The NoDegree Podcast – No Degree Success Stories for Job Searching, Careers, and Entrepreneurship

Johnny Page shares his journey from working as a straight-commission sales rep to becoming the CEO of SaaS Academy. He talks about the importance of taking risks and learning transferable skills, as well as the mindset of treating the company as one's own. He emphasizes the importance of taking initiative, building trust, and exhibiting leadership before earning a title. He also discusses the value of working with people and organizations that align with your values and goals. He outlines his transition from sales to leadership roles and the responsibilities that come with it.Key Points DiscussedTaking risks and learning transferable skills can lead to opportunities for growth and advancement in a company.Treating the company as your own and going above and beyond your role can build trust and open doors for leadership positions.Solving problems and finding ways to eliminate waste in your role can demonstrate your value and contribute to the success of the company.Building strong relationships with founders and key stakeholders can create opportunities for growth and influence in the company.Transitioning from sales to leadership roles requires delegating responsibilities, managing through data, and focusing on achieving outcomes through other people.Promotions and titles may not always be formal, but the responsibilities and influence of a leadership role can be earned through consistent performance and contribution.Positioning a company for sale involves strategic decision-making and aligning the team to maximize value and attract potential buyers. Take initiative and show leadership before earning a title.Build trust and work with people and organizations that align with your values and goals.Don't be afraid to ask for what you want and negotiate for equity or other opportunities.Believe in your value and the impact you can make in an organization.Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Becoming an Entrepreneur Without the Traditional Risk03:20 The Value of Commission-Only Jobs in Building Entrepreneurial Skills08:01 Transitioning from Sales to Leadership: Delegation and Data Management16:44 Building Trust and Relationships for Career Advancement19:09 Transitioning to CEO: Shifting into Team Building Mode23:16 The Natural Progression to CEO: Leading and Making Decisions23:38 Taking on More Responsibility at Silver Track26:02 Transitioning to a New Role After the Company Sale27:22 Becoming the CEO of SaaS Academy31:05 Transitioning to a Leadership Role at SaaS Academy36:47 Becoming the CEO of SaaS Academy42:02 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Taking InitiativeSupport/Contact Johnny:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnypage/Website: https://www.thejohnnypage.com/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Jonaed interviews Khalilah KO Olokunola, a senior advisor for TalentNova and founder of Reengineering HR, about skills-first hiring and navigating the workforce for justice-impacted individuals. They discuss the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals in finding employment, the importance of community support, the impact of Ban-the-Box policies, and the skills and certifications that justice-impacted individuals possess. They also explore the process of building confidence, the rights of justice-impacted individuals in the hiring process, and the future of fair-chance hiring. Khalilah shares insights into TalentNova, a platform that provides career tools and resources for justice-impacted individuals.Key Points DiscussedJustice-impacted individuals face unique challenges in finding employment, and community support is crucial in navigating the workforce.Ban-the-Box policies have been instrumental in giving justice-impacted individuals a fair chance at employment by removing questions about criminal records from job applications.Justice-impacted individuals possess valuable skills such as resilience, loyalty, teamwork, and leadership, which can be translated into the workplace.Listing jobs and certifications obtained while serving time can help fill employment gaps and showcase relevant experience and skills.Building confidence during the job search process is essential, and it can be achieved through community support, self-reflection, and positive language.Seeking out community-based organizations that provide resume assistance, interview coaching, and other resources can greatly benefit justice-impacted individuals.Knowing and exercising one's rights in the hiring process, such as when to disclose criminal history, can help level the playing field for justice-impacted individuals.The future of fair-chance hiring involves collaboration between employers, community organizations, and technology platforms to create opportunities and remove barriers for justice-impacted individuals.TalentNova is a platform that offers career tools, including resume and cover letter builders, interview courses, and coaching, to support justice-impacted individuals in their job search and career advancement.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Fair Chance Employment 03:03 Understanding Justice Impacted Individuals 08:40 The Impact of Ban the Box Policies 10:20 Uncovering the Hidden Skills of Justice Impacted Individuals 19:10 Building a Supportive Community for Successful Reentry 26:50 Career Growth Opportunities for Justice Impacted Individuals 31:28 Talent Nova: Career Tools and Support for Justice Impacted IndividualsSupport/Contact Khalilah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalilahequipsWebsite: https://reengineeringhr.com/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcaTalentNova: https://talentnova.com/Dress for Success: https://dressforsuccess.org/ Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Many people he knew struggled to pay their mountain of debt. Although Robert McGraw graduated from college, from experience, he recognized that there was a lot that was wrong with the process of deciding to go to school.Listen in as he and Jonaed discuss his book, 12 Lies About College, and and why following your passions can sometimes work against you.Support/Contact Robert:LinkedInBooks mentioned:12 Lies About CollegeWant to get in touch with NoDegree? Listen to more podcast episodes here.Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with our CEO Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn. (Yes, he answers messages. Even if it takes some time to respond.)Connect with us on social media!LinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterTikTokRemember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com. Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

From janitor to Cloud Architect at Microsoft, Reginald Davis' journey shows the power of taking risks and believing in oneself.In this episode, he talks about being an introvert and his school experience as a dyslexic kid and the support he got from his mom and teachers. Tune in as he shares practical tips he used to boost his communication skills and how AI tools like Microsoft Copilot have helped to ease the stress of writing for him. He also emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding.Key Points Discussed:Dyslexia can present challenges in writing and communication, but with practice and support, individuals can improve their skills.Having a supportive network, including teachers, parents, and mentors, is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success.Believing in oneself and taking risks can lead to long-term career growth and opportunities.It's important to focus on one's strengths and find ways to excel in areas where one has natural abilities.Navigating the workplace as an introvert can be challenging, but preparation and self-reflection can help in overcoming these challenges. AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can greatly assist individuals in improving their writing and communication skills, allowing them to overcome challenges and build their personal brand.Empathy and understanding are crucial in supporting individuals with different struggles, and private conversations can be more effective in offering help and support.Surrounding oneself with good people and focusing on personal growth are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.Podcasts like DEM Tech Folks provide a platform for inclusive and authentic conversations about diverse experiences in the tech industry.Timestamps00:00 Reginald Davis' Journey: Overcoming Dyslexia and Introversion03:20 Strategies for Improving Communication Skills06:14 Understanding and Working with Learning Disabilities07:08 Recognizing Strengths for Success10:34 The Power of Problem-Solving Abilities22:42 Breaking into Microsoft: Experience and Support23:29 Taking Risks and Betting on Yourself25:24 The Power of AI Tools26:15 Authenticity, Diversity, and Inclusivity in the Tech Industry29:03 Empathy and Understanding: Supporting Others33:26 Building a Personal Brand and Inspiring OthersSupport/Contact Reginald:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-j-davis-mcsa-mct-itil-prosci-970ba77/ DEM Tech Folks: https://linktr.ee/developeverymindBooks and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

The youngest of six siblings, Olajide Omotayo‘s love for the game started at the age of nine. Years of training paid when he won the Men's Singles at the 2019 African Games. As current Champion of African he competed in this year's Tokyo Olympics.Listen in as he shares his story with Jonaed.Want to get in touch and/or support Olajide?LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitterWebsite Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

 Lead Negotiator, Brandon Bramley, addresses common concerns that arise during this critical recruitment stage. Brandon and Jonaed dispel typical myths about job offer negotiation, discuss the importance of leverage, and provide insights on when and how to negotiate. They stress the importance of research, preparation, and professionalism during such discussions. They also highlight the potential for substantial increases in total compensation and the need to showcase value and advocate for oneself. Key Points DiscussedEmployers are often willing to negotiate job offers, so it's important to advocate for yourself and not be afraid to ask for more.Leverage in negotiations comes from the fact that companies have invested time and resources in the hiring process and want to secure their chosen candidate.Having another offer can provide internal leverage and confidence, but it's not always necessary for successful negotiation.Negotiating salary is a professional conversation, not a confrontational bartering technique. It should be approached with research, data, and a reasonable request.Job titles and degree requirements should not limit negotiation potential. It's important to focus on the value and skills you bring to the table.Successful negotiation can lead to significant increases in total compensation and career advancement. Timestamps(00:00) Introduction to Salary Negotiation and Guest Introduction (03:16) Debunking Common Myths About Job Offer Negotiations 05:08 Understanding Leverage and Power Dynamics in Negotiations(07:29) Strategies for Negotiating Job Offers with Confidence (09:25) The Importance of Demonstrating Value in Negotiations 15:29 Negotiating Salary Without a Degree: Breaking the Myth Support/Contact Brandon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonbramleyWebsite: https://www.thesalarynegotiator.com/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

