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 highlights the skills students gain through COD’s program, such as critical thinking, communication, and professionalism, and the hands-on training offered through labs and clinical rotations. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of the respiratory care profession and how COD prepares students for success in this dynamic healthcare field.

View the College of DuPage Respiratory Care program
Contact the Respiratory Care program or Christa Brennan directly by emailing brennanc221@cod.edu

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.

00 – 01:17 | Introductions
Jordan welcomes listeners and introduces Christa Brennan, Program Director for Respiratory Care at College of DuPage. Christa shares her background, including 20 years as a respiratory therapist and experience in neonatal/pediatric care, transport teams, project management, and teaching.

02:18 – 06:58 | Career Paths in Respiratory Care
Christa explains the variety of roles available in respiratory care—from critical care and ICUs to acute care, rehab facilities, physician offices, pharmaceutical companies, and home health. She emphasizes flexibility and opportunities for specialization after gaining experience.

07:22 – 11:30 | Skills and Competencies
Discussion shifts to essential skills for success: communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and teamwork. Christa highlights how the program reinforces these competencies to meet employer expectations.

12:10 – 16:43 | Program Structure and Clinical Rotations
Christa outlines the program’s unique structure, including lectures, labs, tutoring, and diverse clinical rotations in medical floors, ICUs, emergency departments, and specialized units like neonatal and pulmonary labs.

17:11 – 21:48 | Preparing for Success
Advice for students includes leveraging resources, practicing teamwork, managing stress in high-pressure situations, and being receptive to feedback for professional growth.

23:08 – 24:47 | How to Learn More
Christa shares how prospective students can access program details and advising sessions through the College of DuPage website.

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

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 provide meaningful opportunities to help others and make a positive impact in your community.

View the College of DuPage Human Services program
Contact the Human Services program or Jason Floren directly by emailing florin@cod.edu

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00 – 01:00 | Welcome & Episode Overview
Rebecca Harrington introduces the Career Ready Podcast and today’s focus on exploring careers in human services.

01:00 – 03:00 | Meet Jason Floren
Rebecca welcomes Jason Floren, professor of Human Services at College of DuPage. Jason shares his background, career journey, and passion for helping others.

03:00 – 06:00 | Understanding Human Services
Jason explains what human services encompasses, comparing it to a blend of psychology, sociology, and social work. He outlines educational pathways from associate to master’s degrees and related career roles.

06:00 – 09:00 | Skills & Program Highlights
Discussion centers on key skills students gain, including self-awareness, empathy, communication, and ethical practices. Jason emphasizes internships and real-world experience as program strengths.

09:00 – 12:00 | Volunteer Work & Field Experience
Jason describes service learning and volunteer opportunities as essential for networking and understanding community needs. He details partnerships with local agencies for internships.

12:00 – 14:00 | Continuing Education & Career Growth
Rebecca and Jason discuss stackable credentials and COD’s 3+1 partnership with National Louis University, making advanced degrees more affordable and accessible.

14:00 – 17:00 | Final Advice & Resources
Jason encourages students to explore different populations, volunteer early, and leverage COD resources. He shares how listeners can learn more about the program.

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

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-demand field. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of career paths and opportunities in the automotive industry.

View the College of DuPage Automotive program
Contact the Automotive program or Joe Aranki directly by emailing arankij@cod.edu

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00:00 – 00:00:30 | Introduction & Guest Welcome

Host Pierre Michiels introduces the episode and welcomes Joe Aranki, Automotive Program Coordinator and professor at College of DuPage.

00:00:30 – 00:01:09 | Joe’s Background & Career Path

Joe shares his journey from growing up fixing cars with his father to attending trade school, opening his own shop, and transitioning into teaching.

00:01:09 – 00:02:27 | Overview of COD Automotive Program

Discussion of program goals: teaching students to diagnose and repair modern vehicles, articulation agreements for advanced degrees, and career opportunities.

00:02:27 – 00:03:59 | Staying Current with Technology

Joe explains how COD invests in the latest tools and vehicles, ensuring students learn cutting-edge systems and instructors maintain ongoing training.

