S5 Ep10: Do Employers Care About My Part-Time Job?
Your part-time job is valuable! In this episode, hosts Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin will teach you how to tailor your experience to get you one step closer to a full-time job. Career Center Graduate Student, Katie Cwiakala joins to play the informational game, “Transfer That Skill!” Additional Resources: NACE Study  (https://www.naceweb.org/job-market/trends-and-predictions/percentage-of-emp...
20m Jan 24, 2023
20m
S5 Ep9: Not-so-Secret Career Advice from a Former Secret Service Agent
Is the Secret Service portrayed accurately in Hollywood? In this WLAL episode, Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin interview GVSU Alum Ben Witt, a former Secret Service Agent. You'll also learn how to alter your resume and apply for government jobs. Resources: Federal Resume Sample (https://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/A5A7D4FD-936E-4562-8EC79EFCECAC7F3B/federal_resume_sample.pdf) Human & Public Servic...
20m Jan 10, 2023
20m
S5 Ep8: How and Why To Do an Informational Interview
Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick are joined by former GVSU Career Connector, MacKenzie Payton to discuss the importance of informational interviewing. An informational interview is a conversation with an industry professional to learn about their career experience to further your own career exploration. Mackenzie shares insight on how to initiate conversations with professionals and remain connec...
15m Dec 06, 2022
15m
S5 Ep7: How to Find Out If a Company's Culture Is Right for You
Join Megan Riksen & Grace Joaquin as they discuss how to gather information about a workplace culture before stepping foot into the organization. In this episode, you will hear from Auto-Owners Insurance and Fifth Wheel Freight (FWF) to get to know how they define workplace culture. Learn interview questions to ask employers in order to gain a better understanding of their environment. Notes: ...
21m Nov 15, 2022
21m
S5 Ep6: Don't Be Caught Off Guard By Your Interview
In this episode, hosts Megan Riksen & Grace Joaquin cover different interview formats including phone, traditional one-on-ones, second round, virtual, panel or team, group, off-site, multiple mini (MMI), and career fair. To guide you through these interviews, they also discuss types of questions that you could be asked. Stay tuned to the end for a fun surprise! Indeed’s article, “20 Common Int...
32m Nov 01, 2022
32m
S5 Ep5: Careers in Healthcare: Clinical vs. Nonclinical
Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick discuss the two main healthcare pathways: clinical and nonclinical. They interview GVSU alumnus, Rob Ayotte, who shares his experience at Spectrum Health (now Corewell Health) and how he navigated the nonclinical field. From this episode, you can find out if a clinical or nonclinical pathway is a good fit for you! Resources: ExploreHealthCareers.org (https://exp...
23m Oct 18, 2022
23m
S5 Ep4: Career Fair Etiquette
Conquer your Career Fair nerves with Megan Riksen, Grace Joaquin, and Cindy Brown as they cover tips on starting conversations with employers. Learn more about ways you can stand out to an employer and show off your skills. #careerfair #professionaletiquette #whattowear #followup #interviewing #career #worklikealaker #gvcareers Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podc...
20m Oct 04, 2022
20m
S5 Ep3: What to Wear to Work
Wondering what to wear to work? Megan Riksen and Grace Pushman cover the Do’s and Don’ts of workplace dress. In this episode, you’ll learn how you can represent yourself and your employer in both a comfortable and work appropriate manner. #businesscasual #whattowear #professional #dresscode #career #worklikealaker #gvcareers #gvsu Read the transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podcas...
16m Sep 20, 2022
16m
S5 Ep2: Career Communities: What They Are and Why You Should Join
In this BONUS episode of the podcast, Megan Riksen and Grace Pushman give an introduction to career communities at GVSU.  They cover what career communities are, how to get involved, and why they are beneficial to all students at GVSU. Career Community Homepage (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/career-communities-308.htm) Sign up for a Career Community (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/cms-form-edit.h...
13m Sep 09, 2022
13m
S5 Ep1: Internships: The Basics
Join Megan Riksen and Grace Pushman as they discuss how to land an internship and how internships are beneficial to navigating career planning. They interview GVSU alumna, Caylie Peet, who shares her experience completing seven internships and gives students advice on what to take away from these opportunities. Tune in for some trivia and learn how valuable internships can be. #gvcareers #work...
