Indiana University Career Exploration and Student Employment

Major Choices

Education EN ↓ 71 episodes

Major Choices is a podcast that helps you design the career you want. With each episode you’ll get a quick booster shot of career confidence to get you launched towards a fulfilling career. Hosted by our career peer team, Major Choices is a podcast from the Career Exploration & Student Employment office at Indiana University.

Author

Indiana University Career Exploration and Student Employment

Category

Education

Podcast website

cdc.indiana.edu

Latest episode

Apr 10, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 64: From Awkward to Effective: Learning to Network with Alumni 10.04.2026

Networking can feel awkward, especially when you’re reaching out to people you’ve never met before. In this episode, Mallory, Jed, and Leila break down how students can connect with alumni in a professional and meaningful way. From understanding what networking actually means to learning how to send effective messages on LinkedIn, this episode provides practical guidance for starting conversations...

Episode 63: Picking Classes that Matter 23.03.2026

Your schedule isn’t just about graduation requirements; it’s about building the skills employers want. In this episode, Mallory, Jed, and Leila walk IU students through how to decode scheduling classes, balance required classes with exploration, and choose courses that develop communication, critical thinking, and leadership. Whether you're exploratory, pre-business, or pre-nursing, learn how...

Episode 62: From Panic to Prepared: Mastering Interviews 02.03.2026

Interview invites for summer are starting to roll in, are you ready? In this episode, Mallory, Jed, and Leila break down common interview nightmares students face and exactly how to fix them. From mastering the STAR method to answering the “greatest weakness” question with confidence, plus Zoom etiquette tips and how to use the StandOut platform, this is your practical guide to walking into interv...

Episode 61: Plan A, Plan B, and Plan You: Parallel Planning 14.02.2026

Starting college at Indiana University with dreams of Kelley or Nursing? This episode breaks down what “limited capacity” really means and how to parallel plan like a pro from day one. Mallory, Leila, and Jed share honest advice on building backup plans, preparing mentally for every outcome, and navigating tough conversations with family. Whether you’re confident, anxious, or somewhere in between,...

Episode 60: Surviving Syllabus Week 30.01.2026

Syllabus week feels chill, until it isn’t. In this episode, Mallory, Leila, and Jed break down how to hack syllabus week so the rest of your semester doesn’t spiral. From putting every assignment into one calendar, to calculating the grades you need to hit your GPA goals, to confidently introducing yourself to professors in week one, this episode covers it all. Whether you’re a freshman or just tr...

Episode 59: Take Your Break and Take Charge of Your Future 12.12.2025

In the semester finale of Major Choices, Mallory, Brayden, and Jed dive deep into how underclassmen can use time off to improve their college experience and career readiness, without sacrificing rest, fun, or sanity. From low-pressure career exploration to tiny projects that actually pay off, the trio breaks down simple, realistic ways to level up during break while still giving yourself permissio...

Episode 58: Pivot Point - Changing Your Major Without the Panic 21.11.2025

This episode dives into the real experience of realizing your major might not be the right fit after your first semester or year in college. Mallory, Brayden, and Jed break down how to recognize that feeling, explore new paths, and talk through the logistics with advisors. They also share honest strategies for navigating tough conversations with parents and surviving the classic Thanksgiving “So w...

Episode 57: Scary Next Steps 07.11.2025

In today’s episode, Mallory, Brayden, and Jed talk about the scary next steps , from navigating networking events that make your palms sweat to landing (and surviving) your first internship. They share real stories, awkward moments, and practical tips for making professional connections without losing your sense of self. Plus, they dig into how to take care of your mental health along the way, bec...

Episode 56: Running on Empty: College Burnout and How to Bounce Back 20.10.2025

This week, Jed, Mallory, and Brayden dive into the realities of college burnout that often hits students midway through the semester. With insights from mental health experts, time management tips, and research-backed advice on self-care, the trio explores practical ways to regain motivation and balance. They discuss how to spot early signs of burnout, build sustainable study habits, and redefine...

Episode 55: AI on Campus: Using Generative AI Responsibly in College 03.10.2025

On today's episode of Major Choices, Brayden, Jed, and Mallory talk about something getting a lot of buzz on campus these days: GenAI-101. Plus, learn a few extra tips on how to use AI responsibly as a college student. 

Episode 54: Thriving Through the Pressure: Limited Capacity Majors & Self-Care 22.09.2025

Season 6: Ep 1  Applying to limited capacity majors at your school can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Major Choices, Mallory and Jed are joined by new co-host, Brayden, as they share practical tips for studying smarter, managing stress, and finding balance, so you can set yourself up for success without burning out. Whether you’re eyeing a competitive program or just adjusting to life in co...

Episode 53: Major Moves: Tapping Into Career Resources 05.05.2025

In todays episode, Mallory, Jed, and Treston give an in-depth overview of the resources available on the Career Exploration and Student Employment Center’s website. From resumes and cover letters, to career questions geared for specific minority groups, they highlight various aspects that can benefit you today. Additionally, Mallory interviews sophomore Kaden Sheffield, who had hands-on experience...

