Produced with the help of ChatGPT
Why listen to podcasts when you’re job/internship hunting or thinking about your career?
Podcasts provide flexibility because you can listen while commuting, doing laundry, washing dishes, walking to class, exercising, or simply waiting for someone. For people who are auditory learners, they are an additional way of absorbing information. Hearing real stories and advice direct from professionals can be incredibly motivating as you carve out your own path, and you can squeeze in some learning while you’re doing something else!
Here are a few recommended podcasts to get you started!
“A Real Piece of Work: A Jobs Podcast for Young People” is an NPR podcast specifically designed to demystify the job market for young adults. Hosted by Matt and Melissa, the show features engaging interviews with professionals across a broad spectrum of industries. Each episode explores the day-to-day realities of these careers, the skills required, and the unique journeys these individuals took to achieve success.
What students will gain by listening:
- Exposure to Career Options: The podcast introduces listeners to roles they might not have considered or even known existed, providing a window into diverse industries and professions.
- Practical Career Advice: Guests share actionable tips for breaking into their fields, navigating entry-level positions, and standing out as candidates.
- Relatable Stories: By hearing personal accounts of career challenges, mistakes, and successes, students can learn that unconventional paths are often just as viable as traditional ones.
- Networking Inspiration: Episodes often emphasize the value of building connections and offer examples of how networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Skill Insights: Listeners will discover which skills and experiences are most valued in various jobs, helping them focus on what to develop during their college years.
This podcast is particularly useful for students who are exploring their options or feeling uncertain about their next steps. It delivers both motivation and actionable strategies to help young people feel confident about entering the workforce.
“The Cool Jobs Podcast” is a service of the Career Center at UNC Asheville, hosted by David Earnhardt. The podcast explores some of the most interesting jobs around, with the hope you’ll find some inspiration for your own career.
What students will gain by listening:
- Exposure to Unique Careers: The podcast introduces listeners to unconventional and intriguing professions, broadening their understanding of potential career paths.
- Inspiration from Career Journeys: Guests share their personal stories, detailing the steps and challenges they encountered, providing motivation and insights for students charting their own paths.
- Practical Advice: Each episode offers actionable tips and guidance relevant to the featured profession, aiding students in making informed career decisions.
- Understanding of Diverse Industries: The podcast covers a wide range of fields, helping students gain a comprehensive view of various industries and the opportunities they present.
By listening to “The Cool Jobs Podcast,” college students can discover new career possibilities, learn from the experiences of others, and gather practical advice to assist in their professional development.
“WorkLife with Adam Grant” is a podcast where organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores unconventional workplaces and delves into the minds of unique professionals to uncover insights that can enhance our work experiences.
What students will gain by listening:
- Innovative Work Strategies: The podcast examines creative approaches to common workplace challenges, such as improving meetings, recharging during downtime, and navigating bureaucracy.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Episodes cover topics like mentoring myths, achieving success through status rather than power, and rethinking cultural fit, providing guidance for personal development.
- Insights from Diverse Industries: By featuring a range of professionals, the podcast offers perspectives from various fields, helping students understand different career paths and workplace dynamics.
- Actionable Advice: Each episode provides practical tips that listeners can apply in their own careers, from pitching ideas effectively to building inclusive workplaces.
By tuning into “WorkLife with Adam Grant,” college students can gain valuable knowledge and strategies to navigate the professional world more effectively.
“Find Your Dream Job: Insider Tips for Finding Work, Advancing Your Career, and Loving Your Job” is a podcast hosted by Mac Prichard, designed to help job seekers at all levels navigate the complexities of the job market. It’s particularly valuable for college students who are beginning their career journeys. Here’s what makes it a must-listen:
What students will gain from this podcast:
- Step-by-Step Job Search Guidance:
- Episodes break down every stage of the job search process, including how to write standout resumes and cover letters, ace interviews, and follow up effectively.
- Students will learn how to avoid common job search mistakes and position themselves as strong candidates.
- Networking Advice:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of networking, sharing practical tips for connecting with professionals, building relationships, and leveraging LinkedIn to find opportunities.
- Career Exploration:
- Guests from a wide range of industries share their career paths and provide insights into their fields, giving students ideas about potential career options.
- Confidence-Building Strategies:
- Students struggling with self-doubt or uncertainty can find encouragement and actionable advice to build their confidence and present their best selves to employers.
- Customizable Job Search Tactics:
- Mac and his guests discuss strategies that can be tailored to each individual’s goals and circumstances, including advice on how to transition from internships to full-time roles.
- Focus on Meaningful Work:
- The podcast frequently explores how to align career choices with personal values and passions, helping students prioritize jobs that offer both satisfaction and growth opportunities.
By listening to “Find Your Dream Job,” students can access expert advice and actionable tips to confidently navigate the job search process, land fulfilling roles, and lay the foundation for long-term career success.
Here are some other podcasts that might be helpful:
“How I Built This” by Guy Raz
- Focus: Stories of entrepreneurs and innovators who built successful companies.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Offers valuable lessons on persistence, creativity, and building a career from the ground up.
“Bossed Up” by Emilie Aries
- Focus: Career advice for women and marginalized professionals.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Practical, empowering strategies to overcome workplace challenges and achieve professional goals.
“Side Hustle School” by Chris Guillebeau
- Focus: Building a side hustle with limited time and resources.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Encourages entrepreneurial thinking and provides tools to generate income while pursuing long-term career goals.
“Squiggly Careers” by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis
- Focus: Navigating non-linear career paths and developing transferable skills.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Encourages adaptability and lifelong learning, which are crucial in today’s job market.
“The Career Change Maker Podcast” by Janine Esbrand
- Focus: Strategies for navigating career changes and building fulfilling professional lives.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Offers practical advice for those considering pivots early in their careers.
“The Art of Charm”
- Focus: Social dynamics, networking, and building confidence.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Teaches skills like effective communication and relationship building, essential for networking and professional growth.
“CareerCloud Radio”
- Focus: Tips from career experts on resumes, interviews, and career planning.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Provides actionable advice from industry professionals, perfect for students entering the workforce.
“Beyond the To-Do List” by Erik Fisher
- Focus: Productivity strategies for achieving goals and maintaining work-life balance.
- Why It’s Great for Students: Offers time management and goal-setting strategies to help balance academics, internships, and job searches.