In high school he wanted to be a rapper. And that's what Jahmar Gale did for 10 years. But he had a plan: if he didn't achieve the kind of lifestyle he wanted by the time he was 30, he'd get out of the entertainment industry. So that's what he did.Listen in as Jahmar tells Jonaed about how he:Was a rapper for 10 yearsStarted and scaled 2 businessesBecame a data analyst earning between $75,000 and $90,000 per year Support/Contact Jahmar:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahmargale/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcaLeRon's article: https://medium.com/@jahmargale/how-i-became-a-data-analyst-458b03e438bbUdemy Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-sql-bootcamp/ Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Ever wonder what it's like to break into the tech world without a fancy college degree? Marcus shares his journey from barely graduating high school to becoming a self-taught developer. Forget the typical route —Marcus shares how he went from dreaming about mechanical engineering to hitting up a coding bootcamp and scoring interviews with a killer resume. He dishes out real talk on what it takes to be job-ready versus just interview-ready and shares why knowing your tech stuff inside out is key. Plus, Marcus and Jonaed get into the nitty-gritty of DIY projects, leveling up your skills, and dodging the pitfalls of bouncing between jobs. So, if you're curious about cracking the code to a career in tech, tune in for some straight-up wisdom and hindsight advice from these two pros.Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction to the episode and today's guest, Marcus Young  (1:30) Marcus Young's background and struggles with job applications  (4:11) The reality of boot camp promises versus job market realities  (7:24) Marcus' experience with Hack Reactor boot camp  (9:41) The importance of self-learning beyond boot camp  (12:22) Addressing the lack of a college degree during interviews  (15:03) Sponsor: Get Your Dream Career Course  (15:56) Learning and upskilling techniques  (19:51) Importance of personal projects in tech  (25:51) Financial implications of job transitions  (36:56) Closing remarks and gratitude  (37:19) Sponsor: Support NoDegree on Patreon Key points discussed:The job market in 2023 and 2024 is challenging, with limited job opportunities and companies not investing as much.Having a good resume is crucial in getting interviews and standing out in a competitive job market.Being job-ready and interview-ready are two different things, and it's important to have a foundational knowledge of the technologies you work with.Projects and self-learning outside of formal education can be valuable in gaining practical skills and deepening understanding. Building your own projects is a valuable way to learn and grow as a developer.Upskilling and expanding your knowledge in different technologies can make you more competent and resourceful.Job hopping can have its pros and cons, and it's important to weigh the stability and long-term prospects of each opportunity.The job interview process can be challenging, and it's important to be prepared and adaptable.Reflecting on past mistakes and learning from them is crucial for personal and professional growth.Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for overall well-being and success.Support/Contact Marcus:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusyoung777/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Her parents weren't worried about her education. But it's not because they didn't care. Alejandra Ayala is Mexican and says her immigrant parents' main concern was to ensure they were providing a roof over their kids' head.Listen in as Alejandra tells Jonaed why she finally gave up on college and how an unlikely skill helped her to land jobs at places like Adobe, Disney and Google.Get in touch and/or support Alejandra here:LinkedIn Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He got his start as an entrepreneur at the age of eight. He had a newspaper route. Today, John Viola is a successful soccer agent. This week he discusses the challenges faced and mistakes made along the way and emphasizes the importance of passion and hard work in achieving success. John also highlights the impact of AI in the soccer industry and the opportunities it presents. He shares inspiring stories of players he has represented and the satisfaction he derives from helping them achieve their dreams. John aims to pass on his knowledge and mentor aspiring soccer agents through his academy.Key Points DiscussedPassion and hard work are keys to success in any career.Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.The soccer industry is constantly evolving, and embracing new technologies like AI can lead to new opportunities.Helping others achieve their dreams can be incredibly rewarding.A college degree is not a prerequisite for success in the soccer agent industry.Timestamps00:00 Introduction: From Selling Newspapers to Becoming a Top Soccer Agent 01:28 The Role of a Soccer Agent: Negotiating Contracts, Scouting Players, and Networking 04:10 Transitioning Careers: From Electrician to Financial Services to Soccer Agent 06:31 Becoming a FIFA Agent and Building a Successful Career 11:22 The Evolution of the Football Industry: Changes and the Impact of Technology 14:19 Overcoming Challenges: Perseverance and Learning from Mistakes 23:45 Inspiring Stories: Helping Players Achieve Their Dreams 26:12 Navigating Difficult Times: Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 27:36 Teaching and Mentoring: Passing on Knowledge to Aspiring Soccer Agents 29:04 Opportunities for Aspiring Soccer Agents: Fast-Tracking Careers and Building Success 32:28 An Inspirational Story: From McDonald's Delivery Guy to Successful Soccer Agent 35:22 Final Thoughts: Pursuing Passion and Finding Fulfillment in the Soccer Agent Industry Support/Contact John:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-viola-8a642641/-Website: https://www.451fc.com/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Do you want a good job? Most people feel that to get one, you need to follow a preset path. Go to college. Get a degree. But with information at our fingertips in split-seconds thanks to the internet, there are options.In this episode Joel Bein talks to Jonaed about how Career Hackers is empowering job seekers to take charge of their learning and careers.Listen in as he tells Jonaed about:How to get a job without applyingHow you can get an 80% response rate by sending cold emails to a potential employerWhy you should treat your job-hunt like a salesSupport/Contact Joel Bein:Personal website: https://joelbein.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/joel_beinResources mentioned in this podcast4 Types of Projects to Create Value (and Win the Job): https://careerhackers.com/4-types-of-projects-to-create-value-and-win-the-job/The Daily Job Hunt Podcast: https://joelbein.com/podcast-2/Sponsors: Business XPScholarship: https://www.business-xp.com/nodegree Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Get ready to be inspired by Dustin Gutkowski, a hard-working roofer and successful entrepreneur, as he shares his story of personal/career growth and the challenges faced on his journey. Dustin dishes out wisdom on finding inner joy and hustling hard to make it big. From his gutsy leap into the roofing world to the heartfelt satisfaction of helping folks in tough spots, Dustin's story will have you hooked from start to finish.Key Points Discussed:Social media is a powerful tool for networking and expanding your business.Personal development and self-reflection are crucial for success.Building relationships and providing value are key to networking effectively.Losing everything can be a valuable learning experience and an opportunity for personal growth. Focus on personal growth and finding happiness within yourself.Transitioning into a new industry can be successful with the right mindset and determination.Passion is built through hard work and realizing what you enjoy.Building a people-centric company is crucial for long-term success.Overcome the fear of judgment and stay true to yourself.Empower and care for your employees to create a positive work environment.Don't be afraid to fail and learn from your mistakes.Stop worrying about what others think and focus on your own goals and dreams.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: From Homelessness to Success02:44 Mindset Shifts and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone09:11 Challenges in High School and Finding Direction14:10 Success in the Fitness Industry and Losing It All23:28 Bouncing Back and Building Meaningful Connections27:11 The Journey of Personal Growth30:55 Changing Yourself to Change the World33:43 Building a Successful Roofing Company36:29 Caring for People and Providing Value41:14 Overcoming the Fear of Judgment47:18 Pursuing Your Goals Without Fear53:08 Salary Ranges in the Fitness and Roofing IndustriesSupport/Contact Dustin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-gutkowski-9a8474177/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustingutkowskirr/X: https://twitter.com/dustingutkowski?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustin.gutkowski/Company Website: www.results-roofing.com/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He got raises although management said they weren't giving raises that year. Scott Barlow has even transitioned from Operations Management to HR. He made career changes like that many times over a 20-year period. If you don't know what to do after high school or you want to make a career change, listen in as Scott Barlow tells Jonaed:How he transitioned from one career to the another in a different industry several times.About experiments you can do in your job search that can help you to figure out what career to choose.How networking can help you get your dream job.Support/Contact Scott:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottanthonybarlow/Company: Happened to Your CareerWebsite: https://happentoyourcareer.com/ Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Did you know that government contracting can be lucrative? In this episode, Chanel Rose, a seasoned expert explains how to break into this profitable industry. Discover what government contracting really entails and get insider tips on scoring those coveted contracts. Learn how to set up your business, snag contract opportunities, and sell your unique value proposition. Plus, dive into the thriving community and buzz surrounding government contracting, proving that a college degree isn't always the golden ticket. So, if you're ready to kickstart your career sans college debt, tune in now and unlock the secrets to government contracting success! Key points discussed:- Government contracting is a project-based work where businesses take on a piece of a larger project for the government.- Government contracting offers consistent income and unlimited earning potential, making it a reliable source of revenue for businesses.- To get started in government contracting, establish your business, find contract opportunities through government websites, and ensure you have the necessary funding and infrastructure to fulfill contracts.- Financial planning and risk mitigation are crucial in government contracting, including having enough capital to pay employees and understanding the payment terms of contracts.- Articulating your value and understanding the costs and margins in government contracting are essential for success in the industry. Government contracting offers a supportive and exciting environment for businesses.- Understanding the specific requirements of different areas, such as the boroughs of New York City, is crucial for successful government contracting.- Government contracts are available in a wide range of industries, including those that are sought after and those experiencing layoffs.- Most government contracts do not require a college degree, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals.- Financial screens and credit checks may be required for certain contracts, particularly in construction and transportation.- Doing the work, networking, and learning from rejections are key factors for success in government contracting.Timestamps:- 00:00 Introduction to Government Contracting- 06:48 Establishing a Business and Building Credit for Government Contracting- 25:28 Thriving Industries in Government Contracting- 32:43 The Importance of Support Staff in Business- 41:09 The Wide Range of Products and Services in Government Contracting Support/Contact Chanel Rose:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelrose/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Do you ever feel like the traditional education system just isn't cutting it? This week Nat Greene, the brains behind Futures Forge, talks about why that is and what we can do about it. Forget boring lectures and pointless grades – Nat's diving deep into why we need a fresh, science-based approach to learning that lasts a lifetime. From the hefty price tag of college to the lack of real-world know-how, he's covering it all. Plus, he's got the inside scoop on Futures Forge's game-changing one-year program, designed to set you up for success in the real world. Don't miss out – tune in and get ready to rethink education! Key Points Discussed:- Traditional higher education is failing to prepare students for the job market and is inefficient in terms of time and cost.- Skills and practical experience are more valuable than knowledge in today's economy.- Colleges do not teach important skills such as networking and critical thinking.- The college system is lacking diversity in thought and is politically captured.- Alternative education models that focus on community learning and practical skills can provide a more effective and affordable education. The traditional college education system is flawed and needs to adapt to the changing job market.- Personal traits and attributes, such as grit and determination, are crucial for success in the real world.- A one-year program that focuses on developing real-world skills and challenges the top colleges is a viable alternative to traditional education.- Supporting alternative learning opportunities can help create a more diverse and effective education system. Timestamps:00:00 The Inefficiencies of Traditional Higher Education06:13 Skills vs Knowledge: The Importance of Practical Experience29:26 Importance of Real-World Skills38:17 Challenging the Status Quo Support/Contact Nat:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielgreeneBooks and resources mentioned in this podcast:- Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca - Futures Forge: www.futuresforge.org Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Public reading was a challenge because of his dyslexia. In this conversation, Gerald Rosengarten discusses his struggles with dyslexia and the challenges he faced in school. He talks about his early jobs in the clothing industry and his transition into wholesale and textiles. He shares the story of how he popularized the leisure suit and the subsequent decline of the fashion trend. Gerald also delves into his foray into real estate and loft development, as well as his experiences with trust and contracts in business. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a supportive spouse and surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals. Key points discussed:Struggles with dyslexia can be overcome with the right support and strategies.Jumping on opportunities and taking risks can lead to success in various industries.Building strong relationships and partnerships is crucial in business.Choosing a supportive spouse can have a significant impact on personal and professional growth. Trust your instincts and follow your vision.Success is not just about money, but about doing something that sustains you.Inspire and provide direction to young people.Perseverance and learning from failures are key to success. Support/Contact Jerry:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-rosengarten-0b90831b/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca- Jump on the Train: https://amzn.to/3UYKbg5 Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

