

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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Ever wonder how to research careers using AI? In this episode, Michelle talks about ChatGPT and how to use it to start the process of exploring careers. The importance of using AI ethically is discussed and sample questions to ask ChatGPT are provided. Additionally, Michelle mentions career exploration websites to assist in career research. Rebecca starts the episode by providing information on the NACE Competency of Technology. 

Topic #1 (Competency): 

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines the Technology competency as the ability to “Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.” In this episode, Rebecca explores how AI is helping and/or hurting us do one of the key behaviors for this competency: “Use technology to improve efficiency and productivity of their work.”  

 Topic #2 (Main Topic): 

Michelle discusses how to research careers using AI, such as ChatGPT. Sample career exploration questions are provided, and Michelle references an article posted by the Career Services department at the University of Denver titled AI for Career Development (link below). Additionally, there is a brief recap of career exploration websites, which can help listeners with their career research. 

University of Denver Article: 

https://career.du.edu/channels/artificial-intelligence-ai-for-career-development/#:~:text=AI%20can%20help%20you%20draft,up%2C%20and%20keep%20conversations%20going. 

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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Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s a powerful way to gain valuable skills, build your network, and boost your career prospects. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Joan DiPiero, Community Engagement Coordinator, and we explore how college students can leverage volunteer experiences to stand out in job applications, make meaningful connections, and discover new career opportunities. Michelle starts the episode by sharing how to use LinkedIn to search for volunteer opportunities. 

Topic #1 (Resources): 

Michelle starts off the episode by discussing how you can use LinkedIn to find volunteer opportunities, such as utilizing the Company tab and the Open To tab. 

Topic #2 (Main Topic): 

Rebecca interviews Joan DiPiero, Community Engagement Coordinator for College of DuPage, about volunteering and the impact it can have on your career path. 

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, we will begin our series on using AI for the job search process, and the possible consequences of using AI improperly. In addition, we will be answering a listener question regarding how to prepare yourself for a virtual interview. 

Michelle discusses how job seekers can prepare themselves for virtual interviews.  

Mari discusses how AI is becoming an essential tool in the job search process, with job seekers using it for tasks like resume enhancement, interview practice, and job search automation. While AI can improve resumes and increase interview opportunities, job seekers should use them carefully—verifying accuracy and ensuring their application reflects their own voice—since some employers view AI-assisted applications negatively. 

Sources:   

Why 80% Of Hiring Managers Discard AI-Generated Job Applications From Career Seekers 

Job Seekers Who Used ChatGPT Negotiated Higher Salaries 

AI job search tips: 10 AI tools to help you land your next job 

How ethical is using AI to write cover letters for job applications? 

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, Michelle interviews Nicole Magats, Talent Acquisition Partner at TransChicago and Director of Marketing & Social Media at HRA of Greater Oak Brook, about current job trends. Nicole talks about changes in hiring and the job market this Spring, the impact of AI, why employers may ghost applicants, as well as how to stand out during the job search process. Mari starts the episode by answering a listener question about if a degree is needed to be successful. 

Topic #1 (Resources): 

Mari starts the episode by answering a listener question: Do I need a degree to be successful? 

Topic #2 (Main Topic): 

Michelle interviews Nicole Magats, Talent Acquisition Partner at TransChicago and Director of Marketing & Social Media at HRA of Greater Oak Brook. Nicole shares information about the current job market, the impact of AI, and tips for job seekers. 

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 Casey Emerich, Professor of Office Technology Information at the College of DuPage. Together, they discuss the valuable skills and strengths gained through studying Office Technology, how students can prepare for various career pathways, and the experiences and opportunities young professionals should consider to prepare for these fields. Tune in to learn more about Office Technology and explore the details of studying this dynamic program at the College of DuPage.

View the College of DuPage Office Technology Information program
Contact Casey Emerich by emailing [email protected] or contact the OFTI program

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 Pierre interviews Julia diLiberti, Professor of Humanities at College of DuPage. Throughout the interview the skills and strengthen developed when studying the humanities are discussed and how they prepare students for many career paths. The differences between CTE (Career Technical Education) and KAO (Knowledge for All Occupations) is covered along with specific details about studying the program at College of DuPage. 

View the College of DuPage Humanities program
Contact Julia diLiberti by emailing [email protected] or contact the Humanities program

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 this episode, we dive into the exciting world of video game development and design! College of DuPage Professor Steve Santello, a renowned expert in video game design, joins us to explore the ins and outs of building a career in this dynamic field, discussing everything from the skills needed to break into the industry to the latest trends shaping the future of gaming. Whether you're a budding game designer or just curious about the industry, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and advice. 

Professor Steve Santello is a well-seasoned educator and veteran of the game industry from Chicago, Illinois, USA. His cross-disciplinary study in art, design, programming, and project management has allowed him to explore multiple facets of game development. As an educator, he has used his passion to teach others how to develop games with many of his students earning positions in the game industry even prior to graduation. Steve has worked on over 10 different titles as a 2D and 3D artist for the Chicago game developer Babaroga.  Some popular titles he worked on include Spore Origins, The Godfather Game, Pictionary: The Game of Quick Draw, Hannah Montana In Action, Meet the Robinsons, Babaroga Eats Children, and BEES!  

Steve has also been a university professor since 2006 teaching and developed various academic programs in game development and other innovative areas in Computer Science.  

Aside from teaching and development, Steve is a Sport Silat Team USA Athlete holding 1 gold medal, 4 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal. He teaches Silat Seni Gayong (Malay Silat) at College of DuPage, where he also coaches athletes for national and world competitions.

Information about the academic programs discussed in this podcast can be found by visiting the Computer and Information Science portion of the College of DuPage website: Computer and Information Science < 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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Listen to this episode to learn how to research careers and get back into the workforce after a career break. Tips on career exploration and how to update your resume are shared. Pierre starts the episode by providing information on the NACE Competency of Critical Thinking.

Topic #1 (Competency): Pierre discusses some key behaviors from the Critical Thinking competency. This competency is a part of the top 8 competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). 

Topic #2: Michelle talks about how to begin the career exploration process after being on a career break, including how to research industries, what career assessments to take, and updating your resume with current experiences. 

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, Pierre interviews Kash, a student at College of DuPage, to hear about her career journey. Kash shares insight how she moved from being undecided on a future path to finding early career success. Many of her tips and insight relate to networking and the value of building up connects for the future. Michelle returns to the podcast with a listener question about next steps after receiving a verbal job offer.   

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