Major Choices

Episode 41--MINOR CHOICES: Hard Skills or Soft Skills? Here’s the Hard Truth.

In this episode of Minor Choices, Jed & Lina explore the essential balance between hard and soft skills in career advancement. We delve into the significance of hard skills, such as technical proficiencies and specialized knowledge, and the nuanced importance of soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Join us as we uncover how this combination of abilities contributes to professional success and growth! 

Episode 40: We Don't Have Marketable Experience!

In this week’s episode, Rachel and Shawn dive into the challenge of limited work experience in conversation with Rebekah Stergar, Sr. Assistant Director of Student Employment. Rebekah shares invaluable tips on how to transform limited experience into a powerful asset. Through the magic of reflection, she’ll guide you in leveraging your skills toward a more aligned career goal.  Mallory Rodruck takes the question of building experience to the streets in the Student on the Street segment!  Sh...

Filling the Gap: From College To Your Dream Career

In this episode of Minor Choices, Lina and Jed discuss the exciting journey of bridging the divide between your college education and the career of your dreams. Whether you're a recent graduate navigating entry-level positions or a seasoned professional transitioning into your desired field, join us as we uncover strategies and stories to navigate this pivotal phase with confidence. 

Episode 38: All About AI!

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) can help you achieve your goals? Do you want to learn more about the benefits and challenges of AI in today's world? Rachel and Caitlyn explore the fascinating topic of AI and how it can impact your career and education. They will also discuss the ethical and social implications of AI and how to use it responsibly and wisely. In the second half of the podcast, Mallory, the newest host of Student on the Street, shares about how she levera...

Episode 37: Let's Talk Career Readiness

In this episode of minor choices, Lina and Jed discuss the core competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), helping you unlock the skills essential for success in today's dynamic and ever-evolving workplace.  

Episode 37--MINOR CHOICES: Let's Talk Career Readiness

In this episode of minor choices, Lina and Jed discuss the core competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), helping you unlock the skills essential for success in today's dynamic and ever-evolving workplace.  

Episode 36: Business Options

It's no secret that IU has some very competitive majors and schools.  What happens when you had your heart set in one direction, but didn't end up gaining admission into a particular program?  This episode offers you some ideas to consider when life redirects you in a new direction, as well as offers a few hopeful tips to keep you pointed towards your end career goal of working in the field of business. In the second half of the podcast, we have the Inside Scoop--where Rachel interviews Ja...

Episode 35: Building Community Through Networking

In this episode of Major Choices,  Career Development Center career coaches, Caitlyn & Nikki, explore the topic of building community through networking. They share  tips on how to network effectively, how to build trust and rapport with people, and how to leverage your network to create opportunities. In the second half of the podcast we are bringing back the Inside Scoop, a segment where career coach, Rachel, interviews a professional to learn about the world of work. In this episode Rach...

Episode 34--MINOR CHOICES--You're In College, What Do You Do Now? Tips For Finding Your Career!

Do you have a fear of completing college, starting your professional job, and hating it? In this episode of minor choices, Lina and Jed navigate all the ways you can explore if a job is right for you!

Episode 33: How To Balance It All--Let's Talk Time Managment

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of college life? Do you struggle to balance your academic, personal, and professional goals? If so, you are not alone. Many college students face the challenge of finding time management and achieving harmony in their lives. In this episode, Nikki Davenport, a career coach gets to the heart of the matter offering tips and insights on how to manage your time effectively, prioritize your tasks, set realistic expectations, and cope with stress. And Ale...

Episode 32: Hated that Job? So did we. Learn why that terrible experience is great for career development!

 Almost everybody has a job that they hated, but how many people turn that unfortunate experience into a lesson for the future? In today’s Minor Choices episode, Lina and Jed talk about their jobs of the past and why they are thankful for their not so great experiences.

Episode 31: First Year Bucket List

Welcome to Season 5!  As we kick off the new school year, the podcast team has expanded to include new co-hosts, IU career coaches—Shawn, Nikki, and Caitlyn. Together they tackle the question about navigating the college transition with some best practices to get started off on the right foot.  Career peer host, Alex King, shares some bucket list items perfect for a first-year student in the Student on the Street segment.  

Episode 30: How To Nail The Interview

In todays episode, Alex and Rachel share 6 tips to focus on for doing your absolute best in an interview. Going from how to dress to what to say when employers ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” this episode is here to prepare you for your shot at the job!   Also, we are unrolling a new segment called the Inside Scoop where Rachel interviews a local professional to get the insider information about a career. Today Rachel talks with Sean Chambers a biomedical engineer from Cook Medical...

Episode29--MINOR CHOICES--The crumbs you leave behind...the DIGITAL ONES!

Worried about that twitter post from 6 years ago? Well, you probably should be. In the age of social media, everything you put out into the world can follow you around, even if deleting it made you feel better. In this episode, Lina and Jed discuss the importance of your digital footprint. 

