The Career Ready Podcast

Listen to The Career Ready Podcast to learn about resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn, interviewing, and all the things you need to Be Career Ready with the Career Services Center at College of DuPage.

The Career Ready Podcast is a business podcast hosted by College of DuPage Career Services, with 105 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

College of DuPage Career Services hosts The Career Ready Podcast, a business show with 105 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #104

  Careers in Eye Care

  Aug 18, 202621 minS12

  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 critical thinking, and how hands-on clinical experiences help prepare students for successful careers in eye care. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the ophthalmic technician profession and the educational pathways available to enter this growing healthcare field. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. 00:00 - 02:24 | Guest Introduction and Career Journey Host Pierre Michiels welcomes listeners and introduces Mitzi Thomas, Department Chair and Assistant Professor of the Ophthalmic Technician Program at College of DuPage. Mitzi shares her professional background, including her experience as an ophthalmic technician, work in hospital systems, and her role in launching the college's ophthalmic technician program. 02:24 - 08:25 | Understanding the Ophthalmic Technician Career Path Mitzi explains the ophthalmic technician profession, including responsibilities such as diagnostic testing, patient care, imaging, and supporting ophthalmologists. She discusses the Eye Care Assistant Certificate and Ophthalmic Technician AAS pathways at COD, compares these options to becoming an ophthalmologist, and highlights how students can enter the field quickly while still exploring long-term healthcare careers. 08:25 - 11:53 | Essential Skills for Success in Eye Care The conversation shifts to the skills needed for the profession. Mitzi emphasizes adaptability, communication, attention to detail, documentation accuracy, and critical thinking. She explains how technicians interact closely with patients and must think proactively when evaluating patient information and vision changes. 11:53 - 16:54 | Hands-On Learning and Program Preparation Mitzi describes how students develop professional competencies through clinical placements, externships, laboratory experiences, simulations, and electronic health record training. She explains how the program blends classroom instruction with real-world application to build confidence and career readiness. 16:54 - 19:49 | Career Exploration and Program Resources As the episode concludes, Mitzi encourages students to remain open-minded when exploring healthcare careers and to consider alternative pathways if initial plans change. She discusses advising sessions, open house opportunities, and resources available through the program for prospective students interested in learning more about eye care careers. 19:49 - 20:23 | Closing Remarks Pierre thanks Mitzi for joining the podcast, shares information about submitting listener questions, and concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to continue exploring career pathways in healthcare and ophthalmic technology. Resources Discussed: Contact: Mitzi Thomas thomasm90@cod.edu for program questions College of DuPage Ophthalmic Technician Program web page College of DuPage Eye Care Assistant Program web page Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website . All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college , WIOA training programs , or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #103

  Studying English to Create a Career Path, with Jason Snart

  Aug 4, 202624 minS12

  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 research—and how these align with employer expectations and the NACE competencies. They also explore the different areas within English studies, the importance of audience awareness, and ways students can gain experience and stand out through involvement and curiosity. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the value and versatility of an English degree in preparing for a variety of careers. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. 00:00–02:30 | Introduction & Overview of English Degrees Rebecca Harrington introduces the episode and welcomes Professor Jason Snart, who shares his background and explains the broad scope of English studies. They begin by framing English as a versatile degree that supports many career paths rather than a single, direct profession. 02:30–06:30 | Transferable Skills & Career Readiness The conversation focuses on key skills developed through English programs, including communication, critical thinking, research, and collaboration. These competencies are connected to employer expectations and NACE career readiness standards, emphasizing their relevance across industries. 06:30–11:30 | Areas Within English & Storytelling Skills Snart highlights different disciplines within English—creative writing, literature, film, and professional writing—and how each builds analytical and creative abilities. The importance of storytelling, audience awareness, and adapting communication for different contexts is emphasized. 11:30–15:30 | Experiential Learning & Co-Curricular Opportunities They discuss ways students can build experience outside the classroom, including clubs, events, and campus involvement. Both stress the value of engagement, curiosity, and applying classroom learning to real-world environments. 15:30–19:30 | Career Preparation, Positioning Skills & English as a Complement Advice is shared on how students can market their skills, develop an “elevator pitch,” and use English courses or a minor to enhance other fields of study. The discussion reinforces English as a strong complement to technical degrees. 19:30–23:30 | Long-Term Value, AI, & Final Advice The episode concludes with reflections on the lasting value of communication and critical thinking skills, even as technology evolves. Snart underscores the importance of authentic voice and adaptability, encouraging students to leverage English skills throughout their careers. Resources Discussed: College of DuPage English Programs webpage Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website . All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college , WIOA training programs , or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #102

