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, Peter Michaels 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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: <a href='https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/06/29/15-best-job-search-sites-from-top-job-boards-to-niche-players/'>Forbes</a>, <a href='https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/GetUrlReputation'>US News</a>, <a href='https://www.theforage.com/blog/basics/best-job-search-sites'>The Forage</a>, <a href='https://www.jobhero.com/career-guides/careers/planning/best-job-search-sites-2'>Job Hero</a>, <a href='https://money.com/best-job-search-sites/'>Money</a>, <a href='https://guides.bpl.org/internships/postings'>Boston Public Library</a>, <a href='https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2015/01/30/the-10-best-websites-for-finding-an-internship/'>Forbes</a>, <a href='https://www.extern.com/post/best-websites-to-find-internships'>Extern</a>Listeners in the College of DuPage community can <a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'>visit our website</a>. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;radius=25'>community college</a>, <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'>WIOA training programs</a>, or other <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'>local support</a> centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at <a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'>careerpodcast@cod.edu</a> Follow us on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'>LinkedIn</a> @codcareercenter

<description>&lt;p&gt; 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, Peter Michaels 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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:00:01 – 00:01:36 | Introduction &amp;amp; Professionalism Overview&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Hosts introduce the episode and explain NACE competencies, focusing on professionalism and its role in job applications.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:01:36 – 00:05:58 | Attention to Detail &amp;amp; Proofreading&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Discussion on why polished resumes and cover letters matter, common mistakes, and tools like Grammarly and VMock to ensure accuracy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:06:00 – 00:08:02 | Job Boards: Why Strategy Matters&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Transition to job boards; overview of using them strategically rather than passively, and the importance of a multi-platform approach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:08:02 – 00:13:06 | Types of Job Boards&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:13:06 – 00:14:05 | Unique Opportunities&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Specialized boards for internships, seasonal work, and micro-internships (CoolWorks, Parker Dewey, The Forage).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:14:29 – 00:16:58 | Advanced Search Strategies&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Tips for filtering by date, applying early, using multiple job titles, and screening for scams to avoid wasted effort.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:17:02 – 00:23:12 | Application Tips &amp;amp; Networking&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Why tailoring beats quick apply, applying directly on company sites, tracking applications, and following up with recruiters to stand out.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:23:15 – End | Closing Remarks&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Recap of strategies and invitation for listener questions in future episodes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Sources:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2025/06/29/15-best-job-search-sites-from-top-job-boards-to-niche-players/'&gt;Forbes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/GetUrlReputation'&gt;US News&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.theforage.com/blog/basics/best-job-search-sites'&gt;The Forage&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.jobhero.com/career-guides/careers/planning/best-job-search-sites-2'&gt;Job Hero&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://money.com/best-job-search-sites/'&gt;Money&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://guides.bpl.org/internships/postings'&gt;Boston Public Library&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2015/01/30/the-10-best-websites-for-finding-an-internship/'&gt;Forbes&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.extern.com/post/best-websites-to-find-internships'&gt;Extern&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners in the College of DuPage community can &lt;a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;amp;radius=25'&gt;community college&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'&gt;WIOA training programs&lt;/a&gt;, or other &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'&gt;local support&lt;/a&gt; centers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Send us YOUR Listener Questions at &lt;a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'&gt;careerpodcast@cod.edu&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Follow us on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; @codcareercenter&lt;/p&gt;</description>

 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, Peter Michaels 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 th...

