The Southwestern Career Connection

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Hosted by Mike Despeaux, Director of Career Service at SCC-NC, The Southwestern Career Connection is a weekly digital series that explores different aspects of the Western North Carolina workforce, such as career and industry trends, job opportunities and

Southwestern Community College


    • Dec 7, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 37 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Southwestern Career Connection

    Peak Talks: Time Resource Management - William Brothers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 9:09


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, Vice President for Financial & Administrative Services William Brothers will go over time management skills.

    Peak Talks: Interpersonal Skills - Lori Clancy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 8:51


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse Treatment Program Coordinator Lori Clancy will go over various interpersonal skills.

    Peak Talks: Teamwork - Paul Wolf

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 8:56


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, Outdoor Leadership Program Coordinator and instructor Paul Wolf will discuss how to be a team player.

    Peak Talks: Reliability and Dependability - Erin McCully

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 9:04


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, E-Learning Specialist Erin McCully will go over ways to be reliable and dependable.

    Peak Talks: Problem Solving/Decision Making - Scott Baker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 10:06


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, Vice President for Information Technology Scott Baker will discuss ways to be a problem solver and a decision maker.

    Peak Talks: Critical Thinking - Jennifer Brooks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 9:07


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, English instructor Jennifer Brooks will go over the best critical thinking skills.

    Peak Talks: Cultural Sensitivity - Amanda Allen

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 9:42


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, Human Resources Administrator Amanda Allen will discuss the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity. 

    Peak Talks: Communication - Susan Cain

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 8:54


    SCC faculty and staff talk about "Soft Skills!" In this episode, Communications instructor Susan Cain will be discussing the best methods of communication.

    Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Resort

    Play Episode Play 27 sec Highlight Listen Later May 25, 2021 28:47


    Join us for this special episode as we speak with representatives from Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Resort about various available job positions, and learn how to apply!

    Cherokee Indian Hospital Career Expo

    Play Episode Play 26 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 33:51


    In this episode, we speak with representatives from Cherokee Indian Hospital to discuss a variety of job opportunities, as well as the requirements and benefits of working at the hospital!

    General Job Fair Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 46:57 Transcription Available


    Join us for this special three-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on February 18, discussing opportunities in various fields. In this episode, Stephanie Edwards from the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce co-hosts as we speak with the following representatives (with timestamps):0:46 - Nantahala Outdoor Center - Chris Aldridge10:17 - Camp Illahee - Lindsey Guye14:54 - High Hampton - Bert Ross22:46 - Red Oak Recovery - Bob Cummings28:21 - Hospital Housekeeping Systems - Arrie Fils-Aime 33:24 - Wildwater - Woody Woodruff & Danny Hales38:59 - Rafting in the Smokies - Rhonda VarnerTune in to learn more!

    General Job Fair Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 56:03 Transcription Available


    Join us for this special three-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on February 18, discussing opportunities in various fields. In this episode, Julie Spiro-Donaldson from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, and Stephanie Edwards from the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce, co-host as we speak with the following representatives (with timestamps):0:51 - NC DPS - Tanya Elkins6:44 - REACH of Macon County - Jennifer Turner-Lynn13:31 - WCU Human Resources Consultant - Jessica Fronrath16:54 - Fulenwider Enterprises18:07 - Mountain projects - Susan Rose30:30 - Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Stephanie Rodeck35:39 - Echo Hill Outdoor School - Amanda Fry41:28 - Old Edwards Inn & Spa - Nita Lipan46:56 - Chattooga Club - Jessica Martin51:12 - Falling Creek Camp - Kyle JeffriesTune in to learn more!

    General Job Fair Pt. 1

    Play Episode Play 31 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 48:51 Transcription Available


    Join us for this special three-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on February 18, discussing opportunities in various fields. In this episode, Julie Spiro-Donaldson from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce co-hosts as we speak with the following representatives (with timestamps):10:19 - Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Resort - Jan Stubbs17:18 - Advent Health - Judy Torres21:21 - PMG - Joshua Erickson27:32 - ConMet - Marlin Smith35:16 - Empowering Mountain Food Systems - Christina Newhouse42: 51 - Methodist Home for Children - Veronica PennTune in to learn more!