This episode features Dr. Andrea Isoni, an expert in AI and data sciences. The conversation focuses on the journey to becoming a machine learning engineer or data scientist without a degree. The interview covers topics such as understanding Linux and the command line, learning programming languages, using frameworks like Django, and collaborating with others using Git/GitHub.Andrea also shares insights on finding the right internships and job opportunities, staying competitive in the field, and building a strong CV.On the topic of boot camps, Andrea cautions against believing in boot camps that promise quick results and high-paying jobs, highlighting the competitive and saturated job market. He suggests researching boot camps and online courses thoroughly, considering reviews, and talking to others who have gone through them.Finally, He encourages perseverance and dedication for those looking to break into the field without a college degree, acknowledging that it is a challenging but possible journey. Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

With tuition costs soaring, how can students make informed decisions about their education? In this episode, Mark Salisbury discusses the lack of price transparency in college tuition and the impact it has on students and families. He shares insights into the pricing strategies of colleges and universities, the distribution of sticker prices, and the misconceptions surrounding the value of brand name colleges. Mark also highlights the importance of understanding the cost of attendance and the ancillary costs associated with college education. He introduces TuitionFit.org, a platform that provides transparency in college pricing and helps students make informed decisions about their education. Key points discussed:- Colleges and universities often lack price transparency, making it difficult for students and families to know the actual cost of attendance.- The sticker price of college is often not what students actually pay, as colleges offer discounts and financial aid packages.- The perception that brand name colleges offer a better education is not always supported by data, and students can receive a quality education at various price points.- The cost of attendance includes not only tuition and fees but also indirect costs such as textbooks, room and board, and other expenses.- Tuitionfit.org is a platform that allows students to share their financial aid award letters anonymously, providing transparency in college pricing and helping students make informed decisions. Timestamps:- 00:00 Introduction to College Tuition and Price Transparency- 03:21 The Absence of Price Transparency in College Pricing- 08:02 The Challenges of Building TuitionFit- 10:25 The Impact of Information Asymmetry in College Pricing- 13:19 The Myth of Sticker Price and Prestigious Institutions- 21:24 Insights on College Pricing and Perception- 25:19 The Ancillary Costs of College Attendance- 28:41 The Need for Transparency and Education Reform- 36:49 The Shift in College Decision-Making and TuitionFit.org Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn. - LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND   Connect with us on social media! - LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn - Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB - Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG - Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW - TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V   Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.   Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Did you know you can work in Tech without coding skills? In this episode, Ty Smith unveils the world of reselling commercial B2B tech products and solutions. He reveals how anyone can enter this field without a college degree by partnering with tech distributors or brokers. Ty stresses the importance of building relationships, exuding confidence, and avoiding chasing trends. He shares success stories of individuals who achieved financial freedom in the IT realm and encourages self-education through industry events. Join Ty as he highlights the high earning potential and accessible entry into the IT industry without a college degree.Key points discussed:- There are opportunities for people to resell commercial B2B tech products and solutions.- Building relationships and having confidence are key to success in this field.- Residual income can be earned by partnering with technology services distributors. It takes time and effort to build a book of business and earn a living in this industry.- Avoid the temptation of chasing after new trends and focus on your core business. Young individuals who are tech-savvy and spend a lot of time with technology may have the potential to become IT consultants.- Early education and exposure to the IT industry can help individuals build a successful career.- Success stories of individuals who started their own IT businesses highlight the opportunities available in the industry.- Attending industry events and getting educated about the IT industry can lead to networking opportunities and career growth. Timestamps:- 00:00 Introduction- 02:22 Channel Sales Overview- 04:11 Finding Opportunities- 05:24 Getting Started- 06:49 Sales Process- 09:06 Success Factors- 10:54 Selling Unique Products- 14:08 Sales Cycle Length- 16:28 Building Relationships- 22:07 Challenges and Networking- 24:59 Timeframe for Earning a Living- 26:53 Building Residuals while Working a Day Job- 28:17 Different Types of People in the Channel Sales Industry- 29:42 Opportunities in the Changing Channel Landscape- 30:29 Expenses and Investments in Channel Sales- 33:16 Communities and Networking in Channel Sales- 35:33 Mistakes to Avoid in Channel Sales- 37:30 Scaling and Growing in Channel Sales- 39:26 The Shift towards AI and Customer Experience- 44:43 Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs in Channel Sales- 47:30 Success Stories in the Channel Sales Industry Support/Contact Ty:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrellsmith/  Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca- Channel Vision Magazine: https://channelvisionmag.com/- ITEXPO: https://www.itexpo.com/ Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

