Your Career GPS

In this episode, Brad W. Minton interviews Kevin Fedor, a marketing entrepreneur who shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of work ethic, and the need for confidence in business. Kevin emphasizes the significance of taking action over perfection and discusses the concept of setting goals without strict deadlines. He encourages young entrepreneurs to find their 'North Star' and focus on actionable steps to achieve their dreams.Guest Info: Kevin Fedor is a marketing entrepreneur who started his first business from his college dorm room and has been building companies ever since. Over the past decade, he’s founded and scaled multiple agencies, managed multi-million-dollar ad budgets, and helped brands and founders grow through digital strategy, paid media, and personal branding.Kevin is especially passionate about helping students see entrepreneurship as a real, viable career path - not just a buzzword. Having built businesses while still in school, he brings a grounded, honest perspective on what it actually looks like to start early, learn fast, and grow a career into adulthood.Through his work developing the brands of hundreds of founders and companies, Kevin helps young professionals think practically about leverage, credibility, and opportunity - whether they choose to build their own business or create optionality inside someone else’s. His approach blends strategy, execution, and real-world lessons without the fluff.Website: https://www.followspike.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-fedor/This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLCwww.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton speaks with career coach Nicolette Hemingway about the importance of building confidence in young professionals. They discuss strategies for understanding personal skills, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the comparison game. Nicolette emphasizes the significance of networking, mentorship, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve career growth. The conversation also highlights the value of seeking feedback and the necessity of patience in career development.Guest Info: Nicholette Hemingway is a native of Myrtle Beach, SC and resides in the Metro Area of Warner Robins, GA. She is the Owner and Operator of Nike H Speaks LLC, which provides career coaching services, interview preparation training, résumé writing training, document, and letter writing, along with reviewing and writing résumés. Nicholette has spoken on several in-person and virtual stages, talking about interviewing with Confidence; The ABCs of Interviewing; Celebrate the Small Wins; and Depression and Women of Faith. Nicholette connects with her audiences by being relatable and transparent, because she’s been in their places. Nicholette believes that everyone has a story that only they can tell, so that is why it is important to let your voice be heard. Nicholette is an Amazon #1 Best Seller and has self-published 3 books, and they can all be found on Amazon. Nicholette has a passion for putting pen to paper, and God has graced her with the ability to write books that are captivating, inspiring, and informative to readers. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from the University of South Carolina. Nicholette has 1 beautiful daughter and 1 adorable grandson.Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway Website: http://www.nikehspeaks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholetteh/ 

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton explores the power of intuition as an internal “GPS” for navigating career and life decisions amid uncertainty. He’s joined by intuitive consultant Jenn Cohen, who shares her journey from a pre-law college path to a 27-year career in the entertainment industry at companies like DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, and WarnerMedia—decisions she credits largely to trusting her intuition. Jen reflects on how personal loss heightened her awareness of intuition, how misalignment in high-pressure corporate environments ultimately led her to leave the industry, and how she now helps individuals and organizations reconnect with their inner guidance. Together, Brad and Jen discuss analysis paralysis, balance between logic and intuition, recognizing alignment through the body, and practical tools young people can use to slow down, create space, and make more grounded, aligned career decisions.Guest Info: Jenn Cohen has always been fascinated by the power of intuition. Her journey into understanding this deeper, intuitive space began in her early 20s after a personal experience following the death of her father inspired her curiosity of how intuition would guide her life. Throughout her 27-year career in the Entertainment Industry—collaborating with major studios like DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, IMAX, and WarnerMedia—Jenn discovered that some of the most impactful decisions often stemmed from intuition. Her unique approach and insights not only set her apart but also led to career advancements and recognition in a highly competitive field.After stepping away from the corporate world, Jenn embraced her calling as an intuitive consultant, applying her skills to help both individuals and organizations unlock their potential. Today, she empowers clients—from individuals to executives to entire teams—with practical tools to gain clarity, recognize blind spots, and make decisions aligned with their goals. Jenn’s programs and coaching sessions are designed to cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and enhance productivity, creativity, and connection in professional settings.Jenn’s work supports individuals and companies alike, creating pathways for growth by blending intuitive insights with actionable strategies. She is dedicated to helping her clients break through self-imposed barriers, trust their inner voice, and achieve greater fulfillment in both personal and professional realms.Website: https://www.jenncohenintuitive.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-cohen-intuitive-consultant/ This podcast brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLCwww.minttobecareer.com

