Major Choices

In todays episode, Mallory, Jed, and Treston give an in-depth overview of the resources available on the Career Exploration and Student Employment Center's website. From resumes and cover letters, to career questions geared for specific minority groups, they highlight various aspects that can benefit you today. Additionally, Mallory interviews sophomore Kaden Sheffield, who had hands-on experience designing and updating the website.  Show notes:Resume GuideCover Letter GuideInterview GuideIdentity-Based Employment ResourcesCareer Communities

For today's episode, Mallory, Jed, and Treston celebrate the 50th episode of Major Choices after a spring break hiatus. From faculty started to now being 100% student run, the podcast has seen various forms of growth that have helped students from all of the world! Listen now as we recap some of our best tips, funny stories, and surprise metrics! (Update: as of March 2025, Major Choices have 12,218 downloads since published.)

Mallory, Jed, and Treston meet to discuss the list of competencies created by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which measures the skills that recruiters value as a student transitions into the workforce. Listen for our examples, stories and detailed descriptions so you can master the competencies. Major Choices is joined by special guest Alex King, an IU student who is an expert in NACE competencies and provides insight into their value for employers.  

As the school year rounds up within the next couple of months, the mindset of students is often focused on all that comes with summer – warm weather, back-home friends, seeing your pets, and... jobs. While the time to land the dream-internship is in the past, you can make the most of your time prepare for the summer when your dreams come true. This week, we will talk you through how you can take advantage of your opportunities this summer to make your experiences as meaningful as possible. Plus, Mallory, Jed, and Treston talk about some of their, rather interesting, job experiences and how they turned a bad situation into resume talking points! 

Jed and Mallory welcome a new voice on major choices, Treston, as they discuss how to cope with not meeting the threshold for admission into The Kelley School of Business here at IU Bloomington. This episode breaks down some of the feelings students may be feeling, and help them answer the question of “what do I do now?” Tune in as Jed, Mallory, and Treston help you make the most of the new opportunities available to you. Plus, they welcome Megan Ray, a special guest from Kelley who knows all-too-well how you might be feeling.  

Ever pursued a major or career path that makes people raise their eyebrows? This podcast explores unconventional jobs, offbeat majors, and the people bold enough to follow their passions. From art conservators to theme park designers, we dive into unique stories, bust stereotypes, and uncover how these paths can lead to fulfilling, surprising, and successful careers. Perfect for anyone asking—or answering—“What are you going to do with that?”

Join hosts Mallory, Lina, and Jed as they dive into the murky world of fraudulent job offers, phantom employers, and shady recruitment practices. This episode breaks down red flags you should watch for and offers expert advice on staying safe in today's job market. From too-good-to-be-true offers to recruitment schemes and fake remote gigs, Mallory, Lina, and Jed shed light on the dark side of job hunting. Whether you're a new grad or a seasoned professional, tune in to stay one step ahead of the scams and land the real opportunities you deserve. 

In this episode of Major Choices, Lina, Jed, and Mallory discuss how first-year college students can gain valuable experience by getting involved on campus. They offer tips on balancing academics with extracurriculars, finding the right activities, and building a network that aligns with career goals. This episode is a must-listen for new students eager to make the most of college opportunities! 

In this episode of Major Choices, we dive into the four pillars of career satisfaction—values, interests, personality, and skills. Discover how understanding what matters most to you, what excites you, how you naturally think and behave, and where your strengths lie can guide you toward a fulfilling career. Whether you're just starting out or considering a change, we'll share practical tips to align these elements with your career search, so you can make confident, informed choices for your future. 

In this episode of Major Choices, we discuss one of the biggest dilemmas many face: choosing between a stable career and one driven by passion. Is it possible to have both? We'll break down the pros and cons of each path, share tips on how to find a balance between financial security and personal fulfillment, and explore strategies for integrating your passions into a stable career. In the second half of the podcast, Mallory interviews Pat Donahue, Executive Director of Career Exploration & Student Employment, about his own journey of navigating his passion of the entertainment business and advice on figuring a new direction. Whether you're at a crossroads or simply rethinking your journey, this episode will help you make informed decisions for your future. 