39m Sep 06, 2022
39m
S4 Ep14: First Job, Not Dream Job
Special guest Nick Claus joins Megan Riksen and Grace Pushman as they discuss what to expect and what to learn from your first post-graduate job. They each will cover their post-graduate career journeys and what valuable skills they learned at some of their not-so-perfect jobs. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podcast-transcription-work-like-a-laker-season-4-383.ht...
22m Apr 19, 2022
22m
S4 Ep13: Well That Didn’t Go as Planned
Join Brian Bossick and Megan Riksen as they discuss how failure can be turned into learning and career opportunities. Plus, listen to special guest and Career Center Director Troy Farley share a few stories about his own professional failures and how he bounced back from them. Read the transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/work-like-a-laker-podcast-transcript-season-4-382.htm) #failu...
22m Apr 05, 2022
22m
S4 Ep12: How to be an Ally in the Workplace
Brian Bossick and Megan Riksen discuss how to intervene in situations involving microaggressions or other harmful workplace behaviors. Learn about “The Five D’s” and how to Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, and be Direct in difficult situations. Resources: I Holla Back (now named Right to Be) Bystander Training (https://righttobe.org/our-training/) #microaggressions #intervention #workplac...
18m Mar 15, 2022
18m
S4 Ep11: Career Path: I Just Want to Help People
Are you unsure of what degree path you want to take, but know you just want to help people no matter what? Join Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick as they discuss the myriad ways you can help people in education, healthcare, business, and more. Resources: Pathway U (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/pathwayu-70.htm) Career Communities (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/career-communities-308.htm) Read the ...
21m Mar 01, 2022
21m
S4 Ep10: How to Ace a Behavioral-Based Interview
Join Megan Riksen and Grace Pushman as they cover behavioral-based interviewing and the STARR Method of answering this style of interview question. From this episode, you’ll learn how to confidently and thoroughly answer interview questions and impress employers. Resources: Big Interview (https://gvsu.biginterview.com/) GVSU Career Center Interviewing Website (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/in...
21m Feb 15, 2022
21m
S4 Ep9: How to Know if Your Workplace is Toxic
Join Megan Riksen, Brian Bossick, and Grace Pushman as they discuss toxic workplaces. Topics include some of the hosts’ personal experiences, the signs of a toxic workplace, and what to do if you find yourself working in one. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podcast-transcription-work-like-a-laker-season-4-369.htm) #toxicworkplace #burnout #sundayscaries #handshake...
20m Feb 01, 2022
20m
S4 Ep8: The Truth About Office Jobs
Join Megan Riksen and Grace Pushman as they debunk some of the most common student myths about working in office jobs. Topics include being stuck in cubicles, what defines hands-on work, and the dreaded “business professional” dress code. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podcast-transcription-work-like-a-laker-season-4-368.htm) #mythbusting #officejobs #handshake #...
15m Jan 18, 2022
15m
S4 Ep7: Stuck in a Rut? Tips on How to Get Motivated!
Do you ever feel like you’re going through the same established, boring routine every day? You might be stuck in a rut! Join Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick as they discuss how to break out of the funk and get motivated to try something new! Resources: GVSU Counseling Center's Self-Help Directory (https://www.gvsu.edu/counsel/self-help-directory-154.htm) Read the full transcript here. (https:...
18m Dec 07, 2021
18m
S4 Ep6: What Really Happens After I Submit My Resume Online?
Megan and Grace discuss tips for helping your resume make it past the applicant tracking system, commonly called ATS, when applying for positions online. This episode covers how to spot if a company is using an ATS, how to utilize keywords from job descriptions, and how to format your resume to make sure it passes an ATS scan. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podca...
22m Nov 16, 2021
22m
S4 Ep5: Careers in Business
In this episode, Megan and Grace discuss the huge variety of career paths within business. They are joined by Lori Staggs, Associate Director in the Career Center, and career advisor for the Seidman College of Business. Lance and Rayanne Beaudry from Avalanche Creative share their experience as entrepreneurs. The functional areas of accounting, human resources, entrepreneurship, marketing, fina...