After leaving a toxic work environment, Suzanne Kelly vowed to never work for anyone ever again. She put together all she needed to start her own employment agency with just six months of planning. The years spent as a recruiter taught her the hiring process inside and out. She understands business and leadership. As a Chief Talent Advisor, she curates unbiased referencing for c-suite executives. When companies select their top tier candidates, they can't accurately assess a candidate's soft skills, work ethic, or integrity. With her proprietary method for unbiased referencing, she finds out if a candidate is exactly who they say they are even before they interview. Listen in as she shares her story with Jonaed.Need training on hiring best practices, help with unbiased referencing for the next executive in your company or just for speaking engagements?  Get in touch with Suzanne.Contact info:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannekellynyc/Website:  https://www.intellisightglobal.com/ (formerly suzannekelly.com)Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/suediligence/Twitter:  https://twitter.com/suediligenceTimestampsWhat Suzanne does as Chief Talent Advisor?As a Chief Talent Advisor, Suzanne Kelly curates unbiased referencing for c-suite executives. When companies select their top tier candidates, they can't accurately assess a candidate's soft skills, work ethic, or integrity. With her proprietary method for unbiased referencing, she finds out if a candidate is exactly who they say they are even before the interview. [Timestamp 01:26] What makes her service valuable?She's doesn't know the candidates so she's the only one in the hiring process that's truly unbiased. [Timestamp 2:11] What kind of student was she?She was an average student that didn't like school. She wanted to travel the world as a flight attendant. Her father's only requirement was that she take a business course in case the flight attendant position didn't work out.  [Timestamp 3:35] What happened after high school?She got married at an early age and didn't follow her dreams of becoming a flight attendant. So instead she became an administrative assistant. Eventually, she was stuck working for a narcissistic boss. [Timestamp 5:56] How she got started on her entrepreneurial path? She got enough of her narcissistic boss and quit. She vowed never to work for anyone again. She started her own employment agency. Her first client was the very company she left. [Timestamp 7:21] What helped her to launch her own company?She believes that her childhood was a bootcamp for life. She grew up with three brothers that teased her relentlessly. Her father was a senior-level corporate man. She learned to have a good work ethic, to have integrity and to be disciplined from him. [Timestamp 9:03] What attracted her to recruiting?She was aware of the fact that she had good people skills. It was easy for her to talk to people and elicit information from them. She researched, learned it was a lucrative business and thought it would be a good business to pursue. [Timestamp 10:38] What can a good recruiter do?She believes that a good recruiter can walk the tight-rope between the candidate and the clients they represent. The companies were the ones that pay the fee but the candidates have to equally be happy. [Timestamp 13:22] What was Suzanne's recruiting style?Very personal. When she witnessed a candidate fight back tears as she rejected a job because her husband didn't think the job was a good fit for her, Suzanne asked to speak to the husband. She recalled his love of cooking (as the candidate had shared with her before). Since Suzanne also loves to cook, when she got on the phone, the first thing they spoke about was cooking. They spoke at length. The ice was broken and Suzanne told him why she felt his wife was a good fit for the job. He said that it was her decision. The candidate took the job and twenty years later, she's still at the same company. [Timestamp 15:16] How did her proprietary method come about?She had a client that hired a new head of HR that was firing employees that had been there for ten or twenty years. There was a job the company asked Suzanne to fill. She presented the person she found but the new head of HR didn't feel he was the right fit. Suzanne pressed and asked why. Her instinct was telling her he was inflexible. As a result, Suzanne rolled up her sleeves and found about eight different references for this candidate. She kept records of phone calls verbatim and compiled a detailed report that documented how this client was anything but inflexible. [Timestamp 21:45] The reason for hiring mistake companies make?Not doing a quality reference check that verifies a person's soft skills and that they're indeed the right fit for the company. [Timestamp 25:56] What are the common mistakes some recruiters make?They make it all about themselves and their fee. [Timestamp 27:00] Why did she start reference checking?She felt it was time for her to do something else and she felt that the reference checking process was broken. Seven out of ten employees in America aren't engaged in their work. Companies are who they hire. [Timestamp 28:47] Biggest lessons learned?Hiring mistakes don't discriminate. They happen to the best of us. [Timestamp 33:37] Has the lack of a degree ever held you back from getting clients?When people ask where she went to college, she tells them she has a PhD from the University of Hard Knocks. She feels she's learned the most valuable lessons by making mistakes, falling down, being resilient, getting back up, and most importantly failing forward. [Timestamp 35:09] Advice for those looking to get into recruiting?Do your research and look for the driving force behind that desire. [Timestamp 36:19] What's changed in the recruiting industry since you started to now?Recruiting should be human interaction, not a transaction. It's a tragedy that many extraordinary candidates out there have developed skills throughout their careers that are transferable, but they don't have someone fighting for them. They're being screened out based on keyword searches.[Timestamp 39:08] What's next?Suzanne wants to really get involved in training. Many companies are selecting the best of the worst candidates. [Timestamp 42:46] What Suzanne sees because of the work she does?The extraordinary, fully engaged superstar leaders all have the same qualities. They put people first.  They can have a thousand employees and they know almost all of them by first name. They know their families, they have empathy, they have faith. They do a lot of philanthropy and they give a lot and they're selfless. Anyone that's fortunate enough to work for people like this, it can really be life-altering.[Timestamp 45:15] Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

She outworked and outshined others around her with creativity and hard work. Monique Davis leveraged her experience recruiting models to break into the recruiting world. She's now the founder of Fresh Talent Sources, a sourcing and training firm that helps startups and small to medium-sized businesses get the best candidates to help their establishments thrive. Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

 Christopher Nesbit did web development from the tender age of seven. He's been an art teacher, a computer technician, a manager of retail stores, even a CNC technician. He's owned several businesses from web development to marketing. All of these experiences gave him a solid foundation for Industrial Marketing. Listen as he shares his NoDegree story with Jonaed.TimestampsGood work ethic, how did Chris get it?  [Timestamp 1:49]Working from an early age cultivated this quality in him. He always dressed for the job he wanted. Being well trained played a key role in him knowing how to interview. His strategy for interviewing with no degree? [Timestamp 8:05]He was not deceptive about not having a degree but if they didn't bring it up, he didn't bring it up.One of the best industries to work without a degree?  [Timestamp 13:12]Manufacturing since you can start out on the floor and end up becoming a manager or director of production. Benefits of a Tech school or STEM/STEAM programs? Apprenticeship programs are available that pay you to work with companies. How to get ahead without a degree? [Timestamp 15:52]Dedication and willingness to learn. Why some people don't get degrees? [Timestamp 18:02]People with no degrees crave knowledge, they education system just doesn't stimulate them enough. So they find their own way to learn what they want. Interested in starting your own business? [Timestamp 32:55]Start as soon as possible. Fail fast and fail often in order to figure out what worked and what didn't. What taught Chris everything he needed to know about business? [Timestamp 33:25]In spite of the college courses he took, it was owning and operating a business for five years. A mistake many people make?  [Timestamp 35:44]Not setting high enough goals and going after them. Doing so changes your trajectory forever.  Need marketing for your industrial company? Get in touch with Chris.Contact info:LinkedIn: Christoper NesbitWebsite: www.nesbitmarketing.comInstagram: @NesbitMarketingFacebook: Nesbit Marketing Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Jamar Jones, founder of Foureva Media, shares his journey as a rapper and entrepreneur. He discusses his high school experiences, his passion for music, and the challenges he faced in the industry. Jamar emphasizes the importance of hard work and investing in oneself. He also talks about his transition to the IT field and how his experience as a performer helped him in the workplace. Ultimately, Jamar started his own media company to help others market and promote their brands. Key points discussed:-Don't be afraid to pursue your passion and start from scratch.- Invest in yourself and continuously improve your skills.- Having a plan B can provide stability and open up new opportunities.- Apply the lessons learned from one industry to another.- Confidence and perseverance are key to success in any field. - Transitioning to entrepreneurship requires taking a leap of faith and betting on oneself.- The first year in business can be challenging and requires perseverance and a willingness to learn.- Building a team and finding a niche are crucial for long-term success.- Shifting focus and adapting to market demands can lead to new opportunities and growth.- Taking calculated risks and embracing authenticity are key to personal and professional development.Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction to Jamar Jones and his journey in music and entrepreneurship(8:46) Jamar's personal growth and the correlation with his music career(13:34) Jamar's experience hosting music events and creating the 'We Are Cancer Tour'(24:29) Jamar's transition from music to IT and the importance of having a Plan B(33:27) How Jamar's performance background helped him in the workplace and his transition to starting his own company(43:03) Building a team and transitioning from a "video guy" to running a video production company(51:36) The birth of Forever Media, impact of COVID-19, and understanding the stages of business(54:40) Advice to Jamar's 18-year-old self and the importance of team care in pursuing a vision(57:37) How to support and follow Jamar, and introduction to The Forever Podcast Support/Contact Jamar:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/relatablejamar- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourevamedia/- Podcast: https://www.fourevamedia.com/podcast Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca- Change Your Circle, Change Your Life: https://amzn.to/483rRGo Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Imagine getting job opportunities WITHOUT applying for them. Seems too good to be true? Well, that's exactly what happened to Jae Taylor, a tech executive who's worked at famous companies like Microsoft, Expedia, and Salesforce, to name a few.Listen in as he discusses how building a strong personal reputation is essential for career resilience, how it can lead to new opportunities and offer protection during layoffs or organizational changes. As he shares his journey in the tech industry he gives insight into career growth, job-search strategies in an employer-driven economy, and changes in job hunting in different economic climates.Key points discussed:- Building a strong personal reputation within and outside of a company is essential for career resilience, as it can lead to new opportunities and offer protection during layoffs or organizational changes.- Specializing in a domain can give you a competitive edge, especially in a tight job market, as employers may prefer candidates with specific expertise over generalists.- Networking and maintaining relationships are crucial in both up and down economies, as they can lead to job referrals and opportunities that might not be accessible through traditional job applications.Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction and overview of episode's content(1:54) Jay Taylor's journey: Salesforce to Twitter to Peloton(7:47) Anticipation of layoffs at Peloton and volunteering to be laid off(12:22) Lessons learned from layoffs and down tech market(16:17) Sponsor: Get Your Dream Career Course by Jonaed Iqbal(18:39) Importance of continuous learning and preparation for economic shifts(24:27) Jae's experience with job transition after being laid off by Peloton(31:11) Jonaed's advice on choosing a specialty during a down economy(35:14) Jae's advice on building a reputation based on trusted execution(42:12) Jae Taylor discussing the growth of Mentor Mesh community(50:03) Jae Taylor introduces Mentor Mesh.io and its eventsSupport/Contact Jae:- Website: https://mentormesh.io- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaeontech/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca  Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Want to get in touch and/or support Jae? LinkedInTwitterMentorship at MentorMeshWant to get in touch with NoDegree Inc?Listen to more podcast episodes hereFollow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedInFollow NoDegree on LinkedIn,  Facebook and InstagramRemember, no degree? No problem! Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