00:03:59 – 00:06:01 | Skills Beyond Technical Knowledge

Conversation shifts to soft skills like time management, efficiency, and teamwork, which are critical for success in the automotive industry.

00:06:01 – 00:07:00 | Exploring the Field & Getting Started

Advice for aspiring professionals: take introductory classes, seek mentorship, and gain exposure through entry-level roles or networking.

00:07:00 – 00:09:27 | Preparing Students for Industry

Joe highlights how the program teaches problem-solving and system-level understanding rather than memorization, fostering adaptability and technology agility.

00:09:27 – End | Final Advice & Resources

Joe emphasizes the importance of passion, networking, and early experience. He shares resources for learning more about COD’s automotive program and offers personal support.

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

In today’s episode, Marisela Morales shares strategies for using job boards effectively, including filtering by date, applying early, tailoring applications, and avoiding scams. But first, Pierre Michiels highlights the NACE competency of professionalism and the importance of attention to detail in resumes and cover letters. After listening, you’ll better understand how professionalism and smart job board tactics can boost your job search.

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00:01 – 00:01:36 | Introduction & Professionalism Overview
Hosts introduce the episode and explain NACE competencies, focusing on professionalism and its role in job applications.

00:01:36 – 00:05:58 | Attention to Detail & Proofreading
Discussion on why polished resumes and cover letters matter, common mistakes, and tools like Grammarly and VMock to ensure accuracy.

00:06:00 – 00:08:02 | Job Boards: Why Strategy Matters
Transition to job boards; overview of using them strategically rather than passively, and the importance of a multi-platform approach.

00:08:02 – 00:13:06 | Types of Job Boards
Detailed look at general boards (Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor), niche boards for tech, remote work, nonprofits, and local/state resources like Illinois Job Link and WorkNet DuPage.

00:13:06 – 00:14:05 | Unique Opportunities
Specialized boards for internships, seasonal work, and micro-internships (CoolWorks, Parker Dewey, The Forage).

00:14:29 – 00:16:58 | Advanced Search Strategies
Tips for filtering by date, applying early, using multiple job titles, and screening for scams to avoid wasted effort.

00:17:02 – 00:23:12 | Application Tips & Networking
Why tailoring beats quick apply, applying directly on company sites, tracking applications, and following up with recruiters to stand out.

00:23:15 – End | Closing Remarks
Recap of strategies and invitation for listener questions in future episodes.

Sources:

Forbes, US News, The Forage, Job Hero, Money, Boston Public Library, Forbes, Extern

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

In today’s episode, Pierre Michiels interviews Troy Doris. Troy Doris is a former Olympic triple jumper for Guyana, Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and current marketing professional and city councilman. In the interview, Troy shares his journey from student-athlete to Olympian, the challenges of transitioning out of professional sports, identifying transferable skills, and framing athletic experience for resumes and interviews. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how athletes can leverage their skills and mindset for career success beyond sports.

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00:01 – 00:03:11 | Introduction & Troy’s Background

Pierre Michiels introduces Troy Doris, highlighting his Olympic achievements and current roles. Troy shares his early life, athletic journey from College of DuPage to the University of Iowa, and competing professionally for nearly a decade.

00:03:11 – 00:07:02 | Student-Athlete Experience & Discipline

Troy discusses the unique challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and social life, emphasizing time management, accountability, and how these habits shaped his professional mindset.

00:07:02 – 00:13:19 | Transition Beyond Athletics

Troy explains the difficulties of retiring from sport during the pandemic, discovering his interest in marketing, and leveraging sponsorship and content creation experience to build a new career.

00:13:19 – 00:20:15 | Translating Skills to the Workforce

Conversation focuses on framing athletic experience for resumes, cover letters, and interviews. Troy shares strategies for highlighting transferable skills like discipline and adaptability rather than just athletic achievements.