Episode 52: Celebrating 50 Episodes--where we have been and what we've learned! 28.03.2025

For today’s episode, Mallory, Jed, and Treston celebrate the 50th episode of Major Choices after a spring break hiatus. From faculty started to now being 100% student run, the podcast has seen various forms of growth that have helped students from all of the world! Listen now as we recap some of our best tips, funny stories, and surprise metrics! (Update: as of March 2025, Major Choices have 12,21...

Episode 51: Mastering NACE: Navigating the Core Competencies for Career Success 28.02.2025

Mallory, Jed, and Treston meet to discuss the list of competencies created by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), which measures the skills that recruiters value as a student transitions into the workforce. Listen for our examples, stories and detailed descriptions so you can master the competencies.  Major Choices is joined by special guest Alex King, an IU student who is a...

Episode 50: Finding Your Summer Job: Standing Out and Setting Yourself Up for Success 14.02.2025

As the school year rounds up within the next couple of months, the mindset of students is often focused on all that comes with summer – warm weather, back-home friends, seeing your pets, and... jobs.  While the time to land the dream-internship is in the past, you can make the most of your time prepare for the summer when your dreams come true. This week, we will talk you through how you can take...

Episode 49--Turning Rejection into Redirection 31.01.2025

Jed and Mallory welcome a new voice on major choices, Treston, as they discuss how to cope with not meeting the threshold for admission into The Kelley School of Business here at IU Bloomington. This episode breaks down some of the feelings students may be feeling, and help them answer the question of “what do I do now?” Tune in as Jed, Mallory, and Treston help you make the most of the new opport...

Episode 48: Off the Beaten Path: Unique Jobs and Unique Majors 09.12.2024

Ever pursued a major or career path that makes people raise their eyebrows? This podcast explores unconventional jobs, offbeat majors, and the people bold enough to follow their passions. From art conservators to theme park designers, we dive into unique stories, bust stereotypes, and uncover how these paths can lead to fulfilling, surprising, and successful careers. Perfect for anyone asking—or a...

Episode 47: Shady Hires: The Dark Side of Job Hunting 18.11.2024

Join hosts Mallory, Lina, and Jed as they dive into the murky world of fraudulent job offers, phantom employers, and shady recruitment practices. This episode breaks down red flags you should watch for and offers expert advice on staying safe in today’s job market. From too-good-to-be-true offers to recruitment schemes and fake remote gigs, Mallory, Lina, and Jed shed light on the dark side of job...

Episode 46--Campus Connections: How First-Year Students Can Build Skills and Networks 04.11.2024

In this episode of Major Choices , Lina, Jed, and Mallory discuss how first-year college students can gain valuable experience by getting involved on campus. They offer tips on balancing academics with extracurriculars, finding the right activities, and building a network that aligns with career goals. This episode is a must-listen for new students eager to make the most of college opportunities! 

Episode 45: Unlocking Career Clarity: The Power of Values, Interests, Personality & Skills 21.10.2024

In this episode of Major Choices , we dive into the four pillars of career satisfaction—values, interests, personality, and skills. Discover how understanding what matters most to you, what excites you, how you naturally think and behave, and where your strengths lie can guide you toward a fulfilling career. Whether you're just starting out or considering a change, we'll share practical...

Episode 44--Choosing Between Passion and Paycheck: Can You Have Both? 07.10.2024

In this episode of Major Choices , we discuss one of the biggest dilemmas many face: choosing between a stable career and one driven by passion. Is it possible to have both? We’ll break down the pros and cons of each path, share tips on how to find a balance between financial security and personal fulfillment, and explore strategies for integrating your passions into a stable career. In the second...

Season 6--Episode 43: Blueprint for Success: Thriving in College from Day One 24.09.2024

Welcome to a new season of the Major Choices  where Jed, Lina & Mallory take the over the mic and production of podcast! In this first episode back, we dive into essential strategies for a successful college experience such as  discussing effective study techniques to help you master your coursework and retain information and how to keep an impressive resume updated, showcasing your skills and...

Episode 42--MINOR CHOICES: Shift Happens: The Future of the Workplace 26.04.2024

Discover the future of work with Lina and Jed in the latest Minor Choices podcast! Dive into trends, challenges, and opportunities as we navigate the evolving landscape, offering insight to empower listeners for success in this rapidly changing workplace. 

Episode 41--MINOR CHOICES: Hard Skills or Soft Skills? Here’s the Hard Truth. 05.04.2024

In this episode of Minor Choices, Jed & Lina explore the essential balance between hard and soft skills in career advancement. We delve into the significance of hard skills, such as technical proficiencies and specialized knowledge, and the nuanced importance of soft skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Join us as we uncover how this combination of abilities con...

Episode 40: We Don't Have Marketable Experience! 29.03.2024

In this week’s episode, Rachel and Shawn dive into the challenge of limited work experience in conversation with Rebekah Stergar, Sr. Assistant Director of Student Employment. Rebekah shares invaluable tips on how to transform limited experience into a powerful asset. Through the magic of reflection, she’ll guide you in leveraging your skills toward a more aligned career goal.  Mallory Rodruck tak...

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