The Professionals Podcast

In this episode of The Professionals Podcast, we delve deep into the multifaceted world of publishing careers. Join us as we uncover invaluable insights from Mr. John Warren, Program Director and Associate Professor of the Publishing program at the College of Professional Studies.

Professor Warren shares his personal journey and reveals the diverse paths that successful publishing professionals have taken to reach their professoinal dreams. From editorial roles to marketing, from traditional publishing houses to emerging digital platforms, each Professor Warren brings a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges within the publishing landscape.

We explore the crucial intersection of passion and practicality, discussing how aspiring professionals can strategically plan their careers in this ever-evolving field. Through candid anecdotes and practical advice, Professor Warren offers guidance on finding your niche, building essential skills, and seizing opportunities for growth.

Whether you're a seasoned publishing professional or just starting your journey, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complex world of publishing careers. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and discover actionable strategies to propel your career forward.

In this podcast episode, Kristian Maldonado shares his amazing journey into the world of urban planning. Driven by a deep passion for cities and communities, Kristian initially pursued civil engineering until a career test pointed him towards urban planning at the University of Nevada. This revelation led Kristian to delve into the dynamic field of urban planning, challenging traditional suburban living and advocating for sustainability.

As a land use planner in Loudoun County, Kristian navigates the intersection of politics, policy, and community engagement, striving to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Join Amanda, Luke, and Kristian on this podcast episode as they reflect on the evolution of urban planning and the pivotal role it plays in fostering vibrant, resilient communities amid the challenges of climate change and societal transformation.

In this episode, you'll hear Kristian reflect on his Capstone Project; experiences as a young professional in urban planning, and his advice for students that are keen to explore careers in the field.

In this episode of The Professionals Podcast, we delve into the world of sustainable urban planning with Ms. Sandra Whitehead, Program Director, Sustainable Urban Planning Program at GW's College of Professional Studies. The conversation reflects on the dual purpose of building spaces for people and safeguarding the environment and economy for future generations.

The discussion leads to a critical question: Which city serves as a model for sustainable urban planning? While Portland, Oregon, often takes the spotlight, Ms. Whitehead challenges this perception, pointing out concerns like urban sprawl. Drawing from personal experiences in Pensacola, Florida, the conversation explores historical layouts and sustainable practices that contribute to a walkable and environmentally conscious community.

The hosts, Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim, probe into Ms. Whitehead's motivation for entering this field, uncovering a personal connection to environmental justice challenges and a desire to understand and rectify the impact of industrial activities on local communities.

Shifting gears, the conversation delves into the role of urban planners in the face of climate change. Ms. Whitehead emphasizes the critical role planners play in shaping communities, managing public lands, and devising strategies for climate resilience. The curriculum's emphasis on climate change reflects its significance, with core classes dedicated to understanding the science and planning for low carbon and resilient cities.

The episode unveils the local impact of the program's graduates, with around 60% choosing to stay in the immediate area, working for federal agencies, non-profits, or planning consulting firms. The close-knit network, facilitated by alumni-student mixers and internships, plays a pivotal role in connecting graduates with job opportunities.

As the conversation unfolds, the conversation explores the program's unique feature – capstone projects. These projects provide students with opportunities to create professional planning products, offering practical solutions to real-world challenges. The podcast concludes with insights into global examples of effective urban planning, citing the Netherlands and Copenhagen, while emphasizing the program's commitment to creating change-makers equipped to address the urgent challenges of our time.

In this gripping episode of The Professionals Podcast, Mr. Bryan Carley shares his extraordinary journey from a tech-focused career to a life-altering health scare that prompted a profound shift. After a dire medical prognosis, Mr. Carley reevaluates his priorities, transitioning from technology implementation to combating financial crime. The pivotal moment on December 26th, 2013, becomes a catalyst for a career overhaul, leading him to specialize in responsible business practices and risk management. Bryan's resilience and newfound purpose resonate as he transforms from a tech generalist to a financial crime specialist.

Returning to school with a unique perspective, Bryan navigates the Homeland Security Program at The George Washington University's College of Professional Studies, embracing the efficiency of modern education tools. His experience and insights illuminate the real-world applications of certifications in financial crime and anti-money laundering. As Bryan reflects on his family's military legacy, he shares a heartwarming tale of guiding his son's journey into cybersecurity.

