AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations

Sincerity & Showmanship

Jonathan Harrar, a major in the US Army JAG Corps, shares his journey from law school to serving as a defense attorney for soldiers. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work and being sincere in your approach. Students express their interest in law and seek advice on pursuing a legal career. The conversation with Jonathan Harrar, a US Army JAG officer, provided valuable insights into the life and work of a complex litigator. Jonathan shared his experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring attorneys, emphasizing the importance of skills, relationships, and time management. He also highlighted the similarities between professionals from different backgrounds, encouraging students to pursue their goals with confidence. Takeaways * Diverse Legal Experience: Jonathan's career journey includes roles as a district attorney, national security attorney, prosecutor, and defense attorney, showcasing the breadth of legal experience available in the military. * Passion and Sincerity: Jonathan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work and being sincere in your approach, highlighting the value of doing work that you would do for free. * Exploration and Flexibility: Students are encouraged to dabble, take risks, and explore different areas of law before making a decision, emphasizing the value of reading, writing, and being open to swerving in their career paths. Skills and relationships are crucial for success * Professionals from different backgrounds are more similar than they seem Chapters * 00:00 Jonathan's Diverse Legal Experience * 06:14 Exploring Different Areas of Law * 15:53 Persuasion and Authenticity in the Courtroom * 25:07 Advice for Aspiring Attorneys * 31:26 A Day in the Life of a Complex Litigator * 42:59 Military Justice System vs. Civilian Courts

Lessons En Route to CIO

The conversation with John O'Brien from Scrub Daddy covers his career growth and learning journey, as well as insights into balancing work and personal life. John shares his experiences, lessons learned, and the impact of his personal and professional choices on his career. The discussion provides valuable insights for students and professionals alike. The conversation with John covers a range of topics including his passion for hockey, starting a business, dealing with change, time management, exploring different career paths, and supporting animals. John's insights provide valuable advice for students as they navigate their own career journeys. Takeaways * Career growth through learning * Balancing work and personal life Passion for Hockey * Starting a Business * Dealing with Change * Time Management * Exploring Different Career Paths * Supporting Animals

Diversity in Engineering & Advocacy

The conversation covers diverse engineering fields, career path and education, innovation and modernization, and entrepreneurship and business management. Shaneka Odom shares her journey, experiences, and insights, providing valuable advice and encouragement to the students. The conversation with Shaneka Odom, Deputy Division Administrator with the Federal Highway Administration, highlighted the importance of innovation at the federal level and the modernization of infrastructure. It also provided insights into preparing for college and transitioning to college life. Takeaways * Diverse Engineering Fields * Career Path and Education * Innovation and Modernization * Entrepreneurship and Business Management Importance of Innovation * Preparing for College

The More Points of View, The Better

The conversation with Yvonne Martinez covers her role as a senior manufacturing engineer at DSM Ferminich, her journey from Mexico to Pennsylvania, her experience in middle school and high school, and her side business as an entrepreneur. The Q&A session with students explores topics related to engineering, career choices, and work-life balance. The conversation covers diverse career paths and the importance of problem-solving and innovation. It explores career interests, challenges in engineering, interest in engineering, overcoming self-doubt, mentorship and inspiration, medical field aspirations, and interest in business and marketing. Takeaways * Engineering as Problem Solving * Balancing Passion and Career Diverse Career Paths * Problem-Solving and Innovation

Finding Your Medical Specialty

Dr. Calvin Parker, a gastroenterology vice president at Wood Home Gastroenterology Associates, shares insights on his role, military experience, and the impact of his school involvement on his career. He discusses the challenges of explaining complex medical issues to patients, the increase in digestive health issues among younger patients, and the integration of AI and telemedicine in gastroenterology. Dr. Parker also addresses common misconceptions about digestive health and advises against the long-term use of energy drinks by youth. The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of energy drinks, approach to digestive health, interventional biliary endoscopy, career plans and aspirations, importance of research in clinical practice, pursuing architecture and business, reflections on growth and leadership, and final words of wisdom from Dr. Parker. Takeaways * Reinventing yourself and resilience are essential for career longevity. * Integration of AI and telemedicine is transforming the field of gastroenterology. Importance of balanced approach to energy drinks * Understanding the impact of diet on digestive health