CS Radio - The Official Podcast of University of Pennsylvania Career Services

Our former colleague, Megan Chambers, returns to the podcast to talk about her year of major career changes. In her conversation with Michael and Natty, she reflects on how tools like career inventories and self-assessments have helped her, and how important identifying transferable skills for maximum career satisfaction. Mentioned in this episode: Career Services' Self Assessments Page Career Exp...

This week, we're joined by special guest Dustin Miller as Michael recaps his recent participation in a Handshake user's workshop, and the entire CS Radio team highlights some of their favorite Handshake tricks and tips. Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala , used under a Creative Commons Attribution license. CS Radio is also available as a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch!

As the semester draws to a close, students may face stress on many fronts. From finals to starting a new position, Michael and Natty offer advice on how to get through it all. Additional resources: Penn Libraries Destress Fest Penn Wellness   Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala , used under a Creative Commons Attribution license. CS Radio is also available as a video podcast! Visit our YouTube...

Michael and Natty brave the depths of Reddit's r/linkedinlunatics to see if there is any real career advice to be mined from it. From weaponizing unlimited PTO to understanding when it's appropriate to be early for an interview, some truly bizarre hot takes from LinkedIN users actually spark some great discussion that can be useful when evaluating your own job search! Note that Reddit's comment se...

Michael and Natty debate the merits of joining professional organizations and going to conferences. Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala , used under a Creative Commons Attribution license. CS Radio is also available as a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch!

Michael sits down with the newest addition to the Career Services staff, Hannah Smith, Coordinator for the Graduate Students teams. Together, they explore Hannah's wildly diverse career experiences and talk about how having a resume that might seem disjointed at a glance can actually make you the strongest candidate. Read more about Hannah here. Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala , used under...

While it's just barely spring, Natty is already dreaming of the summer. So this week, he and Michael discuss the various ways undergrad students can spend their summer, from retail jobs to internships. We also take a look at how early summer recruiting can have ripple effects, both positive and negative. Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala , used under a Creative Commons Attribution license. CS...

In the spirit of March Madness, Natty and Michael rank crucial job search tools such as networking, resumes, cover letters and career fairs from S to D. Did your favorite tool make the S tier?  Special thanks this week to Chris Klaniecki for technical assistance. Mentioned in this episode: Image of our tiered rankings May 2025 Undergrad Career Plan Survey Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala , u...

With spring break over, we're in the "unofficial end of the semester" - but that it doesn't mean it's too late to find a great opportunity for the summer or post-graduation. In a wide ranging conversation, Michael and Natty help you navigate being on the job hunt as the school year winds down and it feels like the clock is ticking. Mentioned in this episode: All Ivy Just In Time Virtual Fair Just...

Having finally settled into our new building and new studio, Michael and Natty return to CS Radio just in time to offer some spring break networking advice. Mentioned in this episode: Career Services Summer Funding Career Services Graduate Student Summer Funding Big news! CS Radio is now available as a video podcast on our YouTube channel! Check it out here. Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala...

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year filled with change, growth, and exciting transitions. In this special final episode of the year, we bid farewell to the McNeil Building, Career Services’ longtime home, and share our thoughts on moving to our new space above McDonald’s. From packing up to settling into the fresh energy of our new home, we’re embracing change and looking forward to wha...

In this episode, we discuss the upcoming relocation of our Career Services office from the McNeil Building to the new facility at 3935 Walnut Street (on top of McDonald's), effective at the beginning of the spring semester. We also explore the challenges students face when relocating for summer internships, including the stress associated with moving to a new city. To support students in this tran...

In this episode, we sit down with David Eisenhower, a faithful historian and passionate teacher to explore his inspiring career journey and his insightful contributions to the field of education. As the grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and, later, son-in-law of President Richard Nixon, he grew up with a deep appreciation for history and public service. Now a professor at the University o...