In this episode Brad sits down with Marita McCahill who shares her insights on overcoming fear and embracing failure as essential components of personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities, which can lead to significant development and new experiences. All of these things can positively impact one's personal brand and storytelling. She discusses how to take those important steps of defining your brand and stepping out of your comfort zone to start creating content that reflects your values. Key takeawaysDon't let fear paralyze you.Some of the best learning moments are when you fail.Step up to new things, even when uncomfortable.Growth happens outside your comfort zone.Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.New friendships can emerge from taking risks.Professional growth requires stepping into the unknown.Opportunities often lie beyond familiar boundaries.Guest Info: Marita McCahill is a personal-branding strategist, content creation specialist, and educator with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications across professional-service organizations. She is the founder of getCAREERcurious, an online community empowering Gen Z and early-career professionals to build purpose-driven careers.In her role as an adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), she teaches digital marketing and social media strategy, helping students turn their personal brand into career capital. Drawing on her background leading client relationships, project teams, digital campaigns, and reputation management for major providers, Marita brings real-world insight into how personal branding works in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.Website: https://www.getcareercurious.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritamccahill/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@getcareercuriousThis podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLC. www.minttobecareer.com

In this conversation, Jeremy Schifeling discusses the importance of identifying personal strengths, leveraging unique human abilities, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships and community as essential elements in navigating personal and professional journeys.Key takeawaysStart with strengths to identify unique value.Unite with unique human abilities like communication and storytelling.Reinforce efforts with relevant AI tools.Avoid using AI just for the sake of it.Finish with fellowship and community support.Relationships are crucial for personal growth.Build relationships before you need them.Prepare for future challenges with a supportive network.Collaboration enhances individual capabilities.Embrace the shared journey of humanity.Guest Info: Jeremy Schifeling has devoted his career to helping others succeed in theirs. From teaching kindergarten in Brooklyn to recruiting top students at Teach For America to leading education marketing at LinkedIn, he’s touched the lives of millions of people at every stage of their journeys. Along the way, he’s published the best-selling LinkedIn and ChatGPT for Job-Seeking books on Amazon, served as a career coach for military veterans at Shift.org and MBA students at the University of Michigan, and produced the most-viewed video in LinkedIn’s history.Website: https://www.thejobinsiders.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schifeling/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AB7IEX2 

In this episode, Brad W. Minton speaks with Melissa Grabiner about leveraging LinkedIn for early career professionals. They discuss the importance of having an optimized LinkedIn profile, engaging with the platform, and networking effectively to enhance job search success. Melissa shares practical tips on how to stand out to recruiters, the significance of being proactive in job searching, and the value of building connections. The conversation emphasizes the need for young professionals to take charge of their career paths and utilize LinkedIn as a powerful tool for growth and opportunity.Key takeawaysLinkedIn is essential for job seekers, especially young professionals.Engagement on LinkedIn can significantly increase visibility to recruiters.A strong profile photo and personalized banner are crucial for attracting attention.Using keywords in your profile can help recruiters find you more easily.Networking is often more effective than applying to job postings.Reaching out to decision-makers can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.Being proactive in your job search can set you apart from other candidates.Utilizing LinkedIn Learning can enhance your skills and profile.It's important to share