Welcome to a new season of the Major Choices where Jed, Lina & Mallory take the over the mic and production of podcast! In this first episode back, we dive into essential strategies for a successful college experience such as  discussing effective study techniques to help you master your coursework and retain information and how to keep an impressive resume updated, showcasing your skills and experiences as you progress through your studies. We also explore the importance of building a professional network that can open doors for internships/job opportunities, and emphasize the significance of self-care, ensuring you maintain a healthy balance as you navigate the challenges of college life. This episode wraps up with a Student on the Street segment where new IU students share their goals for the year and hopes to start the year off strong!  

Discover the future of work with Lina and Jed in the latest Minor Choices podcast! Dive into trends, challenges, and opportunities as we navigate the evolving landscape, offering insight to empower listeners for success in this rapidly changing workplace. 

In this episode of Minor Choices, Jed & Lina explore the essential balance between hard and soft skills in career advancement. We delve into the significance of hard skills, such as technical proficiencies and specialized knowledge, and the nuanced importance of soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Join us as we uncover how this combination of abilities contributes to professional success and growth! 

In this week's episode, Rachel and Shawn dive into the challenge of limited work experience in conversation with Rebekah Stergar, Sr. Assistant Director of Student Employment. Rebekah shares invaluable tips on how to transform limited experience into a powerful asset. Through the magic of reflection, she'll guide you in leveraging your skills toward a more aligned career goal.  Mallory Rodruck takes the question of building experience to the streets in the Student on the Street segment! Show Notes:Ready to learn more?  Take a deep dive and listen to related content on Major Choices:Networking Tips:  Episode 35Finding Part-Time Work:  Episode 21

In this episode of Minor Choices, Lina and Jed discuss the exciting journey of bridging the divide between your college education and the career of your dreams. Whether you're a recent graduate navigating entry-level positions or a seasoned professional transitioning into your desired field, join us as we uncover strategies and stories to navigate this pivotal phase with confidence. 

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) can help you achieve your goals? Do you want to learn more about the benefits and challenges of AI in today's world? Rachel and Caitlyn explore the fascinating topic of AI and how it can impact your career and education. They will also discuss the ethical and social implications of AI and how to use it responsibly and wisely. In the second half of the podcast, Mallory, the newest host of Student on the Street, shares about how she leverages AI to work smarter. Whether you are an AI enthusiast, a beginner, or somewhere in between, this episode will give you valuable insights and tips on how to make the most of AI in your personal and professional life. Notes-- AI at IU:  https://uits.iu.edu/ai/index.html

In this episode of minor choices, Lina and Jed discuss the core competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), helping you unlock the skills essential for success in today's dynamic and ever-evolving workplace.  

It's no secret that IU has some very competitive majors and schools.  What happens when you had your heart set in one direction, but didn't end up gaining admission into a particular program?  This episode offers you some ideas to consider when life redirects you in a new direction, as well as offers a few hopeful tips to keep you pointed towards your end career goal of working in the field of business. In the second half of the podcast, we have the Inside Scoop--where Rachel interviews Jacob Holbrook, Sr. Consultant-Healthcare IT Risk for Kodiak (formerly Crowe Healthcare Risk Consulting) and 2020 IU grad, who pulls back the curtain to share his wisdom about what employers desire and how to stand out in the crowd. Show Notes: Career Development Center "Business Options" online resource

In this episode of Major Choices,  Career Development Center career coaches, Caitlyn & Nikki, explore the topic of building community through networking. They share  tips on how to network effectively, how to build trust and rapport with people, and how to leverage your network to create opportunities.In the second half of the podcast we are bringing back the Inside Scoop, a segment where career coach, Rachel, interviews a professional to learn about the world of work. In this episode Rachel talks with Katherine Boeck, a medical social worker from IU Health.

