The Career Ready Podcast

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

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