In this episode, Jonaed Iqbal converses with Brett Solomano about his transition from stunt performing to trucking. They delve into the salary of stunt performers and truck drivers as well as the skills necessary for both jobs.  Brett's journey unfolds as a testament to the power of continuous learning and adaptability. As a successful stunt performer, truck business owner, and public speaker, he emphasizes the importance of facing challenges daily and seizing opportunities in the entrepreneurial realm. spiring professionals are encouraged to trust their intuition, pursue their passions, and create opportunities while navigating the risks and demands of non-traditional career paths. Key points discussed:- How Brett became found success as a stunt performer, truck business owner, and public speaker- The importance of continuously learning, adapting, and showing up every day to face challenges and seize opportunities in entrepreneurial paths. - Salary ranges for stunt performing, trucking and speaking and the variety of factors that influence earnings in these fields- Skills necessary for stunt performing and speakingTimestamps:(0:00) Introduction and overview of Brett Solomano's career(1:43) Brett Solomano's journey in various jobs and interests(5:17) The earning potential and preparation involved in public speaking and stunt performing(9:47) Frustrated with your job search? Help to update your resume.(11:33) Progression and success in the stunt performing industry(17:11) Brett's transition into trucking and how it complements his stunt work(20:28) Qualities of a good truck driver and opportunities in the trucking industry(24:59) Factors influencing the cost of a truck and rate for truck driving(26:36) Reflection on Brett's career challenges and achievements(29:59) Brett's future goals and upcoming book Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca- A Stuntman's Guide to Learning Anything: Simple Tools For An Extraordinary Life: https://amzn.to/3HhwctR Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He was a consultant for businesses WHILE he attended high school. Faisal Abid went to college but dropped out after serious consideration. In this episode, he delves into his career path, underscoring self-learning and constructive criticism as key growth factors. He narrates navigating through his insecurity around not having a degree, his shift into AI and starting and stopping business. Tune in to find out how networking and selling skills can benefit your career if you don't have a degree, as well as how budding engineers can differentiate themselves in the competitive job market. Key points discussed:- Networking and continuously talking to people is crucial for success, especially for those without a college degree, as it compensates for the networking opportunities that universities typically provide.- Learning through doing, such as reverse engineering problems and seeking practical experience, is more valuable than simply acquiring theoretical knowledge from formal education.- The ability to sell oneself and one's skills effectively is as important as technical knowledge in engineering, particularly in a competitive job market. Timestamps:(0:00) Intro(1:42) Faisal's journey into the tech world and entrepreneurship(5:52) Salary ranges for tech roles without a degree & Faisal's early experiences(13:59) Faisal's self-taught journey in coding and fundamentals of programming(10:12) The importance of sharing knowledge and finding a niche(15:31) Need help refining your resume?(16:23) The strategy of taking calculated risks in career decisions(24:38) Faisal's career pivot to AI and the value of experience(26:57) The long-term benefits of an abundance mindset in career growth(29:13) The importance of networking and starting a business in Japan(33:22) Overcoming the challenges of scaling a business(38:03) Dealing with failure and insecurities about not having a degree(41:07) Advice for aspiring engineers without a degree and self-marketing Support/Contact Faisal:- Website: https://eirenecremations.com/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

High school didn't interest him much and his grades reflected that. That was until Diamond Forbes found something that was engaging. In this episode, he details how he transitioned from working in Help Desk to a Security Engineer at Google. He details his career journey from earning $14/hour to a six-figure salary, his transition from network engineer to senior security engineer, and his job application experiences at top companies. Diamond also provides insights on handling finances, dealing with workplace politics, overcoming challenges, and offers advice on career growth and self-improvement. Key Points - Having a hunger for knowledge and being curious are key traits for success in the tech industry. - Hyper-focusing on specific skills and areas of expertise can lead to career advancement. - Realistic salaries in the industry can vary based on experience and specialization. - Strategic initiatives, soft skills, and documentation are important for over-delivering in a role and building visibility.  - Tech is a high-growth field that offers opportunities for financial success. - Continuous learning and self-improvement are essential for career growth in tech. - Overcoming failure and building resilience are key to achieving long-term goals.  Support/Contact Diamond:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diamondforbes/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Dr. Ai spent 15 years as a college professor before quitting to establish Classroom Without Walls, an organization committed to helping teenagers and young adults develop needed skills to become career-ready, life-ready, and achieve a high level of success, whether they have good grades or not. In today's episode, Dr. Ai joins Jonaed Iqbal to analyze the issues plaguing the education system, including its stifling effects on innovation, how grades and exams negatively impact students and the reluctance of educational institutions to evolve. Listen in to find out how a student's purpose and personal connection to learning fosters motivation and the importance of parental roles in education.Timestamps (00:00) — Introduction to podcast(01:18) — Introduction to Dr. Ai | Journey from academia to education reform(06:11) — GPA, perfectionism, and innovation (07:07) — Steps taken towards disrupting the learning status quo (08:47) — The breaking point; leaving academia foster a disruptive cause(11:24) — Why 'Classroom Without Walls'?(14:32) — Approach to learning at "Classroom Without Walls"(17:55) — Key point to gaining motivation to learn; discovering the "why"(22:31) — Lessons learned from starting a business and approaching learning differently(25:19) — The importance of diverse paths to success and different career interests(27:45) — The lack of urgency for change in traditional education and its consequences(30:08) — The role of parents in traditional education and exploring different educational options(32:14) — Follow and support Dr. Ai's work Key Points - Dr. Ai left academia to address its shortcomings, such as the lack of intellectual spark in students who are conditioned to study only for exams, by starting Classroom Without Walls to foster genuine learning.  - Dr. Ai emphasizes that learning should be connected to personal interests and purposes, and that having clarity on one's values, strengths, and purposes can transform unmotivated students into passionate learners.  - The traditional education system is being forced to change due to external pressures from alternative educational pathways, industry certifications, and a decrease in university enrollments, highlighting the importance of diverse approaches to success beyond just obtaining a college degree. - The traditional education system often focuses on grades and exams, which can hinder students' love for learning and innovation. - Motivation is driven by purpose and personal connection to learning, rather than external factors like grades. - Starting a business requires investing in mentors and coaches who can provide guidance and support. - Schools need to adapt to alternative forms of education and embrace the diversity of paths to success.  Support/Contact Dr. Ai- Website: Classroom Without Walls:classroomwithoutwalls.ai- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiaddysonzhangBooks and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Jonaed interviews Kim Chung, who shares her experiences with three different sales bootcamps: RAM, Aspireship, and TrainYo. Kim provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each program and offers advice for choosing a bootcamp. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and the need for comprehensive training that covers both fundamental and advanced sales skills. Kim also discusses the challenges of rejection in sales and the importance of self-care and mental preparation. The episode concludes with a discussion on entry-level SDR salaries and the potential for growth in the sales field. Timestamps (00:00) — Introduction to podcast (01:27) — Introduction to Kim Chung: Career background | Experience with RAM (04:21) — Rating RAM (07:23) — Experience with Aspireship(08:59) — Rating Aspireship (09:36) — Aspects not covered by Aspireship (12:54) — Important things learned through these programs (14:09) — Job potential after Aspireship (15:12) — Facing rejection and other challenges (17:05) — Experience with TrainYo (22:12) — Rating TrainYo (25:26) — The missing piece (27:23) — Advice to boot camp seekers (30:45) — Advice to younger self before boot camps(31:09) — Entry level SDRs' salary and realistic earning potential (33:08) — Examples of successful salespeople without college degrees Support/Contact KimLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-chung/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Zach Carlin delves into his personal journey of overcoming addiction, transitioning careers from professional fighting to entrepreneurship, and his experiences working in fitness. He touches on improving gyms, his work with V Shred, and the creation of his own venture. Zach also speaks about his shift to a garage workspace, starting Next Play, and his struggle with imposter syndrome. The episode concludes with his advice for his younger self and future aspirations. Key points discussed:- Zach Carlin's blueprint for success emphasizes the value of past experiences and applying learned lessons to current endeavors, regardless of their direct correlation. - As a VP of development for a custom window replacement company and founder of Summit Chasers Network, Zach transitioned from being a professional athlete to a serial entrepreneur, applying his competitive spirit and resilience to business. - Zach's journey in the fitness industry led him to consult and revamp struggling gyms, increasing their profitability by diversifying revenue streams and implementing strategic business practices. Timestamps:(01:00) — Introduction to podcast  (01:13) — Introduction to Zach Carlin | Present career paths  (02:24) — Blueprint of success  (04:47) — Salary range  (05:53) — High school experience  (07:23) — Overcoming addiction and homelessness  (10:46) — Competing in martial arts(13:42) — Charging as a personal trainer  (16:54) — Leaving martial arts by 23  (18:15) — Competing in crossfit  (21:25) — Revamping struggling gyms and flipping  (24:26) — Mistakes made along the way  (26:33) — Increasing the profitability of gyms  (29:42) — Collaborating with Tydax  (31:54) — Moving back to Las Vegas | Career journey(35:50) — Dealing with imposter syndrome  (37:18) — Getting into windows (Wind Choices)(38:10) — What Zach is most proud of, careerwise(39:30) — Advice to younger Zach  (40:51) — Future goals  (43:21) Connect with Zach Carlin Support/Contact Zach:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-carlin- Website: https://www.summitchasersnetwork.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitchasersnetwork/  Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Keishawn Blackstone shares his non-traditional journey in the film industry without a college degree. The conversation explores his early aspirations, the financial aspects of the industry, and the importance of continuous learning. They delve into authentic networking, industry evolution, and Keishawn's proudest moments. The episode rounds out with advice for hopeful film industry newcomers and ways to connect with Keishawn.Key points discussed:- Success in the film industry is achieved through integrity, trust, and maintaining strong relationships, which are as crucial as technical skills. - Understanding and experiencing different roles on set can lead to better leadership as a director and contribute to a more respectful and efficient production environment. - Resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the journey are essential traits for navigating the challenges and uncertainties of a career in filmmaking.Timestamps:(00:00) — Introduction to podcast(00:48) — Introduction to Keishawn Blackstone (film director and business consultant)(01:17) — Blueprint of success(02:48) — Salary range(04:15) — Keishawn's high school experience (06:03) — Post-high school: Pro Cycling, trying community college and dropping out (10:10) — Working as a Lyft driver(10:52) — Navigating the film industry | First break(12:50) — First few successes in the film industry(14:04) — Early career wages and negotiating pay in the film industry(17:01) — Upscaling in the film industry | Acquiring production gears(18:48) — Mistakes made along the way(21:45) — Right decisions made along the way(23:57) — The importance of authentic networking(26:01) — Changes in the film industry and staying ahead in a constantly evolving industry(28:26) — Keishawn's biggest accomplishments and overcoming life's challenges(29:38) — What is Keishawn most proud of?(30:31) — Most difficult periods in Keishawn's career(32:56) — Advice to 17-year-old Keishawn(33:48) — Advice for young people entering the film industry(35:45) — Book recommendations(37:14) — How to contact and support Keishawn Blackstone Support/Contact Keishawn:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishawn-blackstone-97580974/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/director_blackstone/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

