Unboxing Careers

ON THIS EPISODE: Derek Dellinger, a TV anchor and reporter at Queen City News in Charlotte, NC, shares his career journey and insights into the broadcasting field. Derek discusses the day-to-day responsibilities of a reporter, including pitching story ideas, gathering information, and writing scripts. He also talks about the process of becoming an anchor and the importance of storytelling in journalism.

Hosted by Greg Zakowicz 

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WHAT WE DISCUSS: 

★ Derek Dellinger's Career Journey

★ The Life of a TV Reporter

★ The Path to Becoming an Anchor

★ The Art of Storytelling in Journalism

★ Finding Work-Life Balance

★ Balancing Work and Life in Broadcast Journalism

★ Dispelling Misconceptions about Broadcast Journalism

★ Adapting to the Changing Landscape of the Industry

★ The Rewards of Making a Difference in People's Lives

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★★ CONNECT WITH DEREK ★★ 

QUEEN CITY NEWS: https://www.qcnews.com/author/derek-dellinger/ 

X: https://x.com/derekdlngr 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/derekdlngr/ 

★★ CONNECT WITH US ★★ 

WEBSITE: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/unboxingcareerspodcast/    

X: https://x.com/unboxingcareers 

📦 Special thanks to http://www.ThoughtfulCollection.com 📦

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TAKEAWAYS: 

★ Starting in radio can be a stepping stone to a career in television reporting and anchoring.

★ Reporters have a wide range of responsibilities, from pitching story ideas to gathering information and writing scripts.

★ Becoming an anchor often involves starting as a reporter and gradually working up to anchor positions through fill-in opportunities.

★ Crafting a compelling story is an essential skill for journalists, and creativity is key in presenting information in an engaging way.

★ Maintaining work-life balance is crucial in a demanding industry, and consciously disconnecting from work is important for mental health. Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial in broadcast journalism.

★ Broadcast journalists strive for fair and balanced reporting, regardless of the affiliations of the TV stations.

★ The industry is evolving, with a shift towards digital platforms and the need for diverse skills like video editing and podcasting.

★ Misconceptions about broadcast journalism include the belief that appearance is more important than substance and that journalists prioritize ratings over quality reporting.

Discover your career: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

ON THIS EPISODE: Dr. Jason Freeman, an associate professor at Towson University, specializes in sociology and focuses his research on the intersection of religion and health. Dr. Freeman discusses the steps to enter the higher education field, including obtaining a graduate degree and pursuing a tenure-track position. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, building relationships, and being open to different pathways in academia. Dr. Freeman also highlights the rewarding aspects of teaching, such as seeing students succeed and expressing gratitude for his guidance.

Hosted by Greg Zakowicz 

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WHAT WE DISCUSS: 

★ Discovering a Passion for Sociology and Religion and Health Research

★ Transitioning into the Education World

★ Steps to Enter the Higher Education World

★ Work-Life Balance in Academia

★ Challenges and Rewards of Dealing with Students

★ Tips for Job Hunting in Academia

★ Navigating Online Profiles and Social Media

★ Common Misconceptions about Working in Academia

★ The Most Rewarding Part of a Career in Academia

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★★ CONNECT WITH DR. FREEMAN ★★ 

TOWSON: https://www.towson.edu/cla/departments/socioanthrocrim/facultystaff/jfreeman.html  

WEBSITE: https://drjasonfreeman.com/ 

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-freeman-46425241/ 

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/@drjasonfreeman

★★ CONNECT WITH US ★★ 

WEBSITE: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/unboxingcareerspodcast/    

X: https://x.com/unboxingcareers 

📦 Special thanks to http://www.ThoughtfulCollection.com 📦

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TAKEAWAYS: 

★ Take opportunities in high school and college to teach and present on topics of interest

★ Build relationships and seek mentorship from professors and professionals in your field

★ Be open to different pathways in academia and explore various research and teaching opportunities

★ Maintain a professional online presence and be cautious of what you share on social media

★ The most rewarding part of a career in academia is seeing students succeed and expressing gratitude for your guidance

Discover your career: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

ON THIS EPISODE: Paige King Johnson, a singer-songwriter in the country music genre, shares her journey in the music industry. She emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about the music industry and surrounding oneself with trustworthy people. Paige's week consists of shows, songwriting, managing contracts, and social media engagement. Paige shares insights on songwriting, booking venues in the music industry, the importance of finding the right collaborators, and understanding the different approaches to writing commercial songs versus personal songs. Paige also discusses the pros and cons of being a small fish in a big pond versus being a big fish in a smaller pond in the music industry, and much more.

