Work Like A Laker

Join Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin as they dive into the minds of GVSU employer partners. From resume tips to interview attire and everything in between, this episode reveals the secrets to making a lasting impression. Discover what employers value and the differences there might be among the seven career communities. Read the full transcript here. #gvcareers #employerquestions #worklikealaker #c...

Have you ever felt exhausted from everything that’s piling up on your to-do list? Have you started to become more negative about your work, or maybe even felt like you just can’t get anything done? These are all signs of professional burnout, which can be really overwhelming and hard to overcome on your own. On today’s bonus episode of Work Like a Laker, hosts Megan Riksen and Dani Lauer are joine...

Want expert application advice from one of Michigan’s biggest employers? Well, sign us up! On today’s episode of Work Like a Laker, Megan Riksen sits down with Cindy Whittum, the Recruitment and Internship Specialist with the State of Michigan, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, to discuss how to best navigate the job-search process when applying with the state and stand out from o...

Looking for a job that interests you, will help you gain professional experience, AND works around your class schedule? Here’s a hint: you don’t need to look far. GVSU offers countless student employment positions that range from creating university-wide marketing content to researching with your favorite professors.  And the best part? They’re all already where you live and learn! Listen to Megan...

Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve the opportunities you’ve gotten? Do you believe you haven’t really achieved anything? Do you think you do everything wrong in the workplace? These feelings often stem from imposter syndrome. From academics to relationships to the workplace, imposter syndrome can hit hard in any environment. Tune in to this Work Like A Laker episode with Megan Riksen and Br...

Are you an international student? Are you friends with an international student? Do you want to understand how you can better support international students? Listen to this Work Like A Laker episode hosted by Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick as they interview Abraham Eapen, Coordinator of Group Services in the GVSU University Counseling Center, and discuss career-related topics for international stu...

Are cover letters really that important? Well…the answer is YES! In some cases, cover letters influence the decision of the employer more than a resume does. Even if a cover letter isn’t required, it is recommended to turn one in. Listen to this episode as Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin discuss tips for the formatting, consistency, and content of your cover letter. Resources: CareerLab Cover Lette...

Join Megan Riksen and guest co-host Dani Lauer as they dive into the differences between career advising and career coaching, tailored for Grand Valley State University's alumni community. Career advisors Lisa Knapp and Lori Staggs illuminate the differences, providing insights on how alumni can leverage these resources effectively. Discover whether career advising or career coaching is the right...

Are you interested in written communication, digital and visual communication, broadcasting and journalism, and performing arts? Listen to Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin as they discuss the opportunities available for those in the Communications and the Arts career community.  Get some top-tier advice from special guest Lisa Knapp, Associate Director and career advisor for the Communications and t...

Are you considering moving out of Michigan following graduation? Listen to Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin in this Work Like a Laker episode as they discuss the many ways to find opportunities outside the state. Career Connectors, Hannah and Elizabeth, are special guests on this episode who will share their perspectives on finding out-of-state work! Read the full transcript here. #worklikealaker#gv...

Did you know 77% of employers say seeing misspelled words and improper grammar on a resume is an INSTANT deal breaker? In this episode of Work Like a Laker, listen as Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin discuss everything that should and shouldn’t be included in a resume.  Resources: ResumeAI Read the full transcript here. #resume #career #gvcareers #worklikealaker #dos #donts 

Internships can be scary and intimidating. That’s why we’ve gathered our very own Career Center Interns –also known as “Intern Row”– to give you all the details and information about the lesser-known sides of doing an internship. Hear from Tina Milosavljevic, Anna Buckman, Emily Linck, Austin Nielsen, and Parker Kuchulan as they recount their experiences working an internship.  Resources: Handshak...

Are you interested in getting high quality experience through Disney’s programs for college students? Listen to this Work Like A Laker podcast episode with Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin as they talk in depth about details and logistics of working for Disney. And, get the inside scoop from special guests Cindy Brown and Audrey Hoenicke as they share their personal experiences.  Resources: Disney P...