  Careers in Film and Video with John Rangel

  Jul 21, 202622 minS12

  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 getting involved on film sets, building a portfolio, and leveraging internships to break into the field. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of careers in the film and video industry and how to get started. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. 00:00–03:00 | Introduction & Program Overview Pierre Michiels introduces the episode and guest John Rangel, a motion picture and television professor and independent filmmaker. They outline the purpose of exploring the film and video field and begin discussing the College of DuPage program, which provides a broad foundation in filmmaking through exposure to directing, writing, producing, and more. 03:00–08:00 | Career Paths & Industry Roles The conversation highlights the wide range of career opportunities within film and video, emphasizing how many specialized roles exist, as seen in film credits. Rangel explains that students can pursue paths in production, videography, or related industries, while Michiels stresses the importance of recognizing these diverse options. 08:00–12:00 | Key Skills for Success Rangel identifies essential skills, including collaboration, networking, and consistent content creation. He emphasizes that success depends not just on technical ability but also on engaging with others, building connections, and actively sharing work to gain visibility. 12:00–15:30 | Gaining Experience & Internships They discuss the value of hands-on experience through working on film sets, stepping outside comfort zones, and pursuing internships. Internships are framed as critical entry points, often leading directly to job opportunities through relationships and demonstrated skills. 15:30–18:30 | Program Preparation & Student Opportunities Rangel explains how the program prepares students through frequent project work, resume and demo reel development, and a film festival that simulates real industry experiences. These opportunities help students build portfolios and confidence. 18:30–End | Final Advice & Resources The episode concludes with advice to focus on storytelling over equipment, watch diverse films, and create complete, polished projects. Rangel shares how students can learn more about the program, and the episode wraps with key takeaways on entering the field. Resources Discussed: College of DuPage Film & Video Program webpage Contact: rangell@cod.edu for program questions Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website . All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college , WIOA training programs , or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #101

  Careers in Aviation with Tim Genc

  Jul 7, 202625 minS12

  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 gain exposure through networking, events, and hands-on learning opportunities. They also highlight how the program prepares students for both flying and non-flying roles while emphasizing career readiness and industry connections. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the diverse opportunities and pathways available within the aviation industry. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. 00:00 – 03:00 | Introduction & Guest Background Pierre introduces the episode and welcomes Tim, who shares his unconventional path into aviation, transitioning from discovering a passion for flying to a long career in instruction and eventually higher education. 03:00 – 06:00 | Breaking Into Aviation The conversation explores common misconceptions about entering aviation, including the belief that military experience is required, and highlights how the field is becoming more accessible through civilian pathways and education programs. 06:00 – 08:30 | Career Paths in Aviation Tim outlines the wide variety of roles in aviation—beyond pilots—including maintenance, air traffic control, and business roles, while emphasizing the growing global demand for aviation professionals. 08:30 – 12:00 | Skills & Getting Involved They discuss key traits for success, such as discipline, teamwork, and strong study habits, along with actionable ways to explore the field through organizations, events, and networking opportunities. 12:00 – 18:00 | Program Overview & Student Preparation Tim explains how the College of DuPage aviation program prepares students through hands-on learning, exposure to multiple career tracks, and professional skill development including interviewing and networking. 18:00 – 24:00 | Career Readiness & Final Advice The episode concludes with advice on building connections, exploring different pathways, and starting early engagement in aviation, reinforcing the importance of persistence and curiosity in career development. Resources Discussed: College of DuPage Aviation Program Contact Tim Genc: genct@cod.edu Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website . All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college , WIOA training programs , or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #100

  Careers in Criminal Justice with Dr. Theo Darden

  Jun 23, 202625 minS12

  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 . All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college , WIOA training programs , or other local support centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn @codcareercenter

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Career Ready Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.