your personal story in your LinkedIn profile.Life is too short to be unhappy at work; seek a fulfilling career.Guest Info:With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, Melissa Grabiner is widely recognized as a leading strategist and thought leader in the field. She has built a strong reputation for her expertise in Talent Acquisition and has cultivated a LinkedIn following of over 470,000 professionals. Melissa is ranked the #2 Female LinkedIn Creator globally and the #1 HR Creator in the United States.In the past year, her content has generated over 100 million post impressions and almost 2 million post engagements, underscoring her influence as a top voice in the HR and TA spaces. Her thought leadership extends beyond social media, with features in prominent publications including Market Watch, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Indeed Business. She is also a sought-after podcast guest and frequently hosts LinkedIn Live sessions. Her expertise has been spotlighted twice on the iconic Times Square Billboard in New York City.Melissa spent 18 years at Baxter Healthcare, where she led Talent Acquisition for the company’s largest global business unit—later acquired by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, Melissa and her team received numerous awards, including recognition as the highest-performing global HR team at both Baxter and Takeda.Beyond her corporate achievements, Melissa is a passionate Job Search Coach, helping professionals enhance their resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and refine their job search strategies, with perfect testimonials and ratings from every client (over 500). Melissa also works as a Talent Acquisition consultant for companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and serves as a Business Advisor to three startup organizations.Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a certified yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their two sons.Website: https://topmate.io/melissagrabinerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-grabiner/This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career. www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, host Brad Minton and guest Jeremy Tudor discuss the current turbulent job market, particularly for Gen Z. They explore the importance of communication skills, the need for differentiation in a competitive job landscape, and how to leverage AI responsibly in job searches. Jeremy emphasizes the significance of building skills beyond formal education and offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of career development. Key takeawaysThe job market is currently turbulent, especially for young job seekers.Communication skills are crucial for success in interviews.Many jobs are lost not due to resumes but during the interview process.Gaining skills in your twenties is essential for future career success.Demonstrating skills through actions is more impactful than listing them on a resume.Video can significantly enhance job applications and increase engagement.AI should be used as a tool to assist, not replace personal input in job applications.Job seekers should not give up on their career paths despite challenges.Career paths are often non-linear and require adaptability.Building a unique value proposition is key to standing out in a crowded job market.Guest Info: Jeremy Tudor has 16+ years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, spanning startups, non-profits, global corporations, and government agencies. Most recently, he served as Talent Acquisition Manager for the State of North Carolina, leading recruitment technology and policy for a workforce of 100,000+. Previously, he built the recruitment function for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 and supported international recruiting and mobility within a global corporation. Jeremy has interviewed and hired thousands of professionals, giving him deep insight into what employers look for. He created the Career Brand Story™ method, helping candidates land jobs they love, and as a certified behaviorist in DISC and 12 Driving Forces, he equips people and teams to communicate effectively and grow professionally.Website: https://jeremytudor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytudor/ Career Brand Story This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Careerwww.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of You Career GPS podcast, host Brad W. Minton welcomes career coach Jessica Roffe to discuss essential career development strategies for Gen Z and young professionals. They explore the importance of early career reflection, common missteps in career planning, the significance of developing transferable skills, and the value of building a professional network. Jessica emphasizes that students should take advantage of college resources and not feel pressured to have everything figured out. The conversation highlights the need for continuous self-reflection and exploration in one's career journey. Key Insights Discussed: Start thinking about your career early in college.Switching majors is normal and can be beneficial.Reflect on every experience to learn and grow.It's okay to pivot and change paths.Take advantage of career resources at your college.GPA is just one small part of your resume.Networking can open doors to opportunities.Alumni are often willing to help current students.Soft skills