Do you have a fear of completing college, starting your professional job, and hating it? In this episode of minor choices, Lina and Jed navigate all the ways you can explore if a job is right for you!

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of college life? Do you struggle to balance your academic, personal, and professional goals? If so, you are not alone. Many college students face the challenge of finding time management and achieving harmony in their lives. In this episode, Nikki Davenport, a career coach gets to the heart of the matter offering tips and insights on how to manage your time effectively, prioritize your tasks, set realistic expectations, and cope with stress. And Alex King interviews MJ, getting a student's perspective on making it all work.

 Almost everybody has a job that they hated, but how many people turn that unfortunate experience into a lesson for the future? In today's Minor Choices episode, Lina and Jed talk about their jobs of the past and why they are thankful for their not so great experiences.

Welcome to Season 5!  As we kick off the new school year, the podcast team has expanded to include new co-hosts, IU career coaches—Shawn, Nikki, and Caitlyn. Together they tackle the question about navigating the college transition with some best practices to get started off on the right foot.  Career peer host, Alex King, shares some bucket list items perfect for a first-year student in the Student on the Street segment.  

In todays episode, Alex and Rachel share 6 tips to focus on for doing your absolute best in an interview. Going from how to dress to what to say when employers ask, “Do you have any questions for us?” this episode is here to prepare you for your shot at the job!  Also, we are unrolling a new segment called the Inside Scoop where Rachel interviews a local professional to get the insider information about a career. Today Rachel talks with Sean Chambers a biomedical engineer from Cook Medical who shares about his unexpected journey into this field.

Worried about that twitter post from 6 years ago? Well, you probably should be. In the age of social media, everything you put out into the world can follow you around, even if deleting it made you feel better. In this episode, Lina and Jed discuss the importance of your digital footprint. 

Good things happen outside of your comfort zone!  In this episode, Rachel is joined by Lisa Hamilton, Myc Wiatrowski, and Niki Blackwell to talk about cultivating cultural curiosity!  How can we cultivate cultural curiosity respectfully, humbly, and intentionally, both now and in future careers? The group will discuss different ways to foster this curiosity, as well as give practical applications of how to step out of your comfort zone!

Have you applied for jobs or summer internships and nothing seems to pan out? Don't lose hope because this episode offers 8 tangible takeaways that you can still do to build experience, even if that coveted internship fell through. 

Need a letter of recommendation but don't know where to start? In this episode of Minor Choices, Lina and Jed discuss the top things to consider when asking around for the letter that's all about you! 

What do you do when things still don't seem clear? In this episode, Rachel & Alex walk listeners through a 'wandering' or 'career' mapping exercise which can help students see connections between one's values, interests, skillsets, and experiences that can often illuminate a path forward.  In the student on the street segment, peer coach Laria Miller, does this in real time with a current IU student!

In this episode of Minor Choices--a 100% student written & produced podcast of Major Choices--career peers Lina and Jed talk all about connection, touching on why getting to know professors and other individuals during your college journey is important for your long-term career success. 

Rachel and new co-host Alex discuss 5 tips and one trick for starting the semester off in the best way possible. From study habits to finding “balance” in all aspects of yourself, this episode will give you advice to take you further and make the new  beginning of the semester much smoother! 

The college experience in addition to choosing a major and preparing for the future–can often  feel like a stressful process.  In today's episode we're going to talk about ways to consider your health and wellness as you make these decisions and care for yourself along the way. 

Does the idea of networking and talking with professional have you in a sweat?  This episode breaks down how to manage nerves when talking with a new network and outlines what's often known as ‘the elevator pitch' so you can make not only a positive but a lasting first impression!  

In this episode Rachel interviews CJ Brooks, Associate Director for Student Employment at the Career Development Center to give you the skinny on why considering part-time work might just be one of the smartest things to consider as you go to college.  In the second half of the podcast we are launching a new segment with called “Students on the Street!” where our career peers, Lina & Laria, hit the pavement and ask students about their own working experience.

