Send us a text Job searching brings a spectrum of emotions from uncertainty and anxiety to excitement, creating a mental and emotional rollercoaster that many struggle to navigate effectively. We explore practical techniques to manage career anxiety while maintaining momentum in your search. • Understanding that career anxiety is normal and acknowledging your feelings as valid • Implementing self-care practices like breathwork, meditation, and physical activity to reset your nervous system •...
Send us a text Want to know the skills that get you hired? The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has identified core competencies that employers across industries are expecting from job seekers. The good news? These competencies can be developed at any career stage through intentional practice. Online courses, mentorship relationships, job shadowing, and cross-training opportunities all provide pathways to strengthen these essential skills. When preparing for interv...
Send us a text The landscape of education and career preparation is changing dramatically, and today's high school students are navigating these shifts with new perspectives on what success looks like. In this eye-opening conversation with high school teacher Nare Movsisyan, we explore the significant movement away from traditional four-year colleges toward trade schools and certification programs as students seek faster routes to meaningful employment. Nare, who brings a decade of experienc...
Send us a text What if the biggest obstacle in your career journey isn't your resume, network, or skillset—but the way you talk to yourself? In this episode, we explore how our internal dialogue shapes our professional possibilities in profound ways. Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's research reveals that people with growth mindsets are three times more likely to excel in achievement tests, and similar patterns emerge in workplace success. We share personal struggles with "deficit mindset"...
Send us a text The modern job search feels increasingly like shouting into a void – applications disappear, algorithms filter resumes before human eyes ever see them, and the infamous "easy apply" buttons tempt us with convenience while sabotaging our chances. If you've found yourself submitting dozens or even hundreds of applications without response, you're not alone, but there's a better way forward. In this episode we take a refreshing dive into what actually works in today's complex job...
Send us a text "What is my purpose?" stands among life's most profound questions, keeping us awake at night searching for clarity. But what if finding your purpose isn't about discovering one perfect answer or having a magical "aha" moment? What if purpose is something we actively build through daily work, meaningful connections, and overcoming challenges? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore purpose as a dynamic, evolving force rather than a static destination. Purpose extends far ...
Send us a text Career success isn't just about who you know, but how real those connections are. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of authentic workplace relationships—the kind built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine curiosity about others. We offer five tips and strategies to help our listeners build authentic relationships to level up their career. Drawing from our own experiences we explore how these meaningful connections differ from traditional networking. R...
Send us a text Feeling stuck in your job search? You're not alone. The employment landscape is shifting dramatically due to policy changes, advancing technology, and evolving workplace models—creating a perfect storm of uncertainty for job seekers everywhere. In this practical episode, we break down how to stay motivated and strategic when the job market feels like it's shrinking. We explore how personal branding becomes your secret weapon during challenging times. Most people significantly ...
Send us a text Confidence in the workplace doesn't just happen—it's built through intentional strategies that anyone can learn. Whether you're starting your first job after graduation or transitioning to a new role after years of experience, that initial uncertainty and imposter syndrome can affect everyone. The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to their ability to showcase their value effectively. Our conversation dives deep into three powerful appr...
Send us a text Join us for an engaging Coffee and Career Hour episode as we chat about career decision-making and the anxiety that comes with. We tackle common misconceptions about entering the workforce and discuss how career transitions can actually be gateways to self-discovery and growth. This episode is all about embracing the fluid nature of career decisions and the excitement that comes with change, even when it seems daunting. Embracing change and uncertainty in your career can be a d...
Send us a text In this episode, we connect with our special guest, Nicole Samani, the founder of Next Step Admissions - an admission counseling service that aims to empower students to achieve their fullest potential in their educational journey. Nicole's journey from indecision at UCLA to founding her own educational counseling firm is nothing short of inspiring. With her strong foundation in counseling and over a decade of experience in higher education, she excels at building relatio...
Send us a text The episode delves into how AI is revolutionizing the job search process and the evolving landscape of career development tools. We discuss the significance of using AI effectively to craft resumes, prepare for interviews, and tailor cover letters without losing personal authenticity. Artificial intelligence is not just an emerging trend—it's a game-changer. Join us as we recount our experiences with AI and how we've evolved in our approach and usage in every day life. We...
Send us a text Discover the secrets to mastering your job search and transforming challenges into stepping stones. We'll share invaluable insights on why securing a new position before leaving your current one is important, especially for fresh graduates entering the workforce. Join us as we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of job hunting, from grappling with self-doubt to navigating rejection, and emphasize the importance of emotional support during these trying times. Tune in for expert ...
Send us a text Discover the secrets to navigating the post-college landscape with insights from Judy Lam, the Career Center Director at Pierce College. With a wealth of experience guiding students from diverse backgrounds, Judy shares indispensable advice on planning for life after graduation. Amidst shifting career expectations, she offers practical strategies to help students build a solid foundation for their future careers, ensuring they are equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead....
Send us a text Picture this: you're sipping on coffee by the fireplace, pondering your next big career move. That's what we’re exploring in this episode—how to carve out time for self-reflection during the busiest season of the year. Tune in as we share creative techniques to have meaningful career conversations with yourself, whether it's through voice memos, vision boards, or just talking to yourself during your daily commute. Discover how these practices can help you assess your career jou...
Send us a text Career conversations with family can bring up many emotions, especially with the upcoming holiday season. Join us as we share personal stories and offer practical strategies to handle these moments with grace and confidence. From using exploratory language like "I'm still exploring" to establishing firm boundaries, we provide insights to help you communicate your career journey effectively, even when faced with uncertainty. Confidence is key when discussing your career develop...
Send us a text Amidst the joyous chaos of the holiday season, we often forget to pause and appreciate the blessings right under our noses. On this episode of Coffee and Career Hour, we reflect on the blessings we have in our careers and what we appreciate most about the work that we do. We discuss the magic of witnessing growth in our clients and the beauty of working in a space where we can continue to explore, learn, and grow. We share personal stories of how childhood experiences shaped ou...
Send us a text Cynthia Kossan is a career consultant and educator with a decade of experience working with early to mid-level professionals through every facet of career development and job search strategy. She is passionate and dedicated to empowering her clients to achieve their career goals and thrive in a competitive job market. As the founder of CK Career Consulting, Cynthia shares her incredible journey from a young career advisor to a thriving entrepreneur balancing work and family. J...
Send us a text Could improving your negotiation skills lead to a significant salary boost? Tune in as we unravel the secrets to negotiating your compensation by highlighting your value proposition. This episode is brimming with strategies designed to empower you in the often nerve-wracking world of salary negotiations. Navigating the labyrinth of salary discussions can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We dissect common fears surrounding negotiation and fortify you with the tools n...
Send us a text Wondering how to confidently navigate salary negotiations without feeling overwhelmed? In this episode of Coffee and Career Hour, we have you covered. Learn the secrets of effective compensation discussions, even when job postings leave you guessing. We share personal stories and expert insights, emphasizing the importance of research and networking to understand industry norms. We also discuss pay transparency laws in states like California and how to empower yourself in salar...