00:20:15 – 00:27:02 | Mindset & Career Readiness

Troy reflects on remaining coachable, embracing feedback, and applying an athlete’s structured approach to professional growth. Discussion includes why career readiness integration for athletes is essential.

00:27:02 – End | Final Advice & Closing

Troy offers advice for athletes: leverage networking, recognize the value of your skills, and prepare early for career transitions. Episode closes with key takeaways and encouragement for listeners.

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

Whether you're new to campus or planning a transfer, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay career ready.

This episode spotlights the unique career challenges and opportunities transfer students face when moving to a new school. Aurora University’s Chris de Kok offers actionable advice on networking, building confidence, and making the most of campus resources to stay career ready.

Key Advice from this episode:

Transfer students should prioritize networking and connecting with Career Services early.

Internships are more critical than ever in a slower job market.

AI is a growing concern and opportunity—students should learn to use it responsibly. 👉 Listen to our spring AI episodes for guidance!

#CareerReadyPodcast #CollegeOfDuPage #CODCareers #CareerTips #Internships #JobSearch #CollegeCareer #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #FindYourFit

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

Learn how to search smarter - not just for jobs, but for the companies and industries that align with your goals. Discover how to find hidden opportunities and make your job search more intentional.

In this episode, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Jordan Rembrecht flip the traditional job search strategy on its head. Instead of hunting for job titles, they explore how researching companies and industries can unlock hidden opportunities, help you build meaningful connections, and lead to more targeted applications. Whether you're a student, alum, or community member, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you Be Career Ready.

Local to College of DuPage? Visit Chaps Get Hired to search for jobs.

🔍 Main Discussion Highlights

• Why 70–80% of jobs are found through networking - not job boards
• How to identify industries that align with your interests and skills
• Using tools like O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore career paths
• Search strategies to find companies by location, size, and focus
• Building a list of target employers and tracking your outreach
• Crafting thoughtful LinkedIn messages to initiate career conversations

Tips for searching online for companies:

• Search by industry + location. Try phrases like:

“marketing firms near Naperville,” “manufacturing companies in DuPage County,” or “nonprofits in Chicago working with youth.”

• Add size filters like “small business,” “startup,” or “Fortune 500” to refine your results.
• Use quotation marks to find exact phrases (“graphic design agency”) or minus signs to remove results (e.g., “graphic design agency -freelance”).
• Look at directories and associations. Industry groups often list members—like “Illinois Technology Association members” or “Chamber of Commerce directory.”
• Use Map apps and LinkedIn Company Search to visually explore who’s in your area—you might be surprised how many opportunities exist close to home.

📝 Pro Tip

Instead of asking “Who’s hiring?”, ask “Who’s doing work I admire?” That mindset shift can lead to more fulfilling and aligned career opportunities.

#CareerReadyPodcast #CollegeOfDuPage #CODCareers #CareerTips #Internships #JobSearch #CollegeCareer #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #FindYourFit

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

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. In this episode of Career Podcast, host Marisela Morales explores a new way to think about networking: as building community, trust, and support systems that can open doors to real opportunities. We also talk with College of DuPage student Juan Hernandez, who shares his personal experiences attending conferences and joining clubs, how his understanding of networking has evolved, and the positive outcomes he’s seen so far. Listeners will walk away with practical tips on starting small, making genuine connections, and using networking as a tool for mentorship, career growth, and confidence.

Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00–02:30 – Introduction to networking as community-building, not just business cards and handshakes.

02:30–06:30 – Why networking matters and where to build connections (campus, online, community).

06:30–09:30 – Juan Hernandez shares his background and how he began networking through Alpha.

09:30–13:00 – Juan’s evolving view of networking and his authentic, conversational approach.

13:00–18:00 – Preparing for events, using LinkedIn, and making meaningful connections.

18:00–21:00 – A success story from a Deloitte event that boosted Juan’s confidence.

21:00–26:00 – Advice for students new to networking and starting with peer interactions.

26:00–29:00 – How faculty and clubs led to job and scholarship opportunities.

29:00–34:30 – Juan’s mindset on persistence, giving back, and building a support system.

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