The Career Ready Podcast

What Employers Really Want in an AI Economy with the President of College of DuPage Dr. Siddiqi

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 [https://cod.edu/careerservices]. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&radius=25], WIOA training programs [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL], or other local support [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx] centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu [careerpodcast@cod.edu] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter], Twitter [https://twitter.com/codcareercenter], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/] @codcareercenter

Internship Playbook: First Week Tips

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 [https://cod.edu/careerservices]. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&radius=25], WIOA training programs [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL], or other local support [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx] centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu [careerpodcast@cod.edu] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter], Twitter [https://twitter.com/codcareercenter], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/] @codcareercenter

Benefits 101 with Angelina Ragano: What New Grads Need to Know

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 careerpodcast@cod.edu or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/angelina-ragano/ Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website [https://cod.edu/careerservices]. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&radius=25], WIOA training programs [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL], or other local support [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx] centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu [careerpodcast@cod.edu] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter], Twitter [https://twitter.com/codcareercenter], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/] @codcareercenter

Professionalism in Interviews: How to Tackle Mistakes, Failures, and Weaknesses

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  [https://thecareerreadypodcast.buzzsprout.com/2036690/episodes/13620246-interview-prep-answering-behavioral-questions] Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website [https://cod.edu/careerservices]. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&radius=25], WIOA training programs [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL], or other local support [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx] centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu [careerpodcast@cod.edu] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter], Twitter [https://twitter.com/codcareercenter], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/] @codcareercenter

Turning Interview Anxiety into Confidence: Expert Strategies from a Speech Professor

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: wingertc@cod.edu [wingertc@cod.edu]  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 [https://cod.edu/careerservices]. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&radius=25], WIOA training programs [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL], or other local support [https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx] centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu [careerpodcast@cod.edu] Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter], Twitter [https://twitter.com/codcareercenter], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/] @codcareercenter