In this episode of the Career Services Podcast, we dive into the powerful potential of LinkedIn as a tool for professional growth and meaningful outreach. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or seasoned professional, leveraging LinkedIn effectively can help you build connections, uncover opportunities, and establish your personal brand. Check it out and see how you can make LinkedIn your ul...

In this episode, we dive into the highlights of the 2024 Austin Film Festival with special guests Pete Barry and JoEllen Notte. Together, we unpack the standout films, share insider moments, and explore the festival's vibrant atmosphere that brings creatives together. Pete, a screenwriter and storyteller, and JoEllen, an author and cultural commentator, give unique perspectives on the festival’s i...

In this episode of the Upenn Career Services podcast, we dive into Resume Jumpscare, tackling the most common (and easily avoidable) mistakes that can make or break your resume. Joining us is Lisa Giang, an experienced Career Services staffer, who shares invaluable insights on what every job-seeker should know to keep their resumes clear of red flags. Whether you’re a student or a seasoned profess...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of job interviews, shining a spotlight on inappropriate questions that can catch candidates off guard. From inquiries about personal life to those that tread on sensitive topics, we discuss why these questions are problematic and how they can impact the hiring process. Tune in to learn how to advocate for yourself in interviews and ensure a more equi...

Episode 213 - Are you recruiting this semester? Well, in this must-listen episode of Career Services, we dive into the biggest interview pitfalls that could cost you your dream job—and how to dodge them like a pro! We delve into the common mistakes candidates make—from lack of preparation to over-rehearsing—and discuss how to avoid these traps with thoughtful strategies.  But one of the biggest ch...

In today's episode, we invited Associate Director Brendan Kennedy to our podcast! Brendan is excited to return to Penn after serving as Penn Upward Bound's College Counselor. He enjoys the opportunity to connect with and support students in their career development, and he is here today to share his career journey with us!   Mentioned in this episode: MyPenn: Use Penn’s Alumni Directory MyPenn (fo...

We know that students have meaningful career conversations beyond the Career Services office. In this episode, Michael, Natty, and Lorna reflect on who had major career impacts on their lives and discuss how Penn Career Services is trying to bring a philosophy of "career everywhere" to Penn's campus. Mentioned in this episode: BioSciences Career Fair Career Champions Program Our theme music is “Th...

Welcome to Season Ten! Michael and Natty welcome our new producer, Lorna Lin (COL '26), and talk about the many career-related stresses we're already hearing about during the first week of school...and how to put them at ease! Mentioned in this episode: Career Services on Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/penncareerserv Career Services on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PennCareerServices Schedu...

Episode 209 - It's our season finale! Hosts Michael and Natty ask celebrity guests (Sam Pasco) questions while they attempt to complete rounds of chicken wings coated in spicy hot sauce.  CS Radio will return in September. Our theme music is “The Strip” by Mala, used under a Creative Commons Attribution license. Referenced in this episode: Sam's Picture Michael's Picture Sauces from Heatonist Wing...

Episode 208 - It's our PENN-ultimate episode of the school year! Join Michael and Natty as they dive into the evolving landscape of job interviews in the age of social media. In this episode, Michael and Natty explore how humor and storytelling can transform your next job interview, taking cues from comedic storyteller Parker Worth. They dissect methods for keeping interviews engaging through rela...

Episode 207 - Brewing Success: Jennie Ripps and the Story of Owls Brew Join Michael and Natty as they welcome Jennie Ripps, Penn Class of 2003 and founder of Owl's Brew, a pioneering tea-infused alcoholic beverage brand. Jennie shares her journey from an English major in the College of Arts and Sciences at Penn to shaking up the beverage industry with her innovative products. Discover how her libe...

Episode 206—Spring has sprung! Join Michael and Natty as they discuss the power of visionary planning in career development and strategic projects like website redesigns at Career Services. Packed with anecdotes and insights, this episode encourages listeners to dream big and strategically plan for their futures. Tune in to learn how unlimited thinking can lead to tangible outcomes and boost your...