Paths in Progress

On this podcast, we tell the stories of people in a wide variety of career paths, who pursued all kinds of college majors and minors, often with bumps and detours along the way, to get to where they are today. We talk specifically about what you can do in college to work toward your career goals, and what other factors can impact your choices throughout your education and career. Life happens, plans change, and YOU change! It will be ok, and you will find your path. We hope these stories are encouraging and help give you new ideas as you take the next steps on your own path. Learn from our stories, which like yours, are each a Path In Progress.

58 episodes

Apr 26 · 47m JP Michel: Founder of SparkPath, The Challenge Mindset, Career Coach, Leadership Development Consultant; Bachelors degree in Psychology, Masters degree in Organizational Psychology The Challenge Mindset helps students find what sparks their interest using a different method to think through how to consider college and career path options that is different from our traditional approach. When I heard JP speak about this at a recent conference, I had to ask him to come talk to us about it! Don’t miss this insightful conversation about JP’s own journey in I/O Psychology, and how he has invested years in helping others to discover their strengths, become better leaders, and help students not only find their path, but be excited by the challenges ahead. You can find JP’s TedEx talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/jp_michel_the_challenge_mindset_helping_youth_find_purpose_and_impact The book JP refers to in our conversation is Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein For more information about The Challenge Cards, go to https://mysparkpath.com/ .
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Apr 20 · 1h 14m Dave Hurwitt: Founder & CEO of Troove, Career in Product Development for major corporations, Bachelors Degree in Political Science, Master of Business Administration Dave says there is no such thing as “the best university”--only the “best university” FOR YOU. You have to finish that sentence! Dave’s own story illustrates this. He began as a political science major at Georgetown in Washington, D.C., paired with an internship on the Hill with his hometown district congressman. Seemed like the perfect place to be for a political science major–but it wasn’t the right fit FOR HIM. Join us as Dave describes his undergraduate experience transferring to a school that was a better fit for him, despite what others thought about his choice, to his graduate work in Business at Northwestern, to his interesting career in product development at major corporations, where he worked on products we know like Totinos Pizza and Whirlpool washing machines. His experience all ties together as he decided to start his own company, Troove, serving students in helping find the best college fit for them. You can check out Troove for yourself at www.troove.me
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Apr 11 · 1h 5m Amanda: Licensed Independent Social Worker, specializing in Refugee and Immigrant Mental Health; Bachelors Degree in Speech Communication and Comparative Religion, Masters Degrees in Biblical Studies and in Social Work After considering majors in Architecture, Interior Design, and PR/Marketing, Amanda decided to move into Speech Communications because she knew she wanted to work with people. International experiences had an impact on her life and created a desire within her to learn more about other cultures and work cross-culturally in her career pursuits. Amanda’s path through different parts of the country and work in student Christian ministry and non-profit community organizations led her to the meaningful work does with refugees and immigrant families. Amanda’s story is one that illustrates how each experience along our path can lead us to what we are meant to do with our lives.
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Mar 28 · 59m Christie Lawler: Beverage Marketing Expert, Founder of CJL Consulting and The WITI Group As a high school student, Christie had her life mapped out: she knew exactly where she wanted to go to school, what she wanted to major in, and what career path she wanted to take. How did Christie go from a Journalism major, writing a story about a weapons exchange while living in Germany, to becoming a leading woman business owner in the Beverage Marketing Industry? What is Beverage Marketing? Although that is seemingly a very different career outcome, Christie tells us how she is still writing, still creating, and still contributing to her industry in a meaningful way–to the extent that she started a non-profit to support women and address major issues in the industry. Having life take a different turn that what we originally planned can often be far better than we dreamed! Don’t miss Christie’s story, advice she gives to students, her conviction to serve and support women, and a glimpse into life in the Beverage Marketing Industry. Follow Christie and her work at https://cjlconsults.com/ , where you can find all of her social media handles, information about The WITI group, and listen to experts and changemakers in her industry on her podcast, Lawler Out Loud.
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Mar 16 · 58m Angela: Animation Storyboard Revisionist; Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art From a young age, Angela loved watching The Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday nights and spent hours drawing. Animation wasn’t on her mind as a career path, but she knew she wanted to be an artist in some capacity. A series of classes, connections, opportunities, and dedicated work brought Angela to where she is today, working as a Storyboard Revisionist (she’ll explain that) at Nickelodeon. In this episode, Angela details the skills she has had to develop to maintain her career, how the industry works in terms of hiring people for projects, different types of roles she has had through her career, the movies and television shows she has enjoyed working on, in addition to sharing valuable advice for students interested in this career path. If you are curious about the world of animation, don’t miss this episode!
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Mar 7 · 54m Becca: Urban Planner; Degrees in Psychology and Urban Planning As a self-proclaimed overachieving high school student, Becca set her sights high when she applied to colleges. She was not expecting to be rejected from every school she applied to, especially considering she was an excellent student! As nightmarish as that experience was for her, Becca says it was the catalyst that ended up sending her to the place that was a great fit for her, where she discovered the career path she was meant to pursue. Join us for this conversation as Becca takes us from the suburbs of Chicago, to Canada, to Washington, DC, to New York City, to Jerusalem, and back to Canada along her college, internship, graduate school, and career journey that eventually led her to an enjoyable career in transportation and urban planning. For those who are interested to hear about urban planning, Becca offers insightful explanations and gives helpful advice about this important field.
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Feb 24 · 1h 31m Mark Hughes: Principal Trumpet at Houston Symphony, Faculty at University of Houston As a young elementary school student, Mark wanted to play the saxophone. His band director thought he should play the trumpet. Who knew that decision would so drastically impact the trajectory of his life? Mark joins us to share his story and how he made