The Career Ready Podcast

In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Nicole Tochalauski. Nicole is the Employment and Technology Access Manager at the People’s Resource Center, where she helps adults in DuPage County navigate job searches, career development, and technology access. In the interview, they discuss the importance of curiosity as a career readiness skill, how curiosity can help individuals explore career paths, build meaningful professio...

In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Mitzi Thomas. Mitzi Thomas is the Department Chair and Assistant Professor of the Ophthalmic Technician Program at College of DuPage. In the interview, they discuss the ophthalmic technician career path, the differences between eye care assistant and ophthalmic technician roles, the education and training required for the field, key skills such as communication, attention to detail, and c...

In this episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Jason Snart. Jason Snart is a Professor of English at the College of DuPage and chair within the English department, specializing in areas such as creative writing, film, and literature. In the interview, they discuss the wide range of career paths an English degree can support, the transferable skills students develop—such as communication, critical thinking, storytelling, and r...

In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews John Rangel. John Rangel is a motion picture and television professor at the College of DuPage as well as an independent filmmaker. In the interview, they discuss the film and video program, the wide range of career paths available in the industry, and the key skills needed for success, including networking, creativity, and hands-on experience. They also highlight the importance of gettin...

In this episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Tim Genc, an Associate Professor of Aviation at the College of DuPage. Tim shares his unique journey into aviation and his experience building the college’s aviation program. In the interview, they discuss the wide range of career paths within aviation beyond piloting, common misconceptions about entering the field, the skills and mindset needed for success, and how students can gai...

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 educa...

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 opp...

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 trans...

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. 

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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 ...

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...

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 Professi...

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...

Networking isn’t just for job seekers - it starts right where you are. In today’s episode, Rebecca Harrington shares information on how to start networking on campus. Information discussed includes practical ways students can build connections through career fairs, student organizations, professors, alumni, and guest speakers, along with tips for starting early, showing curiosity, and following up effectively. But first...

In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Kika, a legal studies student at College of DuPage and a legal professional working in immigration law. In the interview, Kika shares her journey of moving from Colombia to the United States, transitioning from a career in real estate to the legal field, and navigating cultural and professional differences while building a new career path. She also discusses the importance of net...

In today’s episode, Pierre shares information on translating classroom experience into a strong résumé. Information discussed includes identifying academic projects, using action‑focused bullet points, and showcasing relevant coursework. But first, Jordan starts the episode by highlighting the NACE leadership competency. After listening, we hope you better understand how classroom experience strengthens your résumé. 

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In today’s episode, Jordan Rembrecht interviews Christa Brennan, Program Director for Respiratory Care at College of DuPage. Christa shares her 20 years of experience in the field, including work in neonatal and pediatric care, and discusses the diverse career paths available in respiratory therapy—from critical care and acute care to roles in rehab facilities, physician offices, and home health. The conversation also h...

In today’s episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Jason Floren. Jason is a professor of Human Services at College of DuPage. In the interview, they discuss the diverse career paths within human services, the skills students gain through COD’s program, and the importance of internships and volunteer experiences. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how a career in human services can...

In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Joe Aranki. Joe Aranki is the Automotive Program Coordinator and professor at College of DuPage with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. In the interview, Joe shares his journey from technician to educator, discusses the evolution of modern vehicles, the skills taught in COD’s automotive program, and how students can prepare for careers in this high-dema...