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.

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

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

Harnessing Alumni Networks: A Journey from Campus to Career

In this episode of 'College and Career Ready,' host Sonia Cacique introduces Quincey Hettinger as they continue the conversation. Together they explore her experiences as a student at Brigham Young University. Quincey shares how involvement in the Student Alumni Association shaped her college experience, provided leadership opportunities, and helped build meaningful connections that furthered her career. The discussion emphasizes the importance of networking, leveraging alumni associations, and actively participating in college events to transition smoothly from education to a successful career.

00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast
01:08 Guest Introduction: Meet Quincey Hettinger
01:48 Discovering the Alumni Association
05:13 The Power of Connections
08:35 Networking for Career Success
13:25 Leadership and Volunteering Experiences
14:54 Final Thoughts and Advice
15:36 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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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"

Navigating College and Careers: Insights from Quincey Hettinger

In this episode of College and Career Ready, host Sonia Cacique interviews Quincey, a resilient individual who successfully transitioned from high school to college and then into a fulfilling career at PepsiCo. Quincey shares her journey from entering college undecided and utilizing resources such as clubs, career development classes, and real-world networking to find her career path. She discusses the importance of exploring interests, leveraging connections, and being patient with self-assessment to build a successful career. Quincey also provides advice for students facing challenges in their career journey, emphasizing resilience and proactive networking.

00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast

00:35 Meet Quincey: From Undecided Major to Career Success

01:17 Quincey's High School Journey and College Decision

05:30 Exploring Majors and Career Development in College

06:32 Navigating College Clubs and Career Choices

13:43 Quincey's Post-College Career Path

19:39 Overcoming Career Challenges and Finding the Right Fit

26:31 Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement

28:43 Closing Remarks and How to Connect

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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, host Sonia Cacique welcomes Khalil Vinson, the founder and CEO of TechFest Live. Khalil shares his mission to bridge the technology gap for black and brown students through TechFest Live, an ed-tech nonprofit organization. They discuss the importance of identifying student interests, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the broad opportunities technology offers across various industries. Khalil also provides insights into the upcoming TechFest Expo on November 8th at the University of Houston, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship in navigating tech careers.

00:00 Introduction to College and Career Ready Podcast
00:39 Meet Khalil Vinson: Bridging the Technology Gap
03:13 Exploring Tech Education and Career Opportunities
05:00 Identifying Interests and Leveraging Technology
17:26 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Mentors
24:18 The Future of Technology and Inclusivity
27:03 TechFest Live: Empowering the Community
34:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information on Tech Fest Live: https://techfestlive.com/

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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, we sit down with Sophia, a high school senior from Turner College and Career High School in Pearland, TX.

Sophia shares her inspiring journey of discovering her passion in STEM during her junior year. Like many students, Sophia wasn’t always sure what she wanted to pursue, despite trying various activities like sports, arts, and writing. It wasn’t until she took a CAD course at Alvin Community College that she found her true calling in engineering and robotics.

Throughout this episode, Sophia discusses the challenges and uncertainties she faced while searching for her passion. She also shares valuable insights on the importance of exploring different interests, developing soft skills, and the role of perseverance in finding one’s true path. Her story is a powerful reminder that the journey to discovering your passion is just as important as the destination.

Key Takeaways:
- The importance of exploring various interests to find your true passion.
- How taking a CAD course led Sophia to discover her love for engineering and robotics.
- The value of soft skills, mentorship, and not focusing solely on GPA in personal and professional growth.
- Encouragement for students who are unsure about their future paths.

Resources Mentioned:
- Alvin Community College CAD
- Robotics Clubs and STEM Programs

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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"

Embrace a Fresh Start: Top 3 Tips for Your New School Year!

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, host Sonia Cacique, shares invaluable insights to help students make a successful transition into the new school year. Sonia discusses the top three focus areas that can enhance your academic and personal growth.

Don't miss out on this chance to start a fresh new school year and make meaningful strides in your educational journey. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiring tips to kick off the year on the right foot.

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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"

Unlocking College Success: Expert Tips on Choosing the Right College

In this episode of the College and Career Ready podcast, Coach Sonia spoke with her special guest Michelle McAnaney, founder and lead independent educational consultant of the College Spy. Michelle shares invaluable insights on the college selection process, discussing factors such as return on investment, understanding various college cultures, and the importance of finding a school that fits a student's unique needs. She emphasizes the benefit of hidden gem colleges and the practical importance of in-person campus visits. This episode is packed with essential advice for high school students and their families navigating the college admissions journey, highlighting the need for thorough research and self-reflection to make well-informed decisions.

00:00 Introduction to the College and Career Ready Podcast
00:36 Meet Michelle McAnaney: Founder of The College Spy
02:22 Understanding Return on Investment in College Selection
06:20 The Importance of College Fit Over Name Brand
15:36 Creating a Personalized College List
23:10 The Value of Campus Visits and Virtual Tours
28:32 Discovering Hidden Gem Colleges
36:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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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"

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"