33m Nov 02, 2021
33m
S4 Ep4: Study Abroad and Career
In this episode, Megan and Grace cover how study abroad experiences can enhance your resume, and how they can be mentioned in interviews to set yourself apart from other candidates. Topics include how to reference study abroad experiences in answers to common interview questions, the STARR method, how to use study abroad to prepare for interviews, and why you should show excitement when discuss...
16m Oct 19, 2021
16m
S4 Ep3: Avoid the Awkward - How to Introduce Yourself
In this episode, Megan and Grace discuss introductions and how to make a great first impression with potential employers. Topics include how to research potential employers, how to practice your introduction, how to perfect a handshake, and what you should do after introducing yourself. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podcast-transcription-work-like-a-laker-season...
17m Oct 05, 2021
17m
S4 Ep2: Personal Statements: How to Pop Off the Paper
In this episode, Brian and Megan cover tips and tricks for creating a well-crafted personal statement! Learn about the two types of personal statements, what you should include/avoid in your own personal statement, and how a personal statement can set you apart from the competition. Resources: Writing Personal Statements (https://www.gvsu.edu/fellowships/application-help-writing-personal-stat...
19m Sep 21, 2021
19m
S4 Ep1: Do's and Don'ts When Starting a Job
Welcome to Season 4 of the Work Like a Laker podcast! Did you know that 91% of employees would consider quitting a job within the first month? On today's episode Brian, Grace, and Megan cover the "do's" and "don'ts" when starting any job to help you navigate being a new employee. #gvcareers #worklikealaker #newjob Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/work-like-a-laker...
27m Sep 07, 2021
27m
S3 Ep14: Finish Strong, Start Stronger: Tips for Life After Graduation
In this episode, Brian and Megan cover topics related to preparing for life after college. Topics include: avoiding comparisons, building healthy habits, evaluating information, learning for a lifetime, and considering long-term goals. Additional Resources: GVSU Career Center (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/) Money Smart Lakers (https://www.gvsu.edu/moneysmart/) 5 Ways to Improve Your Social Me...
21m Apr 20, 2021
21m
S3 Ep13: 5 Tips to Boost Your Job Search
Grace and Megan cover the top 5 tips to help you boost your job search in 2021. All of these tips can be tackled virtually! Additional Resources: GVSU Career Center career guides (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/career-guides-by-major-165.htm) How to Network When You Have No Network Episode (https://audioboom.com/posts/7770122-how-to-network-when-you-have-no-network) Handshake (https://gvsu.joi...
19m Apr 06, 2021
19m
S3 Ep12: What Your Generation Says About You and Career
In this episode, Brian (Gen X) and Megan (Millennial) discuss the five generations that can be found in today's workplace.    A representative from each of the five generations was interviewed for this episode and the hosts go through their responses, and then use them to spot the differences but also the commonalities among them. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/p...
22m Mar 22, 2021
22m
S3 Ep11: The Top Mistakes You're Making When Writing Emails
In this episode, Megan and Grace cover the top mistakes that students and alumni make when writing emails to employers.  From the employer perspective, Katie Deisler (Gartner) and Wendy Brummel (Meijer) share tips, advice, and examples of emails they receive when working with college students. Additional Resources: How to Write Emails that Get a Response (https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to...
16m Mar 02, 2021
16m
S3 Ep10: From Tech Skills to TikTok Trends
Grace, Brian, and Megan join forces for this episode on skills. They seek to inspire listeners to master a career-related skill during the winter months, and they throw in a few "quarantine skills" they learned along the way. Resources: Duolingo (https://www.duolingo.com/ ) HelloTalk (https://www.hellotalk.com/?lang=en) Free and Virtual Ways to Enhance Skills (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/f...
21m Feb 16, 2021
21m
S3 Ep9: LGBTQIA+ and Career
In this episode, Megan and Brian interview Mark Saint-Amour from the GVSU Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center.  They address some of the questions and concerns that might be specific to students who identify as LGBTQIA+, as it relates to career. Resources: McKinsey Report (https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/organization/our-insights/lgbtq-plus-voices-learning-from-lived-experiences) ...