From working at an Apple store in Australia to starting his own business in Sweden,, this week Ben Kirk shares his story. He discusses his venture into the fitness industry, flipping apartments, and his transition into corporate training with Brian Tracy International. He also highlights the importance of mentorship and accountability in personal and professional growth.Key points discussed:- Ben Kirk transitioned from a jazz musician to a successful accountability coach by leveraging his diverse experiences and adapting to new challenges. - Having a supportive partner and the ability to learn from mentors are crucial elements in navigating career shifts and achieving professional success. - Accountability coaching is about holding clients' feet to the flame, ensuring they meet their goals through direct questioning and consistent follow-ups.Timestamps:- (00:00) — Podcast introduction - (00:50) — Introduction to Ben Kirk- (01:22) — Salary range for an accountability coach- (01:58) — High school experience - (02:45) — Playing the Jazz trombone- (04:39) — Backpacking | teaching | playing music around Europe- (06:31) — Return to Australia | working in an Apple store | move to Sweden- (11:19) — Perception vs reality in the fitness industry and concerns about job security - (13:53) — Moving on from personal training | starting a construction business- (22:31) — Adapting after COVID | joining the military | building a coaching business- (28:51) — Diversification: Learning construction and flipping apartments- (29:28) — Most challenging experience - (33:00) — What is Ben most proud of?- (34:30) — Advice to younger selfSupport/Contact Ben:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkirk/- Website: https://wintheday.com.au/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: - Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcaNeed career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!- LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn- Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB- Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG- Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW- TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V- Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Four bullets in her back, children by 19, divorced by 25 but operates a successful IT company. This week Carmen Santiago discusses her high school experience, early life in the foster care system and how she got into tech sales. She also emphasizes the value of self-education, trade schools, and upskilling workers. Find out how this former foster child built a successful business. Key points discussed:- Success can be achieved through intentional relationship-building and a servant's heart, attracting opportunities and positive energy.- A wide range of technology careers is available without a degree, with entry-level positions starting around $45-50k and potential to earn well into six figures with experience and certifications.- Life experiences, including adversity and trauma, can develop resilience and problem-solving skills that are valuable in the workforce and can lead to opportunities for those without a college degree.Timestamps:(00:56) — Introduction to Carmen Santiago and what she does(04:19) — Carmen's blueprint of success (07:40) — Salary range in tech(11:41) — High school journey | early life struggles(13:21) —  Learning disabilities and early graduation(17:14) — Career ambition in high school(17:42) — Carmen's early life in the foster care system and journey into sales(23:09) — Carmen's entrance into tech sales and the value of workers without degrees(30:52) — Leveraging opportunities by positive relationships(38:36) — How the 'It Girl Solution' brand began(42:54) — What Carmen would have done differently (47:28) — Future goalsSupport/Contact Carmen:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heaven-hamilton/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca"Awaken : Santiago-Keenon, Carmen: Amazon.in: Books" https://www.amazon.in/Awaken-Carmen-Santiago-Keenon/dp/1959989413Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Cameron Bawden shares his entrepreneurial journey in the service industry, particularly in pest control. He discusses the importance of company culture, learning from multiple businesses, and overcoming investor challenges. Cameron also emphasizes the value of hiring skilled people and focusing on one's zone of excellence. He concludes with his future goals and advice for budding entrepreneurs. Timestamps(00:00) — Podcast Introduction (00:26) — Introduction to guest, Cameron Bawden(00:47) — Cameron's business introduction (01:52) — Blueprint for success(04:35) — Salary range in the home service industry (07:50) — Starting and growing a pest control business(10:48) — Mistakes made in the first few years (15:22) — First breakthrough in business(18:07) — Important changes made after growth(19:23) — Launching and learning from running multiple businesses(25:18) — Challenges and adjustments in different businesses(27:52) — Biggest accomplishment (28:51) — Most difficult period(30:00) — Importance of hiring skilled people and focusing on one's zone of excellence(31:33) — Future goals(32:30) — Advice to younger self(33:32) — Advice to upcoming entrepreneurs (35:08) — OutroSupport/Contact Cameron:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbawden/* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-bawden-106976102/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: * Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree. Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He was fully committed to having a career. That was until Dave Menz lost his pension. Realizing the power the corporate world wielded, he decided to finally pursue his dreams of entrepreneurship. How did this guy without a degree go from employee to entrepreneur? How did he build that business into a million-dollar franchise? Listen in as Dave Menz talks about his struggle with school and how learning on the job proved to be more beneficial for him. Dave discusses his early career, his transition to entrepreneurship, and his strategy for purchasing and growing laundromat businesses, the importance of community and job experience. Timestamps:(00:38) — Podcast Intro (00:54) — Dave Menz's Intro(02:26) — Blueprint for Success(07:45) — Salary Range & Return on Investment for a Laundromat Business(12:28) — High School Experience(14:55) — Making Money in High School(16:40) — Dropping out of College & First Post-College Career(24:44) — Walking Away After 17 Years (28:13) — Purchasing and Growing the First Laundromat Business: Steps and Challenges(35:43) — What it Takes to Revive a Run-Down Laundromat Business(41:29) — Vertical Integration, Business Optimization and Keys to Success in a Laundromat Business(49:38) — Advice to Younger Self (53:01) — OutroSupport/Contact Dave:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-laundromat-millionaire-menz/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:* Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcav  * Podcast: The Laundromat Millionaire Show: https://laundromatmillionaire.com/podcast/ Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He got a baseball scholarship to college. But, since Jeremy Anderson skipped classes, he failed and ultimately dropped out.Today he's the CEO of Overwatch Technology, a cyber security company. Listen in as he shares his journey from high school to the Marine Corps and his transition to a civilian career life. He discusses his experiences starting a business, addresses hiring people on the spectrum, provides advice to aspiring network engineers and highlights the role of business books and personal finance in his career.Timestamps:(00:00) — Intro(00:50) — Cybersecurity: About Jeremy and his job description (01:32) — Blueprint for success(02:13) — Salary range for a C-Suite executive in MSP(04:26) — High school experience/backstory(05:29) — Making the most of a great opportunity(06:16) — Books that had a great impact(07:27) — Certifications acquired along the way(08:28) — How long did you serve at the Marine Corps?(09:20) — Getting a network engineering job offer(09:58) — Transitioning to a career outside the military(11:07) — Technical skills learned along the way(11:55) — What came next?(14:04) — Challenges faced transitioning into a business owner (17:11) — How has the MSP industry changed over time?(18:27) — Notable big wins in the first few years of business(19:30) — Mistakes made along the way(20:53) — What does enterprise software cost?(22:13) — Biggest Career accomplishment so far(23:15) — Finding passion for hiring people on a spectrum (24:27) — Most difficult career experience(25:08) — Any hold-backs/insecurities from the lack of a college degree? (26:28) — Advice to 18-year-old Jeremy(27:18) — Looking ahead: Future goals and business plans(30:43) Industry insights: Advice for aspiring network engineersSupport/Contact Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyandersonowt/Company website: https://www.owcybertech.com/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcav   EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey: https://amzn.to/3QF8RYG Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

