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/