Major Choices BONUS! Cultivating Cultural Curiosity

Good things happen outside of your comfort zone!  In this episode, Rachel is joined by Lisa Hamilton, Myc Wiatrowski, and Niki Blackwell to talk about cultivating cultural curiosity!  How can we cultivate cultural curiosity respectfully, humbly, and intentionally, both now and in future careers? The group will discuss different ways to foster this curiosity, as well as give practical applications of how to step out of your comfort zone!

Episode 28: What To Do If You Don't Get The Job

Have you applied for jobs or summer internships and nothing seems to pan out? Don’t lose hope because this episode offers 8 tangible takeaways that you can still do to build experience, even if that coveted internship fell through. 

Ep. 27--MINOR CHOICES--How to ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Need a letter of recommendation but don’t know where to start? In this episode of Minor Choices, Lina and Jed discuss the top things to consider when asking around for the letter that’s all about you! 

Episode 26: Second Semester & Still Lost and Confused

What do you do when things still don't seem clear? In this episode, Rachel & Alex walk listeners through a 'wandering' or 'career' mapping exercise which can help students see connections between one's values, interests, skillsets, and experiences that can often illuminate a path forward.  In the student on the street segment, peer coach Laria Miller, does this in real time with a current IU student!

Episode 25: MINOR CHOICES--How To Talk With Your Professor

In this episode of Minor Choices--a 100% student written & produced podcast of Major Choices--career peers Lina and Jed talk all about connection, touching on why getting to know professors and other individuals during your college journey is important for your long-term career success. 

Episode 24: Tips for Starting the Year Off Right

Rachel and new co-host Alex discuss 5 tips and one trick for starting the semester off in the best way possible. From study habits to finding “balance” in all aspects of yourself, this episode will give you advice to take you further and make the new  beginning of the semester much smoother! 

Episode 23: Self-Care and the Career Development Process

The college experience in addition to choosing a major and preparing for the future–can often  feel like a stressful process.  In today’s episode we’re going to talk about ways to consider your health and wellness as you make these decisions and care for yourself along the way. 

Episode 22: Mastering the Elevator Pitch

Does the idea of networking and talking with professional have you in a sweat?  This episode breaks down how to manage nerves when talking with a new network and outlines what’s often known as ‘the elevator pitch’ so you can make not only a positive but a lasting first impression!  

Episode 21: Finding Part-Time Work that Works for You

In this episode Rachel interviews CJ Brooks, Associate Director for Student Employment at the Career Development Center to give you the skinny on why considering part-time work might just be one of the smartest things to consider as you go to college.  In the second half of the podcast we are launching a new segment with called “Students on the Street!” where our career peers, Lina & Laria, hit the pavement and ask students about their own working experience.

Episode 20: Let's Get Career Fair Ready!

In today’s episode we’re going to explore everything you ever wanted to know about a career or job fair–what to do, what to say, how to follow up, and why you should go–even if you are a first year student or not quite ready to start looking for full time work!

Episode 19: Maximize Your Break By Getting A Sneak Peek

Is finding an internship the only way to learn about an industry? In this episode, Rachel offers a quick solution to maximize your career planning when time is at a premium.  Learn how to conduct an informational interview like a pro and get the sneak peek into any career field. In the “Inside Scoop” segment, Rachel talks with Justin Kokoskie, Associate Director of Medicine at the University of Arizona about the world of athletic training. 

Episode 18: What's Your Life Mix?

When it comes to our work--can we have both money & meaning?  In today's episode Rachel digs in about finding your preferred life mix. In the “The Inside Scoop” segment, Rachel talks with Leah Bunger, a mental health therapist, about all the things you might not have thought of when owning your own practice.   

Episode 17: Can I Change My Mind?

In today’s episode we’re going to talk about changing directions--and four important questions to consider when discerning if our particular path needs course correction. In the second half of our program we are kicking off with a new segment called, “The Inside Scoop,” which pulls back the curtain into the world of work. We get a real look into their world of work--the best parts, the worst parts, and the unexpected parts.  Today,   I’ll be talking with Rafael Barahona, a visual designer an...

Episode 16: Managing Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like everyone else seems to have things figured all out and you well...don't?!  In this episode Rachel talks about imposter syndrome and offers four tips to keep it in check. Major Myc  explores a major that combines the best of a business and a liberal arts degree all rolled into one.

Managing Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like everyone else seems to have things figured all out and you well...don't?!  In this episode Rachel talks about imposter syndrome and offers four tips to keep it in check. Major Myc  explores a major that combines the best of a business and a liberal arts degree all rolled into one.

What I Wish I Would Have Known Starting College

In this episode, Rachel offers sage advice about maximizing your college experience at the start of the year, and Major Myc shares a major that prepares students for a lucrative career.

Episode 15: What I Wish I Would Have Known Starting College

In this episode, Rachel offers sage advice about maximizing your college experience at the start of the year, and Major Myc shares a major that prepares students for a lucrative career.

Welcome to Season 3!

