The New Collar Workforce Podcast explores the digital age's changing landscape of work and careers, discussing skills, tools, and strategies needed to succeed in technical fields. In this episode, Josh Randall talks with Jenny about non-traditional students' challenges within liberal arts colleges and universities. They discuss the need for students to recognize their unique skills and competencies when applying for jobs after graduation. Jenny also shares her experience developing King's Promise program at Kings College, which helps students find jobs within six months of graduation through skill articulation workshops and job shadow programs. Imposter syndrome is a significant challenge for many humanities graduates looking for employment; they tend to feel undervalued or struggle with networking due to feelings of inadequacy in their degrees. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing impostor syndrome among female students and BIPOC groups during job searches as everyone needs support in overcoming it to build successful careers.

Jenny discusses the challenges of finding partners for her job shadow program, specifically with smaller organizations and those in niche fields (such as forensic psychology). She has had success with the short time commitment required by the program and connecting with local nonprofits through the Chamber of Commerce. Jenny highlights how important it is for students to gain exposure to different careers before pursuing higher education or a specific career path. Josh emphasizes that learning is a lifelong journey and that many successful careers have winding paths. They both agree that society needs to change its discourse around certain degree programs leading to jobs, as most jobs can be learned on the job itself.

Jenny and Josh discuss the importance of understanding that a career is not necessarily defined by current knowledge, but rather interests and drive. They suggest that success should be measured by factors such as work-life balance and job satisfaction, rather than just salary or management positions. They also mention the need to unpack traditional measures of success in order to better understand what truly constitutes success. The conversation ends with a promotion for Jenny's program, King's Promise.

Description: Jenny discusses the challenges faced by non-traditional students, such as those interested in social sciences and humanities, and the importance of identifying and speaking to their skills.

Breaking down beliefs and discourses about humanities degrees and career opportunities

Job shadow program to help students network and gain experience

Poster session to showcase diverse career journeys of liberal arts graduates

Importance of critical thinking and framework in career success

Need for students to navigate societal structures and find what is right for them

Don't worry about making mistakes in career choices, it's a learning journey

Passion for a program adds value to learning experience and can lead to job opportunities

Consider work satisfaction and work-life balance in career decisions

Explore ways to make the King's job shadow program more accessible to students and connect with a wider variety of employers, including smaller organizations and government agencies.

Provide counseling and support for students who may be struggling with career exploration or navigating the job search process.

Host events or sessions where students can learn from and talk to alumni or professionals in fields related to their interests.

Encourage students to think critically about societal messages around career success and satisfaction, and to define their own measures of success.

Help students develop technical skills or seek out opportunities for on-the-job learning