are crucial for job success.You don't have to have everything figured out.Guest Info: Jessica Roffe is a seasoned higher education administrator, instructor, and career coach. As the Founder of Career Beginnings LLC, she provides personalized career coaching and group workshops for college students and young professionals, guiding them through the often-complex early stages of their careers. Jessica equips her clients with the skills and strategies needed to achieve career readiness and long-term success.As a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association and Associate Director with twelve years of experience working at the University of Maryland, Jessica has advised thousands of students and taught courses like Choosing Your Major and Career. Her dedication to teaching excellence earned her the Robert H. Smith School of Business; Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing her for achieving top teaching evaluations. She holds an MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park.Jessica’s coaching is driven by her passion for helping students and young professionals achieve career happiness and financial success. She is a trusted resource for navigating career challenges such as finding internships and jobs, building strong personal brands, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles, networking effectively, and excelling in interviews. Jessica also specializes in helping clients identify their interests, strengths, and values, empowering them to explore careers that align with their unique traits. Website: https://career-beginnings.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-roffe/This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Careerwww.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, Brad W. Minton and career story coach Steph Gillies discuss the challenges faced by young professionals in navigating career anxiety and the pressure to specialize. They explore the importance of embracing multi-passionate career paths and how to craft a compelling career story that reflects one's authentic self. Steph shares insights on resume writing, the relevance of diverse experiences, and strategies for presenting oneself effectively in job applications. The conversation emphasizes that every experience is valuable and can be framed to highlight transferable skills, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys.Key takeaways: Young professionals often feel anxiety and pressure in their careers. The traditional notion of specializing in one career is outdated. Most people's career paths are not linear; they are often messy. It's important to normalize non-linear career paths. Resumes should highlight relevant experiences, including volunteer work. Education can be framed as work experience for new grads. Authenticity is key in job applications and interviews. Having multiple resumes can help tailor your story for different roles. Every experience can be made relevant to your career goals. You can change your career at any age.Guest Info:Steph Gillies is a Career Story Coach, focused on helping multi-passionate professionals embrace their authenticity and design their career story. Having had 32 jobs in 15 years, Steph mastered the job search process and gained valuable insights into how to align passions with career paths. After being laid off from what she thought was her dream job in 2020, she started resume writing and career coaching. Since then, she has helped over 1000 people discover their purpose and create a career story that truly reflects who they are.Guest Links:WebsiteLinkedInPodcast

In this conversation, Brad W. Minton and Deb Samuels-Peretz, PhD, discuss the critical importance of soft skills in the workplace, particularly for Gen Z. They explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the development of these skills, the key power skills needed for success, and the role of emotional intelligence, coachability, and critical thinking. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous learning and self-awareness, as well as strategies for leveraging soft skills in job applications and tailoring them to specific job opportunities. The conversation concludes with valuable career advice for young professionals entering the workforce. Key Takeaways: Soft skills are essential for workplace success. COVID-19 has hindered the development of social skills in Gen Z. Emotional intelligence encompasses empathy and self-awareness. Coachability is crucial for new graduates in entry-level positions. Critical thinking is necessary in an era of misinformation. Creativity thrives on collaboration and diverse perspectives. Job descriptions provide clues about desired soft skills. Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth. Soft skills can be highlighted in resumes and interviews. Employers value candidates committed to developing their soft skills. Guest Info: Dr. Deb Samuels-Peretz is Co-founder and VP of Learning and Development at TheRealMe, Inc. is a social scientist and consultant with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Boston College. Deb has prepared teachers at universities such as Boston University, Boston College and Brandeis University. Her specialties are adult learning and cognitive development, applied neuroscience and educational technology. At the RealMe Deb uses her expertise to help Gen Z upskill their soft skills so they can get hired at jobs they'll love.