Hosted by Greg Zakowicz 

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WHAT WE DISCUSS: 

★ Finding Inspiration in Classic Country and the 90s

★ Choosing Music as a Career and Pursuing Education

★ The Importance of Trust and Education in the Music Industry

★ Balancing Shows, Songwriting, and Personal Life

★ Finding the Right Collaborators

★ Balancing Commercial Songs and Personal Songs

★ Tips for Booking Venues

★ Pros and Cons of Being a Small Fish in a Big Pond

★ Misconceptions About the Music Industry

★ The Importance of a Strong Support System

★ Exploring Different Revenue Streams

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★★ CONNECT WITH PAIGE ★★ 

WEBSITE: https://www.paigekingjohnson.com/ 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/paigekingjohnson/

YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/@PaigeKingJohnson

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4SWzLGvdcyhsjJ2x2S9pSU?si=ZwszA5eWQY2fwbPGiBJX-Q

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/paigekingjohnson/

★★ CONNECT WITH US ★★ 

WEBSITE: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/unboxingcareerspodcast/    

X: https://x.com/unboxingcareers 

📦 Special thanks to http://www.ThoughtfulCollection.com 📦

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TAKEAWAYS: 

★ Paige King-Johnson's music is influenced by classic country and honky-tonk, as well as the sounds of the 90s.

★ She realized in high school that she wanted to pursue music as a career and attended Belmont University to study music business.

★ Paige emphasizes the importance of educating oneself about the music industry and surrounding oneself with trustworthy people.

★ Her week consists of shows, songwriting, managing contracts, and social media engagement, and she prioritizes work-life balance and self-care. 

★ Find the right collaborators who understand you as an artist and as a person.

★ Differentiate between writing commercial songs and personal songs.

★ Start booking venues near home and build a local following before expanding.

★ The music industry is not as glamorous as it seems and requires hard work and sacrifice.

★ Build a strong support system to navigate the challenges of the industry.

★ Explore various revenue streams in addition to traditional music sales and performances.

Discover your career: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

ON THIS EPISODE: Mike Reynolds, a financial advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, discusses the field of financial planning. As a financial advisor, Mike's role involves servicing existing clients, building new client relationships, and helping clients navigate their financial lives. He discusses the certifications required in the finance industry, the importance of continuous learning, insights into the work-life balance, and the stress of being entrusted with clients' financial security. Mike emphasizes the importance of internships and connections for college students interested in finance, and discusses the misconception that financial planners only focus on investments. 

Hosted by Greg Zakowicz 

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WHAT WE DISCUSS: 

★ The Role of a Financial Advisor

★ Career Path and Education in Finance

★ A Week in the Life of a Financial Advisor

★ Work-Life Balance in Financial Planning

★ The Stress and Responsibility of Being a Financial Advisor

★ Advice for Students Interested in Finance

★ Finding Your Why

★ The Importance of Internships and Connections in College

★ Tips for Landing the First Job in the Financial Field

★ Misconceptions About Financial Planners

★ What Mike Wishes He Knew Sooner

★ The Most Rewarding Part of a Financial Planner's Career

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★★ CONNECT WITH MIKE ★★ 

WEBSITE: https://www.janney.com/

Email: https://www.janney.com/meet-janney/people/mike-reynolds 

★★ CONNECT WITH US ★★ 

WEBSITE: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/unboxingcareerspodcast/    

X: https://x.com/unboxingcareers 

📦 Special thanks to http://www.ThoughtfulCollection.com 📦

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TAKEAWAYS: 

★ Financial planning involves servicing existing clients and building new client relationships.

★ Continuous learning and certifications are important in the finance industry.

★ Financial advisors are entrusted with clients' financial security, which can be stressful.

★ Finding a work-life balance is important in the financial planning field.

★ High school students interested in finance can explore the field by reading material and understanding the requirements.

★ Personal experiences can shape your career path and help you find your why.

★ Internships and connections are crucial for college students interested in finance.

★ Financial planning is more than just investments; it involves comprehensive planning for various life events.

★ The financial planning field is becoming more diverse and inclusive.

★ The most rewarding part of a financial planner's career is helping clients achieve their financial goals.

★ Being open to saying 'I don't know' is important in any profession.

Discover your career: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

ON THIS EPISODE: Lauren Farrow, an elementary school teacher and founder of Teacher to Techie, discusses the career of an elementary education teacher, including the different grade levels, challenges, and the importance of classroom management. Lauren shares her experiences teaching at a Title I school and a wealthier school, highlighting the differences in resources and student behaviors. Lauren provides insights into dealing with student behaviors and the role of parents in the education system. In this conversation, Lauren Farrow shares advice and insights for high school students considering a career in teaching, as well as college students studying education. She discusses the importance of being organized, adaptable, and internally driven as a teacher, misconceptions about teaching, and the rewards of being an educator.

Hosted by Greg Zakowicz 

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WHAT WE DISCUSS: 

★ Teaching at Different Grade Levels

★ Challenges of Teaching at Title I Schools

★ Creating a Safe and Effective Learning Environment

★ Impact of COVID-19 on Students' Social and Emotional Development

★ Importance of Effective Parent-Teacher Communication

★ Transitioning from College to the Workforce in Education

★ Landing the First Teaching Job

★ Misconceptions About Being a Teacher

★ The Importance of Staying Informed in Education

★ The Rewards of Being a Teacher

★ The Role of AI in Education

★ The Need for Teachers to Stay Ahead of the Learning Curve

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★★ CONNECT WITH LAUREN ★★ 

WEBSITE: https://www.emilyk.org/ 

★★ CONNECT WITH US ★★ 

WEBSITE: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/unboxingcareerspodcast/    

X: https://x.com/unboxingcareers 

📦 Special thanks to http://www.ThoughtfulCollection.com 📦

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TAKEAWAYS: 

★ Teaching at different grade levels provides a wide range of experiences and challenges.