24m Feb 02, 2021
24m
S3 Ep8: How to Network When You Have No Network
Grace and Megan cover a question that you may have asked yourself, "How do I network when I have no network?".  Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially when you are just starting.   In this episode, Grace and Megan share strategies for developing a network from scratch. Resources: LinkedIn Alumni Tool (https://www.linkedin.com/school/grand-valley-state-university/people/) Hands...
18m Jan 19, 2021
18m
S3 Ep7: How to Be Money Smart
Grace and Megan discuss the best practices for and importance of getting your personal finances in order, as a college student and beyond. They go through the top tips shared by Ben Rhodes, Assistant Director of Financial Aid in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at GVSU. Resources: Money Smart Laker program (https://www.gvsu.edu/moneysmart/) Government Student Loan Database - stud...
11m Dec 08, 2020
11m
S3 Ep6: Using Personality Tests to Move Forward in Career Planning
Brian and Megan discuss how personality assessments can be used in your career exploration and planning. Resources: Truity.com (https://www.truity.com/) Pathway U (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/pathwayu-70.htm) Career Center counselor appointment for personality testing: schedule in Handshake (https://gvsu.joinhandshake.com/) Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/pod...
21m Nov 17, 2020
21m
S3 Ep5: Parallel Planning: Why You Should be Doing It
In this episode, Brian and Megan, joined by their guest Meghan Veltri, answer the 4 biggest questions around parallel planning. 1. What is parallel planning? 2. Who should have a parallel plan? 3. Why would you need a parallel plan? 4. How do you parallel plan? Resources mentioned during the episode: Career Guides by Major (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/career-guides-by-major-165.htm) Pathway...
17m Nov 03, 2020
17m
S3 Ep4: How to Follow-Up After Career Fair
Grace and Megan discuss the best practices for following up with employers after a career fair. They go through the top 4 tips as shared by GVSU Career Center employer partners: Rachel Van Den Broek (Recruiter, Graduate Programs at GVSU) Jamie Kleinheksel (University Recruiting Manager at Gentex) Liana Periard (Organizational Development Consultant, Emergent Holdings)  Read the full transcr...
11m Oct 16, 2020
11m
S3 Ep3: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Your Virtual Interview
Virtual interviews are the norm these days. Grace and Megan will share 5 things you need to know to be ready for your next virtual interview.  For more tips on navigating the virtual world of work, check out our website (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/navigating-the-virtual-world-of-work-287.htm) . For additional help with interviewing, GVSU students and alumni can make an appointment with thei...
15m Oct 06, 2020
15m
S3 Ep2: How to Avoid Job Scams
Nobody wants to be scammed. In this episode, Grace and Megan will take you through 6 red flags to look for that will help you spot a job scam. https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/how-to-recognize-and-avoid-job-scams-246.htm Questioning if a job is a scam? Email the Career Center to ask: careers@gvsu.edu. Read the full transcript here. (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/podcast-transcription-work-like-a...
17m Sep 15, 2020
17m
S3 Ep1: Navigating College and Career During COVID
In this episode, Brian and Megan will share some tips for navigating the start to this very not normal academic year. Brian will focus on tips to help students emotionally manage all that comes with attending college during a global pandemic. Megan will cover the many ways students and alumni can connect with the Career Center and navigate their career journeys this year. Career Center: https...
20m Sep 01, 2020
20m
S2 Ep9: Job Offers - Nick Weatherholt
Nick Weatherholt is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Gordon Food Service. Today we chat about different aspects of a Job Offer and how to prepare for one. Topics Include: Different ways a candidate will hear back from a company Questions to ask before accepting an offer Salary negotiation Important steps after accepting a job offer Links:  https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/ (https://www.gvs...
38m Mar 30, 2020
38m
S2 Ep8: Professionalism - Michael Wallace & Hannah Staal
Today's episode is all about Professionalism. We welcome Michael Wallace, who is the Senior District Business Director at Pfizer, Inc. and Hannah Staal who serves as a Talent Acquisition Partner at Open Systems Technology. Topics Include: Exploring the meaning of professionalism Ways to become more professional as a student Generational differences when approaching professionalism Workplace b...