In this season trailer, Rachel outlines what to expect in this next in the Major Choices Podcast, including unveiling a few new segments giving you an insiders look into the world of work and choosing a major!

Episode 14: Welcome to Season 3!

In this season trailer, Rachel outlines what to expect in this next in the Major Choices Podcast, including unveiling a few new segments giving you an insiders look into the world of work and choosing a major!

Minor Choices: Resume Quirks

Rachel and Nathan talk about unique things on their resumes that have helped them in their career journeys. 

Ep 13: The Art of Networking

In this episode, Rachel and Nathan discuss the importance of networking and how to start a process that can sometimes seem awkward or mysterious! Later in the episode, Rachel chats with Jeremy Gray about career pathways in sports media and marketing. 

Minor Choices: Asking for a Reference

In this episode, Rachel and Nathan talk about how to ask for a reference that will help you to pursue internships, opportunities, and jobs. 

Ep 12: SWOT Your Life

There is nothing worse than feeling stuck career wise.  What should you pursue?  Is it worth it?  Is it reasonable? Is it even a good idea?  In this episode, Nathan and Rachel teach a particular technique that can help bring clarity to even the stickiest places by implementing the SWOT.  In addition, we welcome special guest, Amy Maidi, Sr. Academic Advisor and Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program Coordinator at IUPUI  who gives an insider look into what it really takes to make it in ...

Minor Choices: Favorite Advice

In this Minor Choices, Rachel and Nathan share a favorite piece of advice they were given when they were in college. 

Ep 11: The Key to Finding your Success

We have all heard the common career adage, “Do what you love and never work a day in your life!” In this episode Nathan and Rachel debunk this advice and suggest a better way towards success--identifying your strengths as the true pathway towards career happiness.  In addition, we welcome special guest, Dr. Landon Yoder who gives an inside look into best majors for students considering a career in sustainability and the environment.

Minor Choices: Part-time jobs

In this Minor Choices, Rachel and Nathan share a quick story about part-time jobs they have held. 

Ep 10: Why Career Coaching Matters

In this episode Rachel and Nathan talk all about working with a career coach, and how it can benefit you! C.J. Brooks from the IU Career Development Center also joins to share his perspective on how he works with students. Later in the episode, Nathan talks with Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt from the IU School of Education about the new bachelor's degree in counseling and student services. 

Minor Choices: Networking Stories

Nathan and Rachel swap two networking stories from their own career pathways. 

Ep 9: Resilient and Ready for Anything

What does choosing your major, a global pandemic, and transitioning to college have in common?  Resiliency.  In this episode Nathan and Rachel explore what it takes to navigate through these major events of life, coming out stronger than before. Special guest Dana Olsen gives an inside look into Apparel Merchandising, a major that blends creativity with business, preparing students to hit the ground running, and how networking is queen when it comes to landing that first job. 

New Student Orientation CDC Welcome Message

Ep 7: Make it Rain! Occupations that make bank

Looking for a major that makes a lot of money?  In this episode Nathan and Rachel explore career fields that traditionally bring in a hefty paycheck, but also offer some other non-traditional options of raising the bottom dollar and the importance of finding one’s own definition of success and a significant life.

Ep 6: I Just want to Help

Mr. Rogers once said, “Look for the helpers.” What do you do when you know you want to help, but aren’t exactly sure what that looks like career wise?  In today’s episode, Rachel and Nathan offer tactical strategies to help you navigate your way through the various helping professions and majors, and discuss how a 3 letter code might help unlock your path forward (Strong Interest Inventory).

Ep 5: Overcoming Decision Fatigue

Do you suffer from decision fatigue? Each day on average people make over 30,000 decisions - small ones from what to wear, eat for breakfast or when to cross the street. In today's episode, Rachel and Nathan look into the pathways of making a good decision, and caring for yourself through the process. Special interview with Mallori DeSalle from the School of Public Health at IU. 

Ep 4: Wired

Our personality is one of the biggest attributes that makes us uniquely who we are. How do we learn more about the intricacies of our personality to make informed career decisions? In this episode, Rachel and Nathan talk about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicators and how a person's personality traits may impact career development.

Ep 3: Do what you Love (but is that enough?)

We often hear career advice that shouts, “Do what you love!”  But is this really the best wisdom?  What happens when our passions fall short? In this episode, Rachel and Nathan debunk this common myth and offer a new structure to consider--start with your strengths and identify these in combination with your top interests. Special guest:  Erin Predmore, President and CEO of the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, shares how her passion to become an astronaut led her to a pursuit in advocating f...

Ep 2: Know Thyself

Industries today are changing at lightning speed--so maybe choosing to pursue that ‘hot career’ isn’t actually the most foolproof way to decide on a career path. What’s a better way forward?  In today’s episode, Nathan and Rachel discuss one of the best indicators for discovering a satisfying and fulfilling career for you--a job that aligns with your values.  Special interview guest:  Brandi Smith, Executive Director of Coaching at Ivy Tech Community College who shares how following her valu...