In this episode of Your Career GPS Podcast, Brad dives into the challenges faced by young job seekers in today's market with guest Alex Florio, co-founder of Swob Inc. They discuss the inspiration behind Swab, a job search platform designed to simplify the job application process, emphasizing quality over quantity in job applications. The conversation explores shifts in the job market dynamics post-COVID, common resume mistakes, the role of AI in job searching, and key ingredients for success in landing jobs. Alex shares insights on effective communication and networking, highlighting the importance of tailoring resumes and utilizing available resources for job seekers. Key takeaways: The job market is challenging for young professionals. Swab was inspired by the inefficiencies in job searching. Quality job applications are more effective than quantity. COVID shifted the job market dynamics significantly. Many job seekers still make basic resume mistakes. AI can be a helpful tool but shouldn't replace human effort. Strong communication is crucial in the job application process. Networking can significantly enhance job search success. Tailoring resumes to specific roles is essential. Swab focuses on entry-level roles in high turnover industries. Guest Info: Alexander Florio is the co-founder of Swob Inc., the Tinder for jobs. In November 2017, Alexander and his sister, Stephanie, launched Swob App, a job search platform designed to simplify job searching and recruitment. Through the use of technology, people looking for a job can now search in the comfort of their own phone! Swob is the first of its kind to target job seekers and high-turnover industries such as retail and food service for part-time, seasonal, and full-time employment. In May of 2018, Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Mobile Canada awarded Swob as the first ever Canadian company to win the "Pitch To Rich" contest. Since then, Alexander has appeared on BNN Bloomberg, E-Talk, The Feed with Amber Mac, Omni TV, The Marilyn Denis Show, etc., and spoke at Elevate Tech Fest in Toronto. Alexander is passionate about entrepreneurship, and has worked with the WE organization as a mentor for the WE Incubation Hub Program, which empowers young social entrepreneurs to develop and launch their own social enterprise. Website: https://www.swobapp.com/about-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderflorio This Podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton and career strategist Clint Carrens discuss the challenges young job seekers face in a tumultuous job market. They explore the importance of tailoring job applications, the necessity of networking, and how to handle rejection and ghosting from employers. Clint emphasizes the need for patience and focus in the job search process, while also providing actionable advice for maintaining motivation and adapting to changing market conditions. The conversation concludes with key takeaways and essential advice for navigating the job market successfully. Key takeaways ⭐Acknowledge the overwhelming job market situation. ⭐Focus on what you can control in your job search. ⭐Tailor your resume for specific job applications. ⭐Networking is crucial for job seekers. ⭐Rejection is a natural part of the job search process. ⭐Set small, achievable goals to stay motivated. ⭐Celebrate small wins to maintain morale. ⭐Avoid reciprocating ghosting behavior with employers. ⭐Cultivating professional relationships is key to success. ⭐Stay adaptable and continue learning throughout your career. Guest Info: At his core, Clint Carrens is about helping people, and he has navigated a career as a coach, mentor, administrator, and instructor in fulfillment of this sense of purpose. At Indeed, Clint has helped people improve their potential to secure offers from employers and progress in their careers through 1:1 consultations, workshops, and social media content creation. He currently serves as a Career Strategist for Indeed's Job Search Academy, creating live and on demand programming on job search and career development topics. He has also conducted numerous interviews with TV affiliates, radio stations, and new publications across the US. Outside of work, Clint is a husband, father, and volunteer basketball coach. Website: https://www.indeed.com/job-search-services/workshops LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintcarrens/This Podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Careerwww.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of Your Career GPS Podcast, host Brad discusses the journey of career exploration with career coach Cassie Briggs. They delve into the importance of understanding one's career path, the impact of life changes on career decisions, and the necessity of collecting data to make informed choices. Cassie shares her personal story of transitioning from a biology professor to a career coach, emphasizing the significance of adaptability and flexibility in navigating career paths. The conversation highlights the importance of clarity in career goals, the reality of pursuing careers in medicine, and the value of exploring diverse opportunities. Cassie offers practical advice for young professionals and students, encouraging them to remain open-minded and to test their career aspirations across various sectors. Key takeaways 👓Career paths can evolve due to life changes. 👓It's important to collect data about career options. 👓Your 'why' can remain consistent even as your path changes. 👓Flexibility in career choices can lead to unexpected opportunities. 👓Don't rule out potential career paths without exploration. 👓Networking and talking to professionals can provide valuable insights. 👓Career transitions can be challenging but rewarding. 👓Understanding the realities of a career is crucial before committing. 