Is your resume feeling a little bare? In this episode of Work Like A Laker, listen to Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick discuss some ways to fill up that space. Professional associations, conferences, research, student organizations, certifications, and volunteering are examples of non-traditional experiences you can list on your resume. Hear special guest Louis Cousino discuss his research experienc...

Want a job like someone on Criminal Mind, CSI, or S.W.A.T.? If you’re curious about what it takes to secure an “as seen on tv” job, then listen to Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin discuss the realistic side of these trendy careers. Hear from crime scene technician and GV alumni, Mallory Kaysserian, as she goes in-depth about her experiences in the field.  Read the full transcript here. #STEM #crimin...

Are you unsure exactly what you want to do after graduation? Gap years can help! Taking a break from one opportunity and trying something new opens the door for plenty of experiences, understanding, and realization for your future. In this episode of Work Like a Laker, listen to Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick discuss the benefits of taking a gap year with special guests Dani Lauer and Jaclyn Ermoy...

To most people, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about research is a scientist in a lab coat using a pipette. However, pursuing research during your undergraduate career can lead to so much more down the line. In this episode, Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick interview Dr. Susan Mendoza about the benefits, myths, and options of engaging in research and exploring questions. Later in t...

Preparing for a career fair can be daunting and overwhelming. Take a step back and listen to Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick as they discuss tips and tricks for getting yourself in order before a career fair! Read the full transcript here. Resources: Career and Internship Fair Event  Career and Internship Fair Prep Site   Resume Tips  Resume AI CareerLab WLAL S4E3 - How to Introduce Yourself  WLAL...

Not sure if you should make a profile on LinkedIn or Handshake? Spoiler…the answer is both! In this episode of Work Like a Laker, Grace Joaquin and Megan Riksen discuss the many benefits of using these job-searching and network-building platforms. Learn about all the features in LinkedIn and Handshake that can help you develop your future career today! Read the full transcript here. Resources: Lin...

How do I find an internship? Can I take a gap year? When should I apply for jobs? Do I need a cover letter? Join Megan Riksen, Brian Bossick, and Grace Joaquin as they answer the burning questions that students like YOU most frequently ask our career advisors! Resources: Internship Advisor Contact List   WLAL S2E4- Graduate School  WLAL S2E7- Resumes  Career Guides by Major GVSU Alumni Tab GVSU Ca...

Should I turn my hobby into a career? Hosts Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick break down how to commodify your passions and turn them into a valuable career. If you are considering starting your own business, this episode covers key questions that you should reflect on to identify if it will align with your life goals.  Resources:  S2EP5 - Designing Your Life - Advisor Chat Michigan.gov - State of Mi...

When should I disclose my disability to a potential employer? Hosts Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick will cover when to disclose, how to identify if an employer is inclusive, accommodations, and more.  They are joined by a guest, Jason Osborne, GVSU Senior Disability Advisor. Listen in to protect yourself from workplace disability discrimination.  Resources: Job Accommodation Expert (JAN) Michigan R...

In this episode, hosts Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin are joined by guests Victor Joaquin and Maddie Sutton to help clear up the mystery of negotiating a job offer. After receiving your written offer, think it over, research salary ranges, and possibly ask your recruiter, “Is there room to negotiate?” If you bring more to the table than an employer's expectations, negotiation could land you a high...

In this episode, Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick interview Nick Ekstrom, former Benefits Manager at GVSU.  Nick brings his expertise to the table to share about employment benefits that might be offered to an employee. Listen in to learn about the ins and outs of health insurance and retirement benefits. Read the full transcript. #benefits #healthinsurance #career #worklikealaker #gvcareers

Is remote work for you? Megan Riksen and Brian Bossick break down all things remote work including which industries have shifted, how to find remote work, and questions to ask yourself to determine if remote work is a good fit for you. While some employees desire the flexibility that working from home offers, others need the energy of an office environment. Resources: GVSU Career Center Career Gui...