She loved building relationships and advocating for people. So Anneliese Vance paved the way for a career path that would make this possible: Law. Unfortunately college filled her with discontent and dropping out was a hard decision she knew she had to make. But, Anneliese discovered another path to advocacy—marketing—and hasn't turned back ever since. Listen in as this college dropout turned successful entrepreneur, shares her journey from her first big job to starting her own consulting company. She discusses the value of on-the-job learning, her approach to sales and customer retention, and the challenges and rewards of business ownership.Timestamps:(0:00) — Introduction and Guest Background: Anneliese Vance(00:53) — Introduction to Anneliese' career(02:37) — Blueprint for success(04:11) — Realistic salary range for a marketing manager(5:16) — High school experience(06:40) — Jobs held while in high school(07:02) — Post-high-school experience/plans(10:17) — Selling dream vacations to families(13:03) — First Big Job at YellowBook(15:21) — Relevant skills picked up at YellowBook(18:28) — Timeframe at YellowBook(20:02) — Getting better at sales: Anneliese's approach to sales and customer retention(22:05) — The 'Get Your Dream Career Course' ad(28:26) — Most memorable sales made(32:19) — Getting let go from YellowBook(34:06) — The birth and growth of Anneliese's consulting company(41:52) —  Most difficult period as a business owner(45:48) — Future goals(49:45) — Advice to 16-year-old Anneliese(52:43) — Reach out to Anneliese(54:02) — Outro, sponsorship and patreon mentionSupport/Contact Anneliese:* Company Website: nevermissamomentconsulting.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneliesemvance/  * Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nmamconsultingllc/?locale=ms_MYBooks and resources mentioned in this podcast:* Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcav* Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He was placed in the special education system. But, Christopher Zara's so-called “behavioral issues” continued so, he got kicked out of high school in the 11th grade. Zara still went on to get his GED and at 32 he found himself working at a picture frame shop. He didn't enjoy his job. Occasionally he reflected on the few teachers that told him he was a good writer. Those embers of encouragement were enough to spark a flame of hope and pushed him to pursue writing. Listen in as he talks about getting kicked out of high school, overcoming addiction, finding a book that helped him to get his career in journalism started. He shares insights on building a portfolio without a degree, and his early work experiences, his book 'Uneducated', and handling imposter syndrome.Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest, Christopher Zara(4:43) The changing landscape of journalism and the shift towards independent journalism(6:06) Building a portfolio in journalism and salary ranges(10:29) Need resume help?(11:28) High school experience: Behavioral issues, getting kicked out and getting his GED(12:43) Embers of Encouragement from teachers: The reason Christopher believed he could write(13:39) After high school: Drugs, overcoming addiction and other work experiences(16:33) How an unpaid internship got him a foot in the door(18:44) Lessons from the first job(20:26) Learning about the online journalism industry and transitioning to larger organizations(27:44) Reflecting on career decisions and overcoming the 'imposter syndrome'(33:12) How the applicant tracking systems affected his job search because he didn't have a degree(34:51) Skills-based hiring is on the rise vs the strong branding of college(36:08) The purpose of Christopher's book 'Uneducated' and the importance of viewing education holisticallySupport/Contact Christopher:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/christopherzara LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherzara/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast: Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Uneducated by Christophe4r Zara: https://amzn.to/46Jv515   Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

His employer did not have any regard for the employees' personal lives so George spoke up. Ultimately, that led to him losing his job. This experience only served to make him stronger.  Today, he is the founder of The TrueLife Podcast, which tells similar inspiring stories. Listen in as George Monty details his path to success without a degree, how he coped with failures, and life lessons from his move to Hawaii. He highlights the value of relationships, dissatisfaction with corporate life, and the effects of job loss on family. Monty also offers tips for current creators and entrepreneurs. Timestamps(0:53) —  Introduction and welcoming of guest, George Monty(01:09) — George's introduction (1:45) — George Monty's blueprint for success without a degree(03:31) — Salary range for a podcaster(06:00) — Dealing with failures as an entrepreneur(06:40) — High school experience (09:10) — Life after high school (moving to Mexico | getting a job at UPS)(10:33) — The 'Get Your Dream Career' Course(11:19) — Moving to Hawaii | Gaining life-changing experiences and lessons (17:00) — Importance of building a positive relationship with oneself (18:47) — Starting a podcast(22:17) — Dissatisfaction with the corporate world, standing up against injustices, and getting fired(30:38) — Impact of job loss on family and maintaining work-life balance(34:45) — Making money as a podcaster(37:29) — Advice for creators and entrepreneurs in the current economy(39:21) — Insecurities about not having a degree(42:24) — What is George most proud of, career-wise?(44:20) — Advice to eighteen-year-old self and career highlights(46:16) — The TrueLife Podcast promotion >Support/Contact George:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-monty-6891b21a5/Resources mentioned: * Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca* The TrueLife Podcast:  "TrueLife" https://truelife.transistor.fm Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND* Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

The first few years were tough. Carl Dunning started to believe his life was over because of his “high-school-drop-out” status. But then he discovered the tech industry, and everything changed. Listen in as Carl shares his journey from his early career to becoming a successful salesperson. Carl discusses his transition into sales, work-life balance, the evolution of sales, the power of relationship-building, and his coaching business. He also shares about overcoming challenges, impactful books, goal setting, and his future aspirationsKey points discussed:(00:39) — Introduction and Background of Carl Dunning(01:30) — Salary Range in Tech Sales(03:59) — High School Journey (05:30) — Carl's Early Career and Entry into the Tech Industry(09:19) — Lessons Learned from Early Jobs and Transition into Sales(12:49) — Introduction to Jonaed's Get Your Dream Career Course(15:08) — Having a Good Attitude, Job Performance, and Career Progression(16:12) — Never Hold Yourself Back(18:19) — Experience Getting Promoted to Higher Roles(21:54) — Management vs Earlier Positions(23:18) — Sales Evolution and Importance of Relationship-Building(26:01) — Birth of Carl's Coaching Business and Value of Mentorship(29:21) — Recovering After Hitting Rock Bottom(31:50) —  Carl's Book Recommendations(34:17) — Advice for 18-Year-Old Carl(35:45) — Future GoalsSupport/Contact Carl:* Life & Career Coaching website: https://nextcallcircle.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-dunning-399b976/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextcallcircle/* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextcallcarl/about  * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextcallcarl   Resources mentioned: * Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca* The 48 Laws of Power — Robert Greene: https://amzn.to/3FaR8Sf * The Compound Effect  — Darren Hardy: https://amzn.to/3rIFXgmm * Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon Hill: https://amzn.to/45o9b1S * How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://amzn.to/3LVQewF  Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND* Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Overwhelmed with grief, he decided to drop out of high school since being at school, that he attended with his best friend, made it much harder. Confident in his ability to learn and improve, he opted not to go to college. Listen in as he discusses his high school experience, early career progression, and the valuable skills he learned as a barista. Eden also talks about lessons from various roles including his time at Starbucks and Apple, and the importance of authenticity in job seeking. Key points discussed:(0:00) Introduction and Joshua Eden's role as a customer success manager(2:48) Blueprint of success & salary range for Customer Success Manager(7:36) High school experience and career aspirations(8:37) How knowing your strengths can help you in your career(11:13) Early jobs and progression in different roles(13:09) Skills he got when he worked as a barista that benefited his career(25:00) How he acquired organizational skills from being a barista at Starbucks(33:15) His experience working at Apple and lessons learned(37:38) The value of authenticity and relationship-building in job hunting(49:49) Why he didn't go to college(59:36) Advice to his younger self Support/Contact Joshua:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuakeden/ Resources mentioned: * Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND* Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com

