In this special 100th episode of The College and Career Ready Podcast, I’m reflecting on my journey as a career coach, educator, and podcaster to provide parents with insights on how to support their teens in preparing for their future. From starting as a pharmacy technician to becoming a Career and Technology Education expert, my non-linear path taught me valuable lessons about career guidance, self-discovery, and the power of connections.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help parents guide their teens from high school to college and beyond, including:

• Why self-awareness is key to successful career selection in today’s fast-changing job market.
• The importance of making meaningful career connections early on to gain real-world skills and opportunities.
• How my signature Career Connections online course can help your student transition from high school to college with clarity and confidence.
• Lessons I’ve learned from podcasting, including overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing new opportunities.

As I pause podcasting to focus on DiscoverU College and Career Coaching, I’m sharing tips and tools you can use to help your teen prepare for their journey with purpose and direction.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the Career Connections newsletter: collegecareerready.org/join
• Sign up for the Career Connections online course starting in January 2025: https://collegecareerready.org/course or Email me directly at info@collegecareerready.org.

Let’s Stay Connected:

• Website: collegecareerready.org
• Newsletter: collegecareerready.org/join

This isn’t goodbye but an hasta pronto! Thank you for being part of this journey. Always remember – stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey!

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Connect with Sonia Cacique
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Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, I dive into a topic that’s close to my heart: how parents can best support their children as they transition from high school to college and beyond. I’ll talk about the power of self-discovery and why it’s so crucial for students to truly understand their strengths, values, and interests before taking that next big step. I also share my own career journey, including the twists and turns of my non-linear path, to show that there isn’t one “right” way to find success.

I’m excited to share that my next cohort of my signature Career Connections online course will be opening soon for registration. You can add yourself to the waitlist by going to www.CollegeCareerReady.org/course , The Career Connections course is designed to help students build meaningful career connections and set clear, actionable goals to thrive in today’s job market. They will learn my signature framework that will get them closer to defining a career major and ultimately a career path just for them!

Throughout this episode, I’ll offer practical, actionable advice for parents on how to guide their children in developing self-awareness, planning their future with confidence, and making impactful connections that open doors they didn't even know existed. Whether your child is just starting to think about their career or is preparing to enter the workforce, this episode is filled with insights to help you support them every step of the way. So listen in and join us!

00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast

00:47 Supporting Your Child's Academic and Career Journey

01:44 The Importance of Self-Discovery

03:21 Careers Are Not Linear

06:19 Understanding Gen Z's Mission-Based Approach

08:20 Helping Your Child Discover Their Unique Story

13:17 Building Real-World Connections

15:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episodes mentioned: 66. Connect with your teen using their primary love language

80. The Network Generation: From Introverts to Influencers w/ Podcast Hosts of The BEN Show Podcast

97. From Campus to Career: Leverage Alumni Networks for College and Career Readiness

61. [Student Pep Talk] Craft a Strategic LinkedIn Presence for Ambitious Students w/ Jesse Undergrad Student at Howard University

Send us a text

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

What if the first step in your career could open doors you never imagined? Join me, as I share my journey from being a first-generation college graduate to becoming a certified pharmacy technician, to an educator and now as your Career Coach and holding a Master of Science Degree.

This episode celebrates National Pharmacy Technician Day by honoring the crucial role of pharmacy technicians in healthcare and beyond. I recount my experiences at San Jacinto College, where I faced the challenges of navigating career choices without much guidance as a first-gen student. With the support of my first mentor, Chris LeBlanc, a registered pharmacist, I discovered the power of mentorship and envisioning a broader career path. My story underscores the transformative impact of mentorship and the importance of technical careers as vital stepping stones to achieving greater aspirations.

Explore with me the significance of acquiring skills early on and preparing for future career opportunities. From pharmacy technician to career coach and navigator at the Pearland Innovation Hub, this is my story. It illustrates how taking that first step can lead to unexpected opportunities and new paths.

I encourage students and aspiring professionals to dream bigger by seizing opportunities and finding the right mentors who can guide them toward achieving greater things. As we celebrate the invaluable contributions of pharmacy technicians, I express my gratitude for your ongoing support and invite you to connect on social media. Let's redefine what it means to be college and career ready, together.

Send us a text

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"