    Healthcare Job Fair Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 49:27 Transcription Available


    Join us for this special two-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on February 16, focusing on the healthcare field. In this episode, Wendy Buchanan co-hosts as we speak with the following representatives (with timestamps):1:23 - New Hope Home Care - Morgan Owen8:47 - Harris Regional Hospital - Lori McDougall17:35 - Emergency Medical Services - Todd Doster25:52 - WCU Human Resources Consultant - Jessica Fronrath30:49 - Employer Panel Discussion:32:27 - Advent Health - Judy Torres34:40 - Mission Health -Linda Anderson36:37 - Morgan Owen37:50 - NC Department of Public Safety - Tanya Elkins40:50 - Linda Anderson42:07 - Todd Doster43:04 - Morgan Owen45:52 - Linda AndersonTune in to learn more!

    Healthcare Job Fair Pt. 1

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 44:39 Transcription Available


    Join us for this special two-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on February 16, focusing on the healthcare field. In this episode, Wendy Buchanan co-hosts as we speak with the following representatives (with timestamps):7:51 - Donna Conner11:11 - Mission Health - Erika Citak22:03 - Mission Health - Linda Anderson23:30 - Advent Health - Judy Torres25:19 - Advent Health - Sharon Vess33:59 - NC Department of Public Safety - Tanya ElkinsTune in to learn more!

    Big Job Reveal

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 38:43


    Join us for this special edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a three day virtual job fair, beginning with the Big Job Reveal on February 15. In this episode, we speak with Paula Alter, who partnered with us from NCWorks to discuss the different jobs and resources available right now! Tune in to learn more!

    PMG, A Trades Opportunity, and Career Advice for Anybody

    Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 44:36


    Interview with Joshua Erickson, PMG's Market and Innovation Development Associate, co-hosted by Kelly Robinson, SCC's welding instructor.

    Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

    Play Episode Play 31 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 28, 2021 45:29


    Interview with Janina DeHart, SCC's Student Disability Services Coordinator.

    General Job Fair Pt. 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 74:26


    Join us for a special three-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on October 14 where we spoke with several area employers in all kinds of employment sectors. In this episode, we'll speak with representatives from the following: North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Echo Hill Outdoor School, High Hampton Inn, Western Carolina University, Methodist Home for Children, EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems and the Nantahala Outdoor Center . Find out more about these great companies and the jobs they are hiring for RIGHT now. 

    General Job Fair Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 60:06


    Join us for a special three-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on October 14 where we spoke with several area employers in all kinds of employment sectors. In this episode, we'll speak with representatives from the following: Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Mountain Properties Inc, Waffle House, Sapphire Resort Enterprises Inc. and Red Oak Recovery . Find out more about these great companies and the jobs they are hiring for RIGHT now. 

    General Job Fair Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 50:45


    Join us for a special three-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on October 14 where we spoke with several area employers in all kinds of employment sectors. In this episode, we'll speak with representatives from the following: Liberty Corner Enterprises, AdventHealth Gordon Murray, Willins & Associates, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort and Western Carolina University . Find out more about these great companies and the jobs they are hiring for RIGHT now. 

    Healthcare Virtual Job Fair Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 56:50


    Join us for a special two-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on September 30 where we spoke with several area employers in the healthcare field. In this episode, we'll speak with representatives from the following: Bayada Home Healthcare, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, Smoky Mountain Health and Rehab, PRN Nursing Services, A New Hope Home Care and Team Placement Service. Find out more about these great companies and the jobs they are hiring for RIGHT now. 

    Healthcare Virtual Job Fair Pt. 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 50:43


    Join us for a special two-part edition of the Southwestern Career Connection! SCC held a virtual job fair on September 30 where we spoke with several area employers in the healthcare field. In this episode, we'll speak with representatives from the following: North Carolina Department of Public Service, Liberty Corner Enterprises, AdventHealth Gordon Murray, Mission Health and Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Find out more about these great companies and the jobs they are hiring for RIGHT now. 