👓Being hyper-focused can be beneficial but should align with personal values. 👓Exploration and curiosity can enhance career satisfaction. Guest Info: Dr. Cassie Briggs is a former biology professor turned science career coach. For over a decade, Cassie has supported undergraduate students in the classroom using innovative evidence-based teaching approaches and has equipped fellow conservation biologists with research discoveries instrumental in saving the world's endangered species. In 2020, she launched her own business, Success in Science Career Coaching, helping hundreds of clients and workshop participants explore and secure career opportunities in science and medicine. She currently lives in rural Michigan with her husband, two young boys, two dogs (one of which she's trained to help her track turtles for her research), and one cat. She can often be found fishing, playing volleyball, or horseback riding. Website: http://www.successinsciencecc.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassiebriggs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuccessInScienceCareerCoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassie_sscc This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, the conversation focuses on the transition from post-secondary education to the workforce, emphasizing the importance of taking action, embracing failure, and building relationships. NY Times bestselling author Lindsey Pollak shares insights from her book 'Getting From College to Career,' discussing strategies for networking, personal branding, and the significance of informational interviews. The episode concludes with practical advice on self-assessment and the value of seeking help from others in one's career journey. Key takeaways -Career success requires multiple strategies, not just one. -Taking action is crucial; you learn more in motion. -Failure is a necessary part of growth and learning. -Networking is about building and maintaining relationships. -Personal branding is simply about your reputation. -Informational interviews are a great way to gain insights. -A brag book can help in self-assessment and confidence. -Understanding the professional environment is key to success. -Ask for help when facing challenges in your career. -Building a network can lead to unexpected opportunities. Guest Info: Lindsey Pollak is a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker and often described as a “generational translator.” She is the author of four career and workplace advice books, including The Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace. Her speaking audiences and consulting clients have included more than 300 top corporations, law firms and universities, and her insights have appeared in such media outlets as The TODAY Show, The Wall Street Journal and CNBC. Lindsey is a graduate of Yale University and is a proud member of Generation X. Website: https://lindseypollak.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseypollak/ Getting From College To Career Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062069276?ie=UTF8&tag=lindseypollak-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0062069276 This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, Brad Minton and Meher Mardoyan discuss the critical role of LinkedIn in career development, especially for job seekers. They explore the importance of having a strong LinkedIn presence compared to traditional resumes, the necessity of setting realistic expectations for using the platform, and the steps to optimize LinkedIn profiles. The conversation also covers effective networking strategies, the significance of content creation for personal branding, and concludes with valuable career advice for the next generation. takeaways -LinkedIn is more important than a resume in 2024. -Active engagement on LinkedIn should continue even after securing a job. -Networking should be viewed as relationship building, not transactional. -Clarity about career goals is essential before job searching. -An optimized LinkedIn profile acts as a 24/7 marketing tool. -Content creation on LinkedIn helps establish personal branding. -Start small with content and gradually increase engagement. -Use LinkedIn to nurture relationships, not just for job searching. -Customize your LinkedIn URL for better visibility. -Regularly update your profile to reflect your current career status. Guest Info: Mher Mardoyan came to Vancouver, BC 12 years ago with his partner and currently, he lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He has an MBA in Management with an emphasis in HR. He got his HR certification from BCIT in 2018 and CPHR BC and Yukon member. Recognized as the 2017 Recruiter of the Year for his contribution and success while working at PeopleReady Agency. Currently, he is doing his Leadership Certification at Marine Institute.He has been a career coach for the last 5 years and has helped many candidates with their job applications, resume/cover letter tips, LinkedIn Profile assessment, interview preparation, and job search strategies. For the past 6 years, he has interviewed more than 170 people HR managers, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders for his YouTube channel. The purpose of his YouTube channel is to give advices to jobseekers to elevate their job search strategies. He has worked both in-house and agency recruiters and has seen many candidates struggle in their job search especially if they are new to the country. Currently working at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) as a Domestic Recruiter. In his free time, Mher likes pamper his cat, paint, and read books and hike. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLWWXPSNENcmCDUr7uhmtKg LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mher-mardoyan-careercoach This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton hosts Ang Richards, founder of Professionally Unprofessional, to discuss the unique attributes and challenges faced by Gen Z in the workforce. They explore misconceptions about this generation, the importance of empowerment and self-advocacy, and how technology plays a crucial role in their professional lives. Ang shares her journey and insights on building confidence, leveraging strengths, and the significance of intergenerational collaboration in the workplace. Key Takeaways ⏩Gen Z is entering the workforce with unique challenges and strengths. ⏩Empowerment and self-advocacy are crucial for young professionals. ⏩Misconceptions about Gen Z often stem from their lived experiences. ⏩Intergenerational collaboration can enhance workplace dynamics. ⏩Technology is a significant asset for Gen Z in the workplace. ⏩Self-reflection helps individuals understand their unique value. ⏩Building confidence is essential for career advancement. ⏩Employers recognize the technological fluency of Gen Z. ⏩Staying true to one's values is vital in a professional setting. ⏩Continuous learning is necessary for personal and professional growth. Ang Richard (she/her/hers) is the founder of Professionally Unprofessional, LLC and an Assistant Director of Career Education at Boston University's Center for Career Development. As a Gen Z, first-gen student and professional, Ang is passionate about empowering early career professionals to thrive in the world of work. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice, TEDx Speaker, and workshop & course facilitator, and she strives to foster a sense of belonging wherever she goes. Her work has recently been featured by Booz Allen Hamilton, The Washington Post, uConnect, The Taco Bell Foundation, Bustle Magazine, and LinkedIn News. This fall, Ang will begin her journey as a Higher Education Ph.D. student at Boston College studying early career mobility, sense of belonging on college campuses, and the impact of identity-centered programming on vulnerable student populations. E-Mail: ang@angrichard.com Website: https://www.angrichard.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-richard/ TikTok: @professional_ang This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career. www.minttobcareer.com

In this episode, Brad Minton and Dr. Ciera Graham discuss the challenges faced by young adults entering the job market, particularly those with limited experience. They emphasize the importance of normalizing rejection, building confidence through skills inventories, and recognizing transferable skills from various experiences. Networking is highlighted as a crucial strategy for job seekers, along with tips for crafting effective resumes. Dr. Graham encourages continuous learning and skill diversification as key components for career success. Key takeaways 📈Rejection is a normal part of the job search process. It's important to view rejection as an opportunity for growth. 📈Conduct a skills inventory to identify strengths and areas for improvement. 📈Employers value holistic candidates with diverse experiences. 📈Networking should be seen as a two-way street. Start networking before you need a job. 📈Highlight transferable skills from all experiences, including volunteer work. 📈Sell your potential and ability to learn quickly. 📈Continuous learning and skill diversification are essential for career growth. Guest Info: Dr. Ciera Graham is an experienced career coach with 10 years of experience in the career development space. Her specialty is helping Millennials and Gen Z assess their skills, define their strategy, and engage in storytelling to ultimately secure and succeed in the job of their dreams. As someone who was the first in their family to graduate college, Dr. Graham understands the challenges, fears and anxieties that many new graduates face as they navigate their careers with limited knowledge and experience. She has worked at college career centers in both Washington State and Ohio, helping students create marketable resumes, discover their career aspirations, and build confidence in the interview and job search process. She has been featured on the Career Contessa podcast episode titled “What We Wish We Knew As a New Grad+ How to Job Search as a New Grad” as well as the Find Your Dream Job podcast episode “How to Market Yourself as a New Grad to Employers.” She is also an established freelance writer, writing on issues pertaining to career development, leadership, politics, and social justice. Her writing has been featured in the Seattle Times, Career Contessa, Medium, Best Colleges, Entrepreneur and more. In her free time, she enjoys cooking new recipes, spending time with her spouse, and two dogs, and physical fitness. Website: https://cieragraham.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcieragraham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcgrahamconsulting/