Understanding Job Boards: Strategies for a Smarter Job Search

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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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 <a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'>visit our website</a>. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;radius=25'>community college</a>, <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'>WIOA training programs</a>, or other <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'>local support</a> centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at <a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'>careerpodcast@cod.edu</a> Follow us on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'>LinkedIn</a> @codcareercenter

<description>&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:00:01 – 00:03:11 | Introduction &amp;amp; Troy’s Background&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:03:11 – 00:07:02 | Student-Athlete Experience &amp;amp; Discipline&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Troy discusses the unique challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and social life, emphasizing time management, accountability, and how these habits shaped his professional mindset. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:07:02 – 00:13:19 | Transition Beyond Athletics&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:13:19 – 00:20:15 | Translating Skills to the Workforce&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:20:15 – 00:27:02 | Mindset &amp;amp; Career Readiness&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:27:02 – End | Final Advice &amp;amp; Closing&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners in the College of DuPage community can &lt;a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;amp;radius=25'&gt;community college&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'&gt;WIOA training programs&lt;/a&gt;, or other &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'&gt;local support&lt;/a&gt; centers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Send us YOUR Listener Questions at &lt;a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'&gt;careerpodcast@cod.edu&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Follow us on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; @codcareercenter&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 und...

From Student Athlete to Working Professional with Troy Doris

Whether you&apos;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 <a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'>visit our website</a>. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;radius=25'>community college</a>, <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'>WIOA training programs</a>, or other <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'>local support</a> centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at <a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'>careerpodcast@cod.edu</a> Follow us on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'>LinkedIn</a> @codcareercenter

<description>&lt;p&gt;Whether you&amp;apos;re new to campus or planning a transfer, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay career ready.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Key Advice from this episode:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Transfer students should prioritize networking and connecting with Career Services early.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Internships are more critical than ever in a slower job market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;AI is a growing concern and opportunity—students should learn to use it responsibly. 👉 Listen to our spring AI episodes for guidance!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#CareerReadyPodcast #CollegeOfDuPage #CODCareers #CareerTips #Internships #JobSearch #CollegeCareer #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #FindYourFit &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners in the College of DuPage community can &lt;a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;amp;radius=25'&gt;community college&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'&gt;WIOA training programs&lt;/a&gt;, or other &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'&gt;local support&lt;/a&gt; centers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Send us YOUR Listener Questions at &lt;a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'&gt;careerpodcast@cod.edu&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Follow us on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; @codcareercenter&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 co...

Career Readiness for Transfer Students - Interview with Chris de Kok at Aurora University

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&apos;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 <a href='https://www.collegecentral.com/dupage/'>Chaps Get Hired</a> to search for jobs.🔍 Main Discussion Highlights <ul><li>Why 70–80% of jobs are found through networking - not job boards </li><li>How to identify industries that align with your interests and skills </li><li>Using tools like O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore career paths </li><li>Search strategies to find companies by location, size, and focus </li><li>Building a list of target employers and tracking your outreach </li><li>Crafting thoughtful LinkedIn messages to initiate career conversations </li></ul>Tips for searching online for companies: <ul><li>Search by industry + location. Try phrases like: </li></ul>“marketing firms near Naperville,” “manufacturing companies in DuPage County,” or “nonprofits in Chicago working with youth.” <ul><li>Add size filters like “small business,” “startup,” or “Fortune 500” to refine your results. </li><li>Use quotation marks to find exact phrases (“graphic design agency”) or minus signs to remove results (e.g., “graphic design agency -freelance”). </li><li>Look at directories and associations. Industry groups often list members—like “Illinois Technology Association members” or “Chamber of Commerce directory.” </li><li>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. </li></ul>📝 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 <a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'>visit our website</a>. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;radius=25'>community college</a>, <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'>WIOA training programs</a>, or other <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'>local support</a> centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at <a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'>careerpodcast@cod.edu</a> Follow us on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'>LinkedIn</a> @codcareercenter