    STEM and NASA at SCC: Blast Off With College Transfer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 27:59


    Welcome to the first episode of season 2 of The Southwestern Career Connection! We're starting off this season talking about the exciting opportunities for SCC students to get involved with NASA on campus, along with how they can start their educational journey in a STEM field before transferring to a university. Our guest today is Matt Case, SCC Physics and Astronomy Instructor. 

    Get Your Start In Macon County

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 25:58


    In this week's episode, join us as we talk with Dr. Cheryl Davids, Dean of SCC's Macon Campus, and Jill VanOrder, SCC Liaison for Macon Early College, as we discuss all the ways you can get started on your educational journey and career path in Macon County.

    Start Your Future With College Transfer

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 29:25


    Many of the courses offered at SCC are transferable to any UNC system school. Starting your higher education journey at SCC not only saves you money, but you can enjoy smaller classroom settings and more direct, personalized learning experiences from instructors. In this episode, we speak with Barbara Putman, SCC's Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Trevor Gates, a successful graduate of SCC's College Transfer program.

    Information Technology, Network Management and the Internet Industry

    Play Episode Play 60 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 35:21


    This week, join us as we speak to Scott Cline, Director of SCC's Information Technology programs, and Travis Lewis and Ryan Carman of SkyFi Wireless Broadband Internet in Sylva, NC. We'll be discussing opportunities and trends for the IT and computer network management field, including companies engaged in providing internet. 

    Nurse Aide: A Ticket for Essential Employment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 32:38


    This week, we sat down with Donna Connor, SCC's Nurse Aide Program Coordinator and Instructor, along with Jessica Ledford, Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center Administrator, to talk about the many skilled nursing jobs available across WNC. 

    Community Resources for Job Seekers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 34:17


    This episode features a discussion with Paula Alter, Manager of NCWorks Career Center for Macon County. In this discussion, learn about free resources for job seekers through NCWorks, such as job placements, resume development and more. 

    Pathways Into SCC and PEAK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 25:53


    This episode features a discussion on the opportunities at SCC for high school students wishing to earn college credit as well as some general information about our College Transfer program. Speakers include Dr. Mark Ellison, Director of Enrollment, April McNiff, High School Partnership Coordinator, and Jodie Waldroup, Career Counselor. More information at southwesterncc.edu.

    Mechatronics Engineering, Energy and STEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 25:19


    This week's episode is a discussion on STEM and engineering opportunities across Western North Carolina, featuring a special guest appearance from Lisa Leatherman, Nantahala Area District Manager for Duke Energy Carolinas.

    Helping Professions, Nonprofit and Government

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 26:11


    This week's discussion centers around career opportunities for the Human Services field. Joining us are Lori Clancy, Human Services Technology Program Coordinator at SCC, and Cris Weatherford, Director of Social Services for Graham County, NC.

    Healthcare ft. Steve Heatherly

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 39:20


    This week we're speaking with Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, and Dr. Mitch Fischer, Dean of Health Sciences at SCC, for a discussion on job opportunities for the WNC healthcare industry. We're also touching base on important trends and how healthcare professionals are combating and preparing for COVID-19.  

    Hospitality and Tourism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 26:04


    This episode discusses current trends and opportunities for the WNC hospitality and tourism industries. Guest speakers include Paul Wolf, who is the Outdoor Leadership Program Coordinator at SCC, Sarah Pressley, who serves as the Marketing Manager for Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and Madeline Wikstrom, Operations Manager for Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours.

    Small Businesses and "Main Street"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 22:13


    For this episode, we spoke with Tiffany Henry, Director of SCC's Small Business Center, and Danell Moses, Dean of Career Technologies, on job prospects and current trends for WNC small businesses.

    EMS and First Responders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 19:46


    This episode features discussions on the healthcare industry and first responders, such as EMS and public safety officials. Guest speakers include Curtis Dowdle (Dean of Public Safety Training) and Eric Hester (EMS Instructor and Program Coordinator).

    Automotive, Trades and Skilled Labor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2020 26:20


    For our first episode, we sat down to talk about job opportunities and current trends in the automotive industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest speakers include David Myers, SCC's Automotive Systems Technology Program Coordinator, Larry Hinton of Andy Shaw Ford in Sylva, and Tiffany Tallent of Countryside Chevrolet in Franklin. 

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