CareeRise

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🎤✨ Had the amazing opportunity to co-host a Careers in Education panel with my colleague at UCLA’s Career Center! We brought in incredible professionals from various areas within education to share their expertise and advice with students.

One key takeaway? **Transferable skills matter!** No matter your path, developing and highlighting skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving can open doors. 🌟 Our panelists also emphasized the power of networking, mentorship, and gaining hands-on experience — all things I often encourage my students to focus on!

So, if you’re exploring a career in education (or any field), start building your career community and lean into the skills you already have! 🚀

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This past week, I had the opportunity to present to transfer students at UCLA about transferable skills and skills-based hiring!🐻💙💛

Helping students connect the dots between their experiences and the skills employers value is one of my favorite parts of being a career counselor 💼✨

During the workshop, I facilitated an engaging activity where students identified their *transferable skills* and practiced articulating them confidently. Watching them light up as they realized the value of their experiences was so rewarding 🙌 My goal was to help students feel more prepared to tackle job interviews and have meaningful conversations with recruiters and employers.

Skills-based hiring is transforming today’s job market, focusing less on traditional qualifications and more on what candidates can bring to the table. In fact, 64.8% of employers are using skills-based hiring, according to . That’s why it’s so important for job-seekers to be able to clearly articulate their unique strengths.

I’m so grateful to play a role in empowering students on their career journeys 🙌

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Listen to Coffee and Career Hour’s newest episode: Navigating Career Insights, Generational Shifts, and the Impact of Technology in the Job Market with Judy Lam! ✨

Judy Lam is the Career Center Director at LA Pierce College and has been counseling students at the community college for over 10 years. Judy’s passion is to empower people of all stages of their lives to make intentional career decisions and find the right path for themselves.

With a wealth of experience guiding students from diverse backgrounds, Judy shares indispensable advice on planning for life after graduation. She offers practical strategies to help students build a solid foundation for their future careers, ensuring they are equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.

We also tackle the pressing issue of generational differences in workplace professionalism. As Gen Z and Gen Alpha step into the job market, both employers and educators grapple with bridging the gap between traditional professional expectations and the evolving norms influenced by social media.

We explore how AI tools redefine networking and communication while emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity. The episode highlights the critical role of internships and mentorships in building real-world skills, encouraging students to embrace adaptability and self-exploration. With a focus on mentorship, the conversation provides guidance on balancing aspirations with mental well-being, ensuring students not only survive but thrive in their career journeys 🙌

Listen everywhere you get your podcasts 🎙️

This weekend, I had the opportunity to facilitate a job search workshop for young professionals in and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the discussions we had! 🎉 We dove deep into job search strategies for today’s competitive market, and I encouraged everyone to think beyond the usual online job boards. 🌐 In addition to the traditional online job search, we focused on the power of networking and building your career community—because so many opportunities come through your community and how you connect 🤝 often, it’s not who you know, but who knows you!

We also explored how recruiters find candidates and the critical role personal branding plays in standing out. Your brand isn’t just your resume—it’s how you present yourself, both online and in person. From crafting a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed to developing a narrative that highlights your unique skills and values, it’s all about positioning yourself for success! 💼

Thank you to AESA and all the incredible participants for your energy and enthusiasm. I’m so proud to be part of your career journeys! 🚀

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Have you heard our newest episode? Join and I to unlock the secrets of navigating the hidden job market and uncover unexpected career opportunities 🎙️☕️ This episode of Coffee and Career Hour highlights a unique perspective on job search. Join us as we share personal stories of landing jobs through unadvertised channels, explore the reasons behind the existence of the hidden job market, and highlight its impact on equity and accessibility. You’ll also gain insights into why companies often choose not to advertise openings and how internal hiring can streamline their processes.

We’ll also discuss the immense power of authenticity in networking. Hear real-life examples of how genuine conversations about personal passions can lead to career breakthroughs. Discover why being true to yourself is essential in making meaningful professional connections. Plus, learn how to leverage LinkedIn and social media to stay connected and uncover hidden job opportunities. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you unlock the hidden job market and advance your career by being your authentic self. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to navigate the complexities of job hunting and career fulfillment 🙌🏼✨

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org
CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com

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This was me at our staff retreat this past week after we did a reflection activity. The activity was to write a letter to ourselves that we will open next year at our next retreat. In the letter, I talked about coming back to work as a new mom, how much things have changed since I started working at UCLA, and my professional goals as I look forward to the future.

I also got to read my letter from last year which talked about how things would change as I anticipated the birth of my child and how things would be going back to work. It’s surreal to think that one year has passed since that letter and so much has changed! Looking forward to how things will be next year when I open this letter 🙌🏼

It was such a reflective, peaceful, and emotional moment and taking some time after the activity to process was much needed. I had no idea this photo was taken but I’m happy this moment was captured as a reminder of how I felt in that moment thinking about the past, present, and future 🫶✨🙏


#📸credit

Get ready to uncover every crucial detail of navigating the journey to law school. In this episode, and I discuss the application components and process as well as a realistic timeline for applying to law school. We review how law school applications stand apart from other graduate programs and provide tips on how to navigate the different components of the application. Discover why starting early can make all the difference.

In this packed episode, we break down the essentials: mastering the LSAT or GRE, crafting a standout personal statement, and utilizing optional essays strategically. Hear our tips on connecting with faculty, students, and alumni to gain invaluable insights. Whether you’re considering the best prep programs like Blueprint or Khan Academy, or wondering how to present your challenges and aspirations compellingly, we’ve got you covered. Tune in to equip yourself with everything you need to make your law school application process smooth and successful! 💼🎓✨

Using examples in your interview is a crucial for success. Employers want to hear your stories about past experiences and how you’ve dealt with various situations. This gives them a sense of your character and personality to determine if you’re a good fit for the culture of their company.

Here’s one specific example that is important to highlight in an interview, according to Amazon ⬇️

💡Your Failures💡

The employer wants to know how you’ve dealt with failures and whether you’ve taken risks. Failure is inevitable, so there is no use in pretending that you’ve never failed. Instead, approach this by sharing how you’ve overcome a failure in the past and what you’ve learned. This goes a long way in showing that you’re open to trying new things, learning, and growing, which are crucial skills that most employers look for.

Save this for when you apply to your next job 🤎

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At least you know you tried right? Drop a 🔥 if you agree

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In this heartfelt episode, we peel back the layers of uncertainty that often accompanies life’s transitions. As we discuss the fear and excitement of shifting from a structured academic world into the unpredictable professional landscape, we invite you to find solace in our stories of mentorship, mental health, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Often, it’s the unanticipated job changes that provoke the most profound self-reflection. MJ shares a particularly tumultuous transition, revealing how a promising role led to a struggle with job satisfaction and well-being. We take a closer look at the value of a supportive work environment and the difficult decisions one faces when the desire for professional growth conflicts with personal health. Whether you’ve faced the daunting prospect of leaving a secure job or you’re currently contemplating a career leap, our conversation underscores the importance of courage and self-compassion during these testing times.

In the labyrinth of career and identity transitions, trust in oneself becomes a guiding star. Our final thoughts revolve around navigating the chorus of opinions that can sometimes drown out our inner voice. We share anecdotes that celebrate the transient nature of tough times and the strength we draw from community support. For anyone navigating their own stormy seas of change, let our conversation be your lighthouse, illuminating the path towards aligning your career choices with your deepest joys and values. Join us and become inspired to face life’s uncertainties with a renewed sense of hope and resilience.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org
CareerConfidence: www.mjcareerconfidence.com 

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