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Transcript

Macey:
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Redlands Rundown, your official podcast at Redlands Community College. We're committed to helping students succeed in college, their careers, and everything in between. Today, we're turning the mic over to someone you've met before—our co-host and career readiness specialist, Sydney. I'm really excited about today's episode.

Sydney:
I'm excited to be here! It'll be fun to be on the other side of things.

Macey:
Today, we’re focusing on the services you provide to students—what they can come to you for, why it's important to seek out support, and how it can benefit them in the future. Let’s dive in. First, tell us your story. What inspired you to take on this role, and what exactly do you do?

Sydney:
I'm the career readiness specialist, and I have a unique position because I split my time between two campuses—Redlands and USAO in Chickasha. My role is all about helping students become career-ready. That includes interview prep, internships, job shadowing, and building connections both inside and outside of college.

As for my story, I didn’t grow up wanting to be a career coach. But sometimes things align unexpectedly. I was working at Redlands as a student advisor when this opportunity came up. You actually told me about it! We’re good friends and work well together, so it felt like a natural fit.

I graduated from Redlands with my associate degree and later from USAO with my bachelor's. The chance to return and help students in ways I wish I had been helped was really meaningful to me. When I read the job description, I knew it was exactly what I’d been looking for.

Macey:
That’s such a great lesson for students—sometimes the best opportunities aren’t ones you were actively seeking. You’ve been a fantastic fit for the role. What’s one thing students typically don’t know about career services?

Sydney:
First, many students don’t even know we have career services, which is understandable since it’s a newer role. Previously, it was part of the admissions office, but now it’s a dedicated position. I want students to know this resource is available to them.

Also, you don’t need a perfect resume to come see me. We can build one together. Maybe you want to do career aptitude testing, explore options, or find a job shadowing opportunity. That’s a big part of my job—outreach and connection. No question is too small, and this is a safe space to ask anything career-related.

Macey:
I love that. Aptitude testing is so valuable. I did one recently for a class and learned so much about myself. It helps guide students through tough decisions like, “I don’t know what I want to do.” You help them explore their values, strengths, and interests.

Sydney:
Exactly! When I started this job, I took all the tests I ask students to take—career aptitude, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs. I learned so much about myself. Students sometimes get discouraged by the results, like being told they should be a camp counselor. But it’s not about the specific job—it’s about aligning values and strengths. It opens up options you might not have considered.

Macey:
Let’s talk about career readiness. Why does it matter, especially for students at a junior college who plan to transfer?

Sydney:
Career readiness means being able to walk into a job interview confidently, having a strong resume, and being adaptable. It’s not about knowing exactly what job you’ll do—it’s about communication, teamwork, and learning new skills. Employers often say they can teach the technical parts, but they need people who can collaborate and communicate.

Macey:
Yes! Those are essential skills—sometimes called soft skills, but they’re really durable and foundational. What advice do you have for students who wait until graduation to think about their careers?

Sydney:
It’s a running joke in career services that students show up three days before graduation asking for a resume. That’s fine, but it’s so much easier if you start early—even as a freshman. Oklahoma is a workforce-driven state, and we need students who are ready to be employed.

If you’ve already done the work, you’re ready when opportunities arise. Employers get thousands of resumes, and you want yours to stand out. Starting early gives you that edge.

Macey:
Absolutely. I had an internship that helped me realize what I didn’t want to do after graduation. That clarity is so valuable.

Sydney:
Some of my biggest learning experiences came from realizing something wasn’t the right fit. I tutored third graders and loved it, but I knew I didn’t want to be a teacher. Same with speech pathology—I respected the field but knew it wasn’t for me. It’s better to learn that early than after you’ve started a career.

Macey:
So what are a few simple steps students can take now?

Sydney:
Start with career aptitude testing—Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, etc. These help you understand your motivations, fears, and strengths. Then, build a resume. Even if you think you don’t have experience, you do. Keep track of everything you’ve done so you don’t forget it later.

Macey:
Can you explain what aptitudes are?

Sydney:
Sure. Aptitude tests ask questions like, “Do you enjoy building things with your hands?” They help align your values and goals, giving insight into what careers might suit you. You can take these tests in my office.

Macey:
Let’s talk resumes. What makes one stand out?

Sydney:
A resume is a list of your experiences, education, and accomplishments. A cover letter is more personal—it explains why you’re interested in the job and highlights your strengths. Everything is an experience. Babysitting, group projects, classes—these all count. It’s about how you package it.

Macey:
Exactly. I always say it’s about tailoring your resume to the job. Use action verbs from the job description and start each bullet point with one.

Sydney:
Yes! Also, use the correct tense—present for current roles, past for previous ones. And keep it to one page unless you’re writing a CV for academia.

Macey:
What’s a common mistake students make?

Sydney:
Formatting and length. I once had a seven-page resume! Keep it concise and tailored to the job. Highlight relevant experiences and skills.

Macey:
What about references?

Sydney:
Always ask your references ahead of time. Avoid family members. Choose people who can speak to your character—professors, neighbors, mentors. They don’t have to be fancy titles, just someone who knows you well.

Macey:
Let’s move on to interviews. What are your top tips?

Sydney:
Mock interviews are great. I’ll pull common questions based on the job description and practice with students. Also, practice in front of a mirror—eye contact, tone, delivery. Prepare answers to common questions like “Tell me about yourself.” Have a script ready.

Macey:
And prepare examples of teamwork, conflict resolution, leadership, etc. Reflect on your experiences ahead of time.

Sydney:
Yes, and always have questions to ask the interviewer. You’re interviewing them too. Ask about metrics for success, team dynamics, or priorities for the role. Avoid questions like “Can I work from home?”—that can send the wrong message.

Macey:
Let’s talk internships. Why are they so valuable?

Sydney:
They help you gain hands-on experience and figure out what you want. They can also lead to job offers. Applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings prepares you better.

Macey:
How can students find internships?

Sydney:
Handshake is a great resource. It’s free and easy to use. Also, talk to me or your professors—they may have connections in your field.

Macey:
What advice do you have for freshmen and sophomores who feel like they don’t have anything to put on a resume?

Sydney:
Start by listing everything—jobs, volunteer work, group projects, scholarships, accomplishments. You have more than you think. We’ll narrow it down together.

Macey:
You also host great events. How can students take advantage?

Sydney:
We host events like Resume Café and Coffee & Career Chats—relaxed settings to get help and ask questions. Just show up, email me, or knock on my door. I’m here Wednesdays, Thursdays, and every other Friday in the Reuter building next to the business office.

Macey:
Final question—if a student feels lost or overwhelmed about their future, what do you want them to know?

Sydney:
You’re not alone. Everyone feels that way at some point. Life changes, and so do we. It’s okay not to have it all figured out. I still joke that I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up!

Macey:
Thank you, Sydney! This has been so informative. I hope our listeners feel more confident and aware of the support available. If you have questions, reach out to Sydney—she’s amazing. Whether you're on campus or online, she’s here to help.

Sydney:
Thanks! I just want students to know this service exists to support them. I’m here to help however I can.

Macey:
Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. See you next time on The Redlands Rundown!