In today's episode we're going to explore everything you ever wanted to know about a career or job fair–what to do, what to say, how to follow up, and why you should go–even if you are a first year student or not quite ready to start looking for full time work!

Is finding an internship the only way to learn about an industry? In this episode, Rachel offers a quick solution to maximize your career planning when time is at a premium.  Learn how to conduct an informational interview like a pro and get the sneak peek into any career field. In the “Inside Scoop” segment, Rachel talks with Justin Kokoskie, Associate Director of Medicine at the University of Arizona about the world of athletic training. 

When it comes to our work--can we have both money & meaning?  In today's episode Rachel digs in about finding your preferred life mix. In the “The Inside Scoop” segment, Rachel talks with Leah Bunger, a mental health therapist, about all the things you might not have thought of when owning your own practice.   

In today's episode we're going to talk about changing directions--and four important questions to consider when discerning if our particular path needs course correction. In the second half of our program we are kicking off with a new segment called, “The Inside Scoop,” which pulls back the curtain into the world of work. We get a real look into their world of work--the best parts, the worst parts, and the unexpected parts.  Today,   I'll be talking with Rafael Barahona, a visual designer and co-founder of the Light Box, a design firm in Goshen, IN which works primarily with nonprofits for their marketing, branding, and advertising needs.

Do you ever feel like everyone else seems to have things figured all out and you well...don't?!  In this episode Rachel talks about imposter syndrome and offers four tips to keep it in check. Major Myc  explores a major that combines the best of a business and a liberal arts degree all rolled into one.

In this episode, Rachel offers sage advice about maximizing your college experience at the start of the year, and Major Myc shares a major that prepares students for a lucrative career.

In this season trailer, Rachel outlines what to expect in this next in the Major Choices Podcast, including unveiling a few new segments giving you an insiders look into the world of work and choosing a major!

Rachel and Nathan talk about unique things on their resumes that have helped them in their career journeys.

In this episode, Rachel and Nathan discuss the importance of networking and how to start a process that can sometimes seem awkward or mysterious! Later in the episode, Rachel chats with Jeremy Gray about career pathways in sports media and marketing.

In this episode, Rachel and Nathan talk about how to ask for a reference that will help you to pursue internships, opportunities, and jobs.

There is nothing worse than feeling stuck career wise. What should you pursue? Is it worth it? Is it reasonable? Is it even a good idea? In this episode, Nathan and Rachel teach a particular technique that can help bring clarity to even the stickiest places by implementing the SWOT. In addition, we welcome special guest, Amy Maidi, Sr. Academic Advisor and Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program Coordinator at IUPUI who gives an insider look into what it really takes to make it in this field.

In this Minor Choices, Rachel and Nathan share a favorite piece of advice they were given when they were in college.

We have all heard the common career adage, “Do what you love and never work a day in your life!” In this episode Nathan and Rachel debunk this advice and suggest a better way towards success--identifying your strengths as the true pathway towards career happiness. In addition, we welcome special guest, Dr. Landon Yoder who gives an inside look into best majors for students considering a career in sustainability and the environment.

In this Minor Choices, Rachel and Nathan share a quick story about part-time jobs they have held.

In this episode Rachel and Nathan talk all about working with a career coach, and how it can benefit you! C.J. Brooks from the IU Career Development Center also joins to share his perspective on how he works with students. Later in the episode, Nathan talks with Dr. Jesse Steinfeldt from the IU School of Education about the new bachelor's degree in counseling and student services.

Nathan and Rachel swap two networking stories from their own career pathways.

What does choosing your major, a global pandemic, and transitioning to college have in common? Resiliency. In this episode Nathan and Rachel explore what it takes to navigate through these major events of life, coming out stronger than before. Special guest Dana Olsen gives an inside look into Apparel Merchandising, a major that blends creativity with business, preparing students to hit the ground running, and how networking is queen when it comes to landing that first job.