While other kids played spots, Joe Pardavila and his brother preferred to talk ABOUT sports. He got his start in the radio industry in college. Then he got an internship that eventually lead to a full time job opportunity. Whether you're interested in podcasting, photography, filmmaking, or any other creative pursuit, this episode is packed with advice to help you navigate your journey. Key points discussed:* How hands-on experience and a go-getter attitude can take you far* The LOW barrier of entry in podcasting* Accessible tools that can help you to hone your skills* Tips about how to experiment, learn from others, and develop your craft. * How taking the initiative and gaining real-world experience can set you apart and enhance your prospects in the creative field.Support/Contact Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepardavila/ Resources mentioned: * Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Chris loved being in the military, but life had other plans. A back injury forced him to be discharged from military service and find a new career path.After a series of odd jobs here and there, Chris eventually found his passion working in the field of security. He is currently a senior security analyst at Anderson.Timestamps:(00:48) — Intro(01:15) — Chris' Intro(01:36) — What does a senior security engineer do?(02:51) — Chris' blueprint for success(06:58) — Backstory(09:47) — Work history(12:44) — Experience in the military(13:54) — Transitioning from the military to white-collar jobs(26:40) — First corporate role experience(32:05) — First time getting fired(34:23) — Learning about security(37:50) — First impressions at Anderson(38:51) — What growth looks like for Chris(41:00) — Mistakes made along the way(44:53) — How has the tech industry changed over time?(48:40) — The most difficult period in Chris' career journey(50:26) — What is Chris most proud of career-wise?(51:48) — Has the lack of a college degree ever held Chris back?(58:01) — Advice to 18-year-old Chris (59:25) — Realistic salary range for security engineersSupport/Contact Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pridemore Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Having personally experienced university education, Mathew came face to face with its three major flaws; it's time-consuming, employs ineffective learning methods, and is expensive! His determination to transform learning for careers without a need for college education led him to create businessXP, a fully game-based experiential business training. Find out how it can help you to become an entrepreneur without the need to go to college.Timestamps (00:57) — Intro(01:23) — Business school is expensive!(04:12) — What is businessXP?(05:33) — The 'why' behind businessXP(06:33) — Learning business through games(09:00) — Testing businessXP's credibility(09:58) — Who is businessXP for?(13:27) — The value of getting a degree today(16:20) — Should people go to college?(21:09) — The rise in student loan debt(23:56) — High university drop-out rate(26:30) — Notable governments removing college degree requirements(31:14) — Notable companies removing college degree requirements(31:42) — Celebrities making more money by running multiple businesses(35:01) — The NoDegree businessXP scholarship:https://www.business-xp.com/nodegreeSupport/Contact Mathew:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewgeorghiou/https://www.linkedin.com/company/businessxp/Company Website: https://www.business-xp.Resources mentioned:NoDegree + businessXP scholarship:https://www.business-xp.com/nodegreeResume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcaNeed career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Charles had his life planned out; go to Bible College, become a pastor and spread the word through powerful speeches and music.All this changed when he landed an internship for a retail position at Apple.He discovered a new love for solving problems through enterprise sales. And it paid well!Time Stamps:(01:04) — Charles' intro(02:12) — Blueprint for success  (03:43) — Making $100k in base salary alone in enterprise sales(05:50) — Backstory (Highschool, teenage dreams, landing a retail job at Apple)(07:23) — Valuable lessons learned at Apple(09:19) — Transitioning into a corporate field(10:47) — Making a mark by networking and showing up(12:05) — Showing up = high-value opportunities (15:33) — Learning more about enterprise sales from experts on YouTube and TikTok (16:58) — TikTok nuggets(18:19) — Tough lessons learned along the way(20:47) — Sales then vs now(23:02) — Charles' biggest accomplishment(24:51) — Most difficult life experience(25:52) — Mistakes that prevent salespeople from moving up(26:52) — Finding valuable mentors(30:05) — Advice for 18-year-old CharlesSupport/Contact Charles Bishop:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bishopcharles/ Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:* Marcus Taylor Coaching: https://www.marcustaylorcoaching.com/* Black Men in Tech: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blk-men-in-tech* Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He grew up on a farm. Feeding cattle and tossing hay were Nathaniel's daily routine. He never would have thought that someday he'd be working in tech.Tune in to find out how landing a job as a customer service representative would get him closer to an incredible tech career.Timestamps(02:07) — Blueprints for success  (03:50) — Growing up on a farm/entry-level jobs(06:21) — Landing first job in the technical field(09:19) — Essential skills picked up along the way (10:37) — Relevant tech skills to learn(15:41) — A surefire way to get clients fast while working for yourself(19:03) — A Learning Curve: Mistakes made along the way(21:31) — Read these to become a great leader!(24:40) — Common mistakes leaders make(29:05) — Setbacks faced from not having a college degree(31:00) — What it's like hiring people without a degree(33:31) — Words of wisdom for 18-year-old Nathaniel(34:37) — Candid advice from mentors(36:19) — Lessons from the farm that helped him in tech Support/Contact Nathaniel:* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielmorris/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:* Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca* 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: https://amzn.to/3QRRW5o* The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: https://amzn.to/44omi2A* It's your Ship: https://amzn.to/3sjVm6K* The Power of Vulnerability, Brené Brown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalND Connect with us on social media!* LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedIn* Facebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFB* Instagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIG* Twitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTW* TikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2V* Join our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscord Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Ryan's dream was to become a Marine Biologist, but all this changed when the reality hit him: he didn't enjoy studying.On his journey to discovery, he realized he was good at getting people to buy things. He landed his first sales contract and hasn't looked back since then. Timestamps:(01:56) — Ryan's blueprint for success(02:32) — High school journey and how he discovered he couldn't be a Marine Biologist(03:25) — First sales contract leads him to discover his proficiency at sales (06:16) — The reality of being in management/romanticizing office jobs(08:03) — Unlearning predisposed notions about management  (15:21) — Landing his dream job at a startup(16:54) — Transferring relevant skills from previous jobs into software sales(18:29) — Mistakes he made along the way that you can learn from(18:47) — Learning from the most unexpected people; the importance of not judging a book by its cover (22:13) — Want to break into sales? Do the following (24:23) — Why dropping out of college is Ryan's biggest accomplishment(26:57) — Experience working at Hubspot(28:02) — How Ryan started and manages different businesses while working in an already demanding sales job(33:44) — Advice for people just starting their career in sales(36:39) — Words of wisdomSupport/Contact Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theryanlund/Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpca$100M Offers: How To Make Offers So Good People Feel Stupid Saying NoBrandon Bornancin — CEO @ Seamless.AINeed career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He always had a flare for tech; Kevin's Dad loved tech and, naturally, he followed in his Dad's footsteps.In high school, Kevin's fascination and proficiency with tech grew even more and he became the 'go-to-guy' for fixing phone and computer issues.Even though his big break wouldn't come until many years later, Kevin kept his dream alive by gaining more practice and insights about tech.This is why when the opportunity came, he was ready to take on a position in his dream career field: software engineering.Timestamps (02:23) — Kevin's blueprint for success (preamble)(03:31) — Kevin's blueprint for success (05:22) — A realistic salary range for a software engineer (Hint: upper end is 6-figures)(06:53) — Finding his passion and honing his tech skills in high school (18:04) — Journey to software engineering (21:26) — Steps to becoming a software engineer (25:52) — Timeframe from learning to getting interviews (26:51) — First interview experience (it was like a story out of a sitcom)(32:09) — First job offer experience (37:48) — Part-time vs full-time job experience (44:40) — How connecting with people helped Kevin land his dream job (47:48) — Golden nuggets/words of wisdom Support/Contact Kevin:X (formerly Twitter) — @kevprodevYouTube — KevProDevBooks and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcaFreecodecamp: www.freecodecamp.comCoding Phase: www.codingphase.comNeed career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

He enrolled in college because his parents wanted him to. John Davenport got a computer science degree, graduated and got a job at a startup where he didn't even need his degree. Instead, he ventured into the world of software development.Listen in as he tells Jonaed about how he learned software development on his own and how much he's learned from his business partner who doesn't have a degree. Time stamps:(0:00) Intro: College wasn't for him, but he enrolled in a computer science program because his parents wanted him to go.(1:36) From rock bottom to self-taught success and how he doesn't use his degree for work(5:20) The fundamentals: how he taught himself software development and how you can too(7:47) He became a software developer after the startup he worked for collapsed(13:57) Looking to get into software development? Python and JavaScript are great, but he recommends Elixir Phoenix Live View Stack. (17:10) All the things he learned from his business partner that doesn't have a college degree.(22:59) Biggest lesson he's learned from his business partner is that he needs to go out and talk to people to sell his product.(30:16) Discussit: Creating a new software, selling it and all the challenges that came with it.(37:09) The experience that changed his perspective about having a degree.Support/Contact John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-davenport-softwareBooks and resources mentioned in this podcast:Resume course: https://bit.ly/podcastpcaCode academy: https://www.codecademy.com/Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/JonaedIqbalNDConnect with us on social media!LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeLinkedInFacebook: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeFBInstagram: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeIGTwitter: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeTWTikTok: https://bit.ly/3qfUD2VJoin our discord server: https://bit.ly/NoDegreeDiscordThank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.