<description>&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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&amp;apos;re a student, alum, or community member, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you Be Career Ready. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Local to College of DuPage? Visit &lt;a href='https://www.collegecentral.com/dupage/'&gt;Chaps Get Hired&lt;/a&gt; to search for jobs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔍 Main Discussion Highlights &lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why 70–80% of jobs are found through networking - not job boards &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to identify industries that align with your interests and skills &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Using tools like O*NET and the Occupational Outlook Handbook to explore career paths &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Search strategies to find companies by location, size, and focus &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Building a list of target employers and tracking your outreach &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Crafting thoughtful LinkedIn messages to initiate career conversations &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tips for searching online for companies: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Search by industry + location.&lt;/b&gt; Try phrases like: &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;“marketing firms near Naperville,” “manufacturing companies in DuPage County,” or “nonprofits in Chicago working with youth.” &lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Add size filters&lt;/b&gt; like “small business,” “startup,” or “Fortune 500” to refine your results. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Use quotation marks&lt;/b&gt; to find exact phrases (“graphic design agency”) or &lt;b&gt;minus signs&lt;/b&gt; to remove results (e.g., “graphic design agency -freelance”). &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Look at directories and associations.&lt;/b&gt; Industry groups often list members—like “Illinois Technology Association members” or “Chamber of Commerce directory.” &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Use Map apps and LinkedIn Company Search&lt;/b&gt; to visually explore who’s in your area—you might be surprised how many opportunities exist close to home. &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;📝 Pro Tip &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;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. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;  #CareerReadyPodcast #CollegeOfDuPage #CODCareers #CareerTips #Internships #JobSearch #CollegeCareer #CareerReady #StudentSuccess #FindYourFit  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners in the College of DuPage community can &lt;a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;amp;radius=25'&gt;community college&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'&gt;WIOA training programs&lt;/a&gt;, or other &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'&gt;local support&lt;/a&gt; centers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Send us YOUR Listener Questions at &lt;a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'&gt;careerpodcast@cod.edu&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Follow us on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; @codcareercenter&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 mo...

Upgrade Your Job Search: Researching Companies and Industries

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 <a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'>visit our website</a>. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;radius=25'>community college</a>, <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'>WIOA training programs</a>, or other <a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'>local support</a> centers. Send us YOUR Listener Questions at <a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'>careerpodcast@cod.edu</a> Follow us on <a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'>Twitter</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'>LinkedIn</a> @codcareercenter

<description>&lt;p&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Below is a general timestamp summary. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;00:00–02:30&lt;/b&gt; – Introduction to networking as community-building, not just business cards and handshakes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;02:30–06:30&lt;/b&gt; – Why networking matters and where to build connections (campus, online, community).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;06:30–09:30&lt;/b&gt; – Juan Hernandez shares his background and how he began networking through Alpha.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;09:30–13:00&lt;/b&gt; – Juan’s evolving view of networking and his authentic, conversational approach.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;13:00–18:00&lt;/b&gt; – Preparing for events, using LinkedIn, and making meaningful connections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;18:00–21:00&lt;/b&gt; – A success story from a Deloitte event that boosted Juan’s confidence.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;21:00–26:00&lt;/b&gt; – Advice for students new to networking and starting with peer interactions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;26:00–29:00&lt;/b&gt; – How faculty and clubs led to job and scholarship opportunities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;29:00–34:30&lt;/b&gt; – Juan’s mindset on persistence, giving back, and building a support system.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Listeners in the College of DuPage community can &lt;a href='https://cod.edu/careerservices'&gt;visit our website&lt;/a&gt;. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/CommunityServices/find-community-colleges.aspx?location=60148&amp;amp;radius=25'&gt;community college&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx?location=IL'&gt;WIOA training programs&lt;/a&gt;, or other &lt;a href='https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/local-help.aspx'&gt;local support&lt;/a&gt; centers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Send us YOUR Listener Questions at &lt;a href='mailto:careerpodcast@cod.edu'&gt;careerpodcast@cod.edu&lt;/a&gt; &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Follow us on &lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/codcareercenter/'&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/CODCareerServicesCenter'&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://twitter.com/codcareercenter'&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href='https://www.linkedin.com/company/codcareercenter/'&gt;LinkedIn&lt;/a&gt; @codcareercenter&lt;/p&gt;</description>

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 wil...

Networking Reimagined: Building Support and Finding Opportunities with COD Student Juan Hernandez

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. 

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