You’re Not Behind: Career Planning and Transfer Insights from NIU Career Counselors

Careers in Criminal Justice with Dr. Theo Darden

In this episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Dr. Theo Darden. Dr. Darden is a Professor of Criminal Justice Studies at the College of DuPage with extensive experience in both academia and law enforcement. In the interview, they discuss the wide range of career paths within criminal justice beyond traditional law enforcement, including roles in juvenile justice, victim advocacy, corrections, and data analysis, as well as the education pathways required for these careers. They also explore the importance of internships, transferable skills like communication and critical thinking, and how hands-on learning opportunities help prepare students for the field. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the diverse opportunities and career readiness needed within criminal justice studies. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00–02:20 | Introduction & Guest Background  Rebecca Harrington introduces the episode and welcomes Dr. Theo Darden, who shares his background in criminal justice, including 17 years in law enforcement and two decades in academia at College of DuPage.   02:20–05:15 | Exploring Criminal Justice Career Paths  Dr. Darden explains the breadth of the field beyond policing, highlighting careers in juvenile justice, victim advocacy, court services, corrections, and even crime data analysis, emphasizing the diversity of opportunities available.   05:15–09:55 | Education Pathways & Essential Skills  The discussion covers degree requirements for different roles, from associate to bachelor’s degrees, and key competencies students develop, such as communication, critical thinking, research, and cultural awareness.   09:55–14:45 | Internships, Experience & Professional Development  Dr. Darden stresses the importance of internships across sectors, transferable job skills from any work environment, and professional habits like reliability, integrity, and maintaining a clean digital presence.   14:45–19:40 | Program Highlights & Hands-On Learning  The episode highlights unique COD offerings, including site visits, global justice coursework, and specialized experiences like death investigation training and partnerships with professionals.   19:40–24:40 | Career Preparation & Final Advice  The conversation concludes with advice on using campus resources, connecting with faculty, and reframing criminal justice as a helping profession focused on service, prevention, and community impact.  Resources Discussed:  COD, Criminal and Justice Studies website: https://www.cod.edu/academics/areas/justice-studies/  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

Careers in Personal Training with Nicole Juhl

In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Nicole Juhl. Nicole is an Associate Professor in Physical Education who oversees the Certified Personal Trainer program at College of DuPage. They discuss career paths in personal training, essential skills like communication and professionalism, and ways students can gain experience and build networks. After listening, we hope you better understand the personal training field and its opportunities. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. 00:00–02:20 | Introduction & Guest Background  Pierre introduces the episode and welcomes Nicole Juhl, who shares her experience in the fitness and wellness industry and outlines the focus of the Certified Personal Trainer program.  02:20–04:20 | Career Paths in Personal Training  Nicole explains the wide range of opportunities in personal training, from one-on-one coaching to careers in gyms, wellness centers, and fields like kinesiology and physical therapy.  04:20–10:20 | Key Skills for Success  The conversation highlights essential skills such as communication, professionalism, passion, and authenticity, along with the importance of understanding your “why.”  10:20–13:20 | Building Experience  Nicole shares strategies for gaining experience, including shadowing trainers, practicing with peers, and exploring different fitness modalities to build confidence and expertise.  13:20–17:00 | Program Opportunities & Resources  Discussion focuses on hands-on learning, campus facilities, networking opportunities, and new resources like the upcoming kinesiology lab.  17:00–21:20 | Networking & Personal Branding  Nicole emphasizes the importance of networking, building professional relationships, and developing an authentic personal brand in the fitness industry.  21:20–26:00 | Advice for Students Entering the Field  Key takeaways include taking things one step at a time, building confidence, practicing self-care, and embracing continuous growth without needing to know everything immediately.  26:00–30:00 | Program Details & How to Get Started  The episode wraps with details on program structure, alternative options, and how to connect with advisors and resources to explore the personal training field further  * Nicole Juhl (program info & questions): juhln@cod.edu [juhln@cod.edu]  * Bess Fuertes (department advising): fuertese245@cod.edu [fuertese245@cod.edu]  * COD Personal Trainer Certificate website: https://catalog.cod.edu/programs-study/physical-education/personal-trainer-certificate/ [https://catalog.cod.edu/programs-study/physical-education/personal-trainer-certificate/] 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

You’re Not Behind: Career Planning and Transfer Insights from NIU Career Counselors

In today’s episode, host Pierre Michiels interviews Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard, career counselors from Northern Illinois University’s Career Services. They discuss how students—especially those transferring—can use reflection, exploration, and intentional planning to clarify career goals and build momentum. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of navigating academic and career transitions with confidence.  Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.   00:00–03:00 | Welcome and Episode Focus: Pierre introduces the Career Ready Podcast and welcomes NIU career counselors Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard. 03:00–08:00 | Understanding Career Exploration Early On: The guests discuss how students begin choosing majors—often unintentionally—and emphasize that career decision-making is a process. They introduce exploration as a key first step, encouraging curiosity, exposure, and self-reflection. 08:00–14:00 | Reflection During Transition Periods: The conversation centers on transfer students and the importance of pausing to reflect on accomplishments, skills, and experiences before moving to a four-year institution. Updating resumes and documenting progress are highlighted as critical practices. 14:00–20:00 | From Exploration to Intentional Planning: Teri and Edward explain how exploration leads into planning, including researching careers, reviewing job postings early, and understanding employer expectations. Planning is framed as flexible and non-linear. 20:00–26:00 | Hitting the Ground Running as a Transfer Student: Advice is shared on how transfer students can quickly engage with campus resources, career services, and academic departments to maximize limited time and avoid feeling behind. 26:00–33:00 | Internships and Experiential Learning: The guests discuss internships as career “tryouts,” how to prepare for the search, and how part-time work, leadership, and volunteer experiences also build valuable skills. 33:00–41:00 | Networking and Career Progress: Emphasis is placed on networking, maintaining professional relationships, and focusing on progress rather than comparison. Students are encouraged to take small, consistent steps forward. 41:00–49:00 | Employer Expectations and Skills-Based Hiring: The discussion shifts to trends in hiring, including the growing importance of relevant experience and transferable skills over GPA alone, and how students can communicate their value effectively. 49:00–60:00 | Career Tools, Resources, and Final Advice: NIU resources such as Husky Career Launchpad, Forage simulations, and career fairs are shared. The episode concludes with encouragement for students to take ownership of their career journey while using available support. 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

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