In this episode, Brad Minton and guest Kali Wolken discuss the topic of burnout and how to prevent and address it. They define burnout as a state of exhaustion, cynicism, and feeling inadequate in one's job or life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the physical symptoms of burnout, such as changes in sleep, concentration, and physical health. They provide strategies for addressing burnout, including seeking therapy or support, reducing stress through exercise or art, and creating boundaries and self-care practices. They also discuss the importance of finding work-life harmony and vetting potential employers for a healthy work environment. Key Takeaways -Burnout is a state of exhaustion, cynicism, and feeling inadequate in one's job or life. -Recognize the physical symptoms of burnout, such as changes in sleep, concentration, and physical health. -Seek therapy or support to address burnout. -Reduce stress through exercise or art. -Create boundaries and practice self-care. -Strive for work-life harmony and vet potential employers for a healthy work environment. Guest Info: Kali Wolken Website: https://mycareercoach.online/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lpcareercoach/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpcareercoach/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC. www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, Brad W. Minton interviews Mikhail Filipovitch, the Vice President of Operations at Jobs for Humanity, about inclusive hiring and disability support. Mikhail shares his personal journey and the catalyst that led him to work in the disability rights movement. He discusses the misconceptions that employers have about hiring people with disabilities and emphasizes the importance of building trust and showcasing past success to encourage employers to take a leap of faith. Mikhail also provides advice for young job seekers with disabilities, including the importance of building confidence, seeking internships and volunteer opportunities, and connecting with communities and mentors. In this conversation, Brad and Mikhail discuss the importance of personal branding and showcasing one's authentic impact in the job search. They also highlight the value of being proactive and coming to the table with solutions to potential challenges. Mikhail emphasizes the power of community and the resources available to young job seekers, such as personal contacts, organizations like Jobs for Humanity, and employee resource groups. He also encourages individuals to focus on gaining experience, whether through internships, volunteer work, or self-employment. Mikhail shares success stories of individuals who overcame barriers and found meaningful employment with the support of organizations like Jobs for Humanity. Key Takeaways Building trust and showcasing past success can encourage employers to hire people with disabilities. Young job seekers with disabilities face unique barriers, including a lack of mentors and predecessors. Job Accommodations Network (JAN) is a valuable resource for job seekers with disabilities, providing guidance on disclosure and accommodations. Confidence can be built by seeking internships, volunteering, and connecting with communities and mentors. Being solution-oriented and productivity-focused when discussing accommodations with employers can make the process easier. Personal branding is crucial in the job search, as it allows individuals to communicate their authentic impact and what they bring to the table. Being proactive and coming to the table with solutions to potential challenges is highly appealing to prospective employers. Building a strong community and utilizing available resources, such as personal contacts and organizations like Jobs for Humanity, can greatly benefit young job seekers. Gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or self-employment is essential, especially for individuals with disabilities who may face assumptions about their abilities. Success stories highlight the transformative power of support and advocacy in helping individuals overcome barriers and find meaningful employment. Guest Info: Mikhail Filipovitch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikhailfilipovitch/ Jobs For Humanity: https://www.jobsforhumanity.com/ JAN: https://askjan.org/

In this episode, Brad W. Minton interviews Julia Rogers, an expert in experiential education and founder of En Route Consulting, about the concept of gap years. They discuss what a gap year is and what it isn't, the benefits of taking a gap year, and how it can impact career development. Julia shares her own gap year experiences and success stories of students who have taken gap years. She also provides resources for finding low-cost or no-cost gap year opportunities. Key Takeaways -A gap year is an intentional period of personal growth supported by experiential learning activities. -Gap years can be customized to individual interests, goals, and budgets. -Gap years can provide opportunities for career exploration, skill building, and personal development. -Taking a gap year can increase confidence, develop soft skills, and make individuals more employable. -There are low-cost and no-cost gap year opportunities available, such as AmeriCorps and destination work opportunities. -Gap years can help individuals gain clarity about their career paths and make more intentional choices about their education and future. -Embrace the squiggly line of your career journey and focus on who you want to be rather than knowing exactly what you want to do. Guest Info: Julia Rogers is an internationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, and expert in experiential education with over 15 years of experience as a professional gap year counselor. She is the founder of EnRoute Consulting, a socially responsible enterprise aimed at fueling the gap year movement and cultivating a generation of compassionate, driven, and resourceful global citizens. Julia partners with educators, service-learning organizations, non-profits, government entities and families around the world to develop creative educational pathways that result in young adults being better prepared to succeed in life and work. Julia is a TEDx speaker, a podcast host and President Emeritus of the Gap Year Association, a US-based nonprofit dedicated to the intentional growth of the gap year option through research, standards-setting and advocacy efforts. Website: https://enroutegapyear.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliadrogers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enroutegapyear/