37m Mar 02, 2020
37m
S2 Ep7: Resumes - Advisor Chat
Today's episode is all about resumes. A group of GVSU Career Center advisors get together to talk about the different aspects of a resume and things to consider when crafting your own. Topics Include: Purpose of a resume. Things to include in a resume. Formatting your resume Difference between a resume and a CV (Curriculum Vitae) Links:  https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/ (https://www.gvsu.ed...
47m Feb 03, 2020
47m
S2 Ep6: Military-Connected Students at GVSU - Steven Lipnicki & Cameron Zbikowski
Military-connected students face unique experiences and challenges in universities. Today's episode is about shedding some light on them and resources that can help them navigate the career process. We are joined by Dean of Students Steven Lipnicki and Cameron Zbikowski who is the president of the Student Veterans of America at GVSU. Topics Include: Landscape for veterans at GVSU Resources a...
44m Jan 06, 2020
44m
S2 Ep5: Designing Your Life - Advisor Chat
Today's episode is all about applying some tools of Design Thinking to career and life planning. We base much of the conversation on ideas from the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Topics Include: What is Design Thinking? Mind Mapping Odyssey Planning Activity Testing Your Ideas Links:  https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/ (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/) http://designin...
32m Dec 02, 2019
32m
S2 Ep4: Graduate School - Alexis Schewe & Mary Bower Russa
Today's episode is all about Graduate School. We welcome Mary Bower Russa who is a GVSU Professor of Psychology and Alexis Schewe who serves as a Senior Academic Advisor. Topics Include: Why go to graduate school Exploring different programs Reasons to avoid graduate school Funding Links:  https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/ (https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/) https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/graduat...
42m Nov 04, 2019
42m
S2 Ep3: Student Entrepreneurship - Matt Gira
Today's episode is a short bonus with Matt Gira. He is the new Entrepreneur in Residence at GVSU and we chat a bit about entrepreneurship and some of his past projects. We also talk about a new accelerator program he is launching to support students interested in starting a business. Topics Include: Becoming a student entrepreneur Choosing the right idea Finding a support system 77 Idea Lab Ent...
15m Oct 14, 2019
15m
S2 Ep2: Personal Branding - Dr. Adrienne Wallace
Dr. Adrienne Wallace is an Assistant Professor at GVSU in Advertising and Public Relations. She is also a Digital Strategist and Project Manager at BlackTruck Media and Marketing. We sit down and discuss different aspects of personal branding as you navigate your career. Topics Include: What is a personal brand? Building a personal brand Communicating your brand Stories about good and bad ...
36m Sep 30, 2019
36m
S2 Ep1: No Risk, No Reward - Ryan Hornack
Ryan Hornack is the Senior Marketing Coordinator at Fifth Wheel Freight. Today we chat about the role of taking risks as we navigate career choices! Topics Include:  Benefits of risk taking Being smart about risk taking Finding support as we take risks Getting around the fear of failure Links:  https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/ ( https://www.gvsu.edu/careers/)  https://www.fifthwheelfreight...
39m Sep 02, 2019
39m
S1 Ep7: How To Make Summer Count - Nikki Ramirez
Niki Ramirez is the University Relations Manager at The Kellogg Company. She joins us to talk about the many ways you can use your summer to move toward your career goals. Topics Include:  Preparing ahead of time  Internships and dealing with potential challenges  Study abroad  Informational interviews  Volunteering  Finding and building a relationship with a mentor Links:  https://www...
37m Apr 01, 2019
37m
S1 Ep6: Graduation Anxiety - Brian Bossick
Brian Bossick is a Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Director of Career Development Services at Grand Valley State University. Today's conversation is about the different feelings and challenges that students face when graduation is approaching.  Topics Include: Common emotions people face whether they have a clear next step or not Balancing student responsibilities with a job or graduate ...
33m Mar 04, 2019
33m
S1 Ep5: Exploring Career Options - Amy Pierce-Danders
Amy Pierce-Danders is the Director of Workforce Development for Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. - West Michigan Chapter. She joins us to discuss different strategies to explore career options when you can't make up your mind or are looking for a change. Topics Include: When to start exploring options The importance of exploring beyond the internet Good questions to ask when attend...
31m Feb 04, 2019
31m