In a surprising turn, Bryan announces his acceptance into the University of Melbourne Law School, marking the beginning of his third chapter. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of deliberate choices, productive discomfort, and being present in every endeavor. Bryan's inspiring narrative underscores the power of introspection and the endless possibilities that unfold when one embraces change.

Welcome to The Professionals Podcast, where we explore the world of upskilling and continuing education for adult learners. On this episode, Luke Kasim and Amanda Gillespie have the privilege of talking to Elaine Lammert, the distinguished homeland security master's Program director.

Elaine has had an illustrious career, spending nearly 29 years at the FBI, starting as a street agent and eventually becoming the Principal Deputy General Counsel. She then transitioned into academia, joining GW in 2011 as an adjunct professor and later becoming the program director.

We dive into the evolution of the Department of Homeland Security since its creation in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Elaine highlights the need for unity of effort and information sharing among agencies, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nation from terrorist threats. She also discusses the continuous evolution of DHS in response to ever-changing threats.

Elaine shares her unique career journey, describing it as both a career change and continuation. She believes in giving back and serving her country, which she now does through educating the next generation of leaders in homeland security.

We learn about the diverse student body in GW's Homeland Security Master's Program, which includes individuals from various backgrounds, such as the military, law enforcement, intelligence, and even the private sector. Elaine emphasizes the importance of providing a well-rounded education to prepare students for careers in national security.

Elaine discusses the program's commitment to staying up-to-date and mentions exploring partnerships and addressing specific needs in the coming years. She also touches on the program's webinar series, "U.S.-China Relations," which delves into the complexities of China's role in the world.

In closing, Elaine encourages prospective students to consider GW's program, highlighting its location in the national capital region, the impressive credentials of the faculty, and the program's commitment to mentoring and producing the next generation of leaders in the field of homeland security.

If you're interested in learning more about the Homeland Security Master's Program at GW or attending one of their China relations webinars, you can visit CPS.GWU.edu. The program offers a unique blend of academic theory and practicality, making it a valuable opportunity for those seeking careers in national security.

Welcome to "The Professionals Podcast," hosted by Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim. In this episode, they are joined by Ms. Nicole Mintz, Director of Career Services for the College of Professional Studies. Nicole provides one-on-one coaching, programming, and resources to assist students and alumni in exploring opportunities, developing job search strategies, and sustaining lifelong career services.

Nicole shares her passion for supporting students and alumni throughout their career journeys, emphasizing the importance of ongoing career development. She highlights how career services at the College of Professional Studies are committed to helping individuals create authentic career stories, whether they are students or alumni.

Nicole explains how students and alumni can access career services, including one-on-one coaching appointments through the GW career portal, Handshake. She discusses the wide range of topics covered in coaching sessions, from job search strategies to resume writing and interview preparation. She also touches on the role of applicant tracking systems and AI in today's job market.

The conversation explores the future of resumes and LinkedIn's potential to replace traditional resumes. Nicole emphasizes the importance of a well-crafted online presence, which includes using keywords effectively to navigate the AI-driven hiring process.

The hosts also dive into the Career Builder Series, a program that connects students, alumni, program directors, employers, and more to discuss trending topics and industry insights. Nicole explains how these sessions help individuals gain direction and knowledge about their chosen field.

Throughout the episode, Nicole's enthusiasm for helping individuals discover their strengths and pursue fulfilling careers shines through. She shares a heartwarming success story of a career changer who transitioned from a seemingly unrelated field to publishing, demonstrating the transformative power of career services.

Nicole emphasizes that career services at the College of Professional Studies are there to support individuals throughout their career journeys, from the moment they enter the program to long after they become alumni. She encourages prospective students to consider the valuable career support available to them as they invest in their education and professional growth.

The episode concludes with Nicole highlighting the importance of integrating classroom learning with intentional career development, emphasizing that it's not just about the grade but about crafting your unique career story.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out with questions, feedback, or recommendations for future podcast episodes.

