The Career Ready Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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 this episode of The Career Ready Podcast, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Jordan Rembrecht welcome Dr. Mary Gatta, Director of Research and Public Policy at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Dr. Gatta shares insights from NACE’s latest research, including:

• The 8 Career Readiness Competencies and why they serve as “career currency” for graduates.
• Which competencies employers value most—and where new grads often fall short.
• How skills-based hiring is changing the way employers evaluate candidates.
• New data on the impact of internships and experiential learning on long-term career success (hint: $15K salary bump on average).
• Trends around AI in recruiting, hybrid work preferences, and why students who use their career center report more job offers and higher starting salaries.

Whether you’re a student preparing for your first job, a faculty member supporting career readiness, or an employer navigating the talent pipeline, this episode offers research-driven strategies to help you succeed in today’s evolving job market.

Resource mentioned:

• NACE LinkedIn
  (for the latest research & job outlook reports)

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

Thinking about a creative career? In this episode, Rebecca interviews Professor Daniel Millhouse, who shares what it’s really like to work in theater and how studying the arts can prepare you for any career path. From public speaking and teamwork to problem-solving under pressure, theater helps students build skills that employers love. Whether you want to be on stage or just think creatively in your future job, this episode will inspire you to see theater in a whole new way.

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 interviews David Ellis, Professor in the Welding Technology Program at College of DuPage. They discuss career possibilities within Welding along with skills needed to succeed in the profession. Tips to get started are also shared in addition to what the program has to offer its students at College of DuPage.   

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

Think speech class is just about public speaking? Think again. In this episode, Pierre Michaels sits down with Cassandra Wingert, Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at College of DuPage, to explore how communication skills shape career success in every field—from healthcare to business to law. Cassandra shares how speech courses build confidence, foster leadership, and prepare students for real-world challenges through hands-on experiences like mock interviews and persuasive presentations. Whether you're nervous about speaking up or ready to lead the conversation, this episode will show you how communication can be your most powerful career tool.

View the College of DuPage Speech Communication program
Contact the Speech Communication program or Cassandra Wingert directly by emailing wingertc@cod.edu

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

00:00–00:01:30
Introduction
Host Pierre Michaels introduces the Career Ready podcast and welcomes guest Cassandra Wingert, Assistant Professor of Speech Communication at College of DuPage.

00:01:30–00:03:40
Cassandra’s Background & Role
Cassandra shares her teaching philosophy and the importance of communication skills in all professional settings.

00:03:40–00:06:50
Value of Speech Communication Across Careers
Discussion on how communication skills apply to various fields like healthcare, marketing, and law, and how they enhance employability and promotability.

00:06:50–00:09:00
Soft Skills and Classroom Experience
Exploration of how speech classes build confidence, empathy, and community through interactive learning and feedback.

00:09:00–00:11:30
Hard Skills and Transferable Skills
Students gain practical skills like public speaking, interviewing, and message design, which are applicable across industries.

00:11:30–00:13:40
Advice for Students: Say Yes to Opportunities
Cassandra encourages students to get involved, try new things, and use experiences to build stories for interviews.

00:13:40–00:17:20
Classroom Activities That Build Career Readiness
Overview of real-world assignments like mock interviews, resume building, and persuasive speeches tailored to students’ career goals.

00:17:20–00:20:00
Final Advice: Practice, Network, and Tell Your Story
Cassandra emphasizes the importance of treating college as a networking opportunity and using storytelling to stand out professionally.

00:20:00–00:23:16
Resources and Closing
Information on how to learn

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 Michelle interviews Stephanie McLemore, Assistant Professor in the Cosmetology Program at College of DuPage, to explore the dynamic world of cosmetology. Stephanie shares the wide range of career opportunities available in the field, the essential skills needed to thrive, and how students can get started. Learn about the hands-on training, industry insights, and supportive community offered through the College of DuPage’s Cosmetology Program. Whether you're curious about the beauty industry or ready to take the next step, this episode is packed with practical tips and motivation to help you shine.

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

What can you do with a political science degree? More than you think. In this episode, Rebecca interviews Professor Maureen Heffren-Ponicki to explore the many ways students can turn their passion for politics, justice, and community into meaningful careers. From public service to grassroots organizing, policy research to civic education, Professor Heffren-Ponicki shares real-world insights, personal stories, and empowering advice for students ready to make a difference. Whether you're dreaming of Capitol Hill or your local city hall, this conversation will help you find your path—and your purpose.

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 interviews Holly Gaydurgis, ASL Interpreter Assistant Professor at College of DuPage. Together, they discuss the two main career paths in ASL interpreting—educational and freelance—highlighting the skills developed in the program, such as ASL and English proficiency, ethical decision-making, and cultural mediation. She emphasizes the importance of immersion in the deaf community, learning from deaf influencers, and gaining hands-on experience through practicum and service learning projects. Tune in to learn more about American Sign Language Interpreting Program and explore the details of studying this dynamic program at the College of DuPage.

View the College of DuPage American Sign Language Interpreting program
Contact Holly Gaydurgis by emailing parsonsh@cod.edu or contact the ASL Interpreting program

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

00:00:00 - 00:01:24
Introduction, Host: Maricela Morales & Guest: Holly Gaydurgis, ASL Interpreter Assistant Professor at College of DuPage.

00:01:24 - 00:03:02 
Overview of ASL Interpreting Field

00:03:02 - 00:10:00
Skills Developed in ASL Interpreting Program

00:10:00 - 00:14:00
Experiences and Opportunities for Growth

00:14:00 - 00:19:00
Preparation for Careers in ASL Interpreting

00:19:00 - 00:24:00
Advice for Aspiring ASL Interpreters

00:24:00 - 00:29:00
Resources and Contact Information

00:29:00 - 00:30:13
Conclusion

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 this kickoff episode of our summer series, host Michelle Malik sits down with Jordan  Rembrecht, the newest Career Specialist at College of DuPage and newest host of The Career Ready Podcast. Jordan shares her career journey—from volunteering in high school and switching majors in college to working in HR and eventually joining Career Services.

Hear how mentorship, internships, and involvement in programs like Best Buddies and the COACH program helped shape her path. Jordan also offers advice for students exploring careers and navigating the job search.

💼 Topics include:

• The value of getting involved on campus
• Changing majors and discovering your strengths
• Making the most of internships
• The power of mentorship
• Transitioning from HR to higher ed

🎧 Plus: Find out what show Jordan plans to binge this summer!

📬 Got a question for us? Email careerpodcast@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