★ Title I schools face unique challenges related to student behaviors and lack of resources.

★ Classroom management is crucial for creating a safe and effective learning environment.

★ The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on students' social and emotional development.

★ Effective communication with parents is important for student success.

★ Teachers often work more than the standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends.

★ Balancing the needs of students from different backgrounds and abilities requires flexibility and differentiation.

★ Assigning students to classrooms takes into account their learning styles and potential conflicts.

★ High school students interested in teaching should gain experience in different grade levels and consider their own strengths and interests. High school students interested in teaching should pursue their passion and be willing to put in extra time and effort outside of regular working hours.

★ Being organized and having strong time management skills are crucial for teachers.

★ Teachers spend about 20% of their time on actual teaching, with the rest dedicated to problem-solving, planning, and adjusting to students' needs.

★ College students studying education should familiarize themselves with AI and stay up to date with legislation and societal changes in education.

★ To land their first teaching job, new graduates should network with school administrators, consider substitute teaching, and be flexible with grade level assignments.

★ Misconceptions about teaching include the belief that it is always rewarding and that teachers need to be super organized.

★ Teachers should be aware of the societal and cultural issues that impact students and their families, and stay informed about the current state of education.

★ The most rewarding part of being a teacher is witnessing students' growth and seeing their light bulb moments.

... and more

Discover your career: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com

ON THIS EPISODE: Lauren Gardner, Chief Operating Officer at the Emily K Center, discusses her career in the nonprofit sector and the role of a COO. The Emily K Center is a nonprofit organization in Durham, North Carolina, that helps students thrive by providing resources and support for post-secondary opportunities. Lauren explains a COO's responsibilities and discusses the importance of having both hard skills and a passion for the mission in the nonprofit industry. Lauren also dispels misconceptions about working in nonprofits, and much more.

Hosted by Greg Zakowicz

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WHAT WE DISCUSS:
★ Introduction to the Emily K Center and the Role of a COO
★ Dispelling Misconceptions about Working in Nonprofits
★ Integrating Social Impact into Any Career
★ Gaining Experience and Making an Impact through Nonprofit Internships
★ Using Social Media to Showcase Passion for Social Impact

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★★ CONNECT WITH LAUREN & THE EMILY K CENTER ★★
WEBSITE: https://www.emilyk.org/

★★ CONNECT WITH US ★★
WEBSITE: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/unboxingcareerspodcast/
X: https://x.com/unboxingcareers

📦 Special thanks to http://www.ThoughtfulCollection.com 📦

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TAKEAWAYS:
★ The role of a COO in a nonprofit organization involves overseeing the operations, including finance, maintenance, legal, and HR.
★ Having both hard skills and a passion for the mission is important in the nonprofit industry.

★ Working in a nonprofit does not mean being broke for life; there are opportunities for competitive salaries.
★ It is possible to integrate social impact into any career by finding ways to contribute to nonprofits or support social causes.
★ Misconceptions about nonprofits include the belief that they are all small organizations and that prior nonprofit experience is necessary to work in the sector.

Discover your career: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com
ON THIS EPISODE: Sera Gray, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and therapist, explains the wide range of career options available, including working as administrators, educators, and therapists. She shares her own journey of discovering her passion for social work after initially studying journalism. Sera also discusses her decision to specialize in working with the neurodivergent population and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. Sera provides valuable advice for students and professionals in the field of social work and discusses the importance of exploring different classes and organizations in high school and college. Sera discusses self-care, personal growth, job interviews, and dispels misconceptions about social work — and a whole lot more!
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WHAT WE DISCUSS:
★ Sera's Journey from Journalism to Social Work
★ Finding the Right Career Path
★ Work-Life Balance in Different Social Work Settings
★ Specializing in Working with the Neurodivergent Population
★ Advice for High School Students Interested in Social Work
★ Exploring Classes and Organizations
★ Authenticity and Support in Job Interviews and Supervision
★ Dispelling Misconceptions about Social Work
★ Being Mindful of Injustice and Corruption in Organizations
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★★ CONNECT WITH SERA ★★
WILD LOTUS THERAPY: https://www.wildlotustherapy.com/

ON THIS EPISODE: Todd Cretacci, a lead DevOps engineer and team lead at KeyBank, discusses the role of a DevOps engineer and the daily tasks involved. He explains the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the field of technology. Todd also shares his career journey, from studying auto technology in high school to transitioning into the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of having a plan and exploring different interests before committing to a career path. He'll share insights and offer advice for those interested in pursuing a career in DevOps engineering — and a whole lot more!

Unbox careers: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com

★ Analytics and numbers can be detrimental to mental health and should be approached with caution.

Unbox careers: http://www.UnboxingCareersPodcast.com
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