This episode of "The Professionals Podcast" provides valuable insights into the role of career services in adult education, the ever-evolving landscape of resumes and online presence, and the ongoing support available to students and alumni pursuing their career goals.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Capitol Hill as we follow the captivating journey of Dr. Casey Burgat, the Director of the Legislative Affairs program at the Graduate School of Political Management at George Washington University. Starting with his decision to pursue a Ph.D. in American Government at the University of Maryland, we uncover the twists and turns that led him to Washington, D.C., the heart of the nation's political landscape.

In this episode, we get an inside look at the world of lobbyists and interest groups, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting their informational role in our democracy.

As we navigate the ever-changing political climate, we explore the Graduate School of Political Management at GW and the program's role in shaping the next generation of political leaders. The episode closes with a thought-provoking discussion on the state of American democracy, urging listeners to engage in the political process at both the national and local levels.

Welcome to the Professionals Podcast, hosted by Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim. In this episode, we are joined by Connie Uthoff, the Program Director of the Cybersecurity Strategy and Information Management Master's Program in the College of Professional Studies at George Washington University.

Connie shares her journey into the world of cybersecurity education and how the program she leads has evolved to keep up with the rapidly changing threat landscape. She highlights the importance of continuous education and the skills needed to combat emerging cyber threats, emphasizing the need for a workforce that can adapt to new challenges.

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, the role of AI and machine learning, the significance of threat hunting, and the challenges faced by both large and small businesses. Connie also discusses the importance of collaboration between different sectors and industries to address cybersecurity challenges effectively.

She shares insights into the diverse backgrounds of her students, including those who come from non-cybersecurity fields, and how the program equips them with essential skills to protect against cyber threats.

The episode also touches on the financial services sector's proactive approach to cybersecurity and the significance of reducing one's digital footprint to enhance personal security. Connie talks about her recently published book on cyber intelligence and the responsibility each individual has in safeguarding their digital presence.

Join us for a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and learn how education and collaboration are crucial in the fight against cyber threats. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and stay tuned for more insightful episodes.

We're thrilled to be joined by today's special guest, Toni Marsh, the Paralegal Studies program at George Washington University's College of Professional Studies.

In this episode, Toni shares his remarkable journey into the paralegal profession, spanning over three decades. From starting as an adjunct faculty member while working as a public defender to eventually designing and launching paralegal education programs worldwide, Toni's story is truly inspiring.

But what exactly is a paralegal, and how has the profession evolved? Toni explains how paralegals have transitioned from performing administrative tasks to taking on a more significant role in the legal system. With formal education and specialized training, paralegals are now tackling challenging and substantive work, making them indispensable in the field.

One of the highlights of this episode is Toni's fascinating tale of how she became involved in building an entire paralegal education system in Tanzania. Her journey from a phone call from the State Department to designing a curriculum that is now used nationwide in Tanzania showcases the social impact and global opportunities that a career in paralegal studies can offer.

Toni also delves into the unique master's program at George Washington University, the only one of its kind in the country. With an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills, this program equips students with the tools they need to excel in the paralegal profession.

As the discussion continues, the Amanda, Luke, and Toni explore the role of AI in the paralegal world. Toni dispels the notion that AI will replace paralegals, emphasizing that those who can effectively utilize AI will thrive in the profession. AI is viewed as a powerful tool that enhances productivity, and students are encouraged to embrace it as part of their education.

Toni also offers valuable insights into the qualities that make an excellent paralegal, such as being detail-oriented, organized, and a strong communicator. She highlights the benefits of choosing a paralegal career over becoming a lawyer, including a shorter education timeline, lower costs, and an excellent work-life balance.

In the world of paralegal studies, the future looks promising. The field is experiencing robust growth, and Toni predicts that it will only continue to expand. Paralegals are in high demand, and their versatile skill set is valuable in various legal settings. With AI becoming more integrated into the profession, paralegals who adapt and embrace technology will be well-positioned for success.

Finally, Toni discusses the strong network of GW paralegal alumni, who remain closely connected and often return to recruit GW graduates for prestigious positions. The Honor Society, Lambda Epsilon Chi (Lex), recognizes the top-performing students and provides them with an excellent addition to their resumes.

In closing, this episode of the Professionals Podcast sheds light on the dynamic and evolving world of paralegal studies. Toni Marsh's passion for the field and his dedication to educating the next generation of paralegals are evident throughout the conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone considering a career in this exciting profession. Join us for this enlightening episode as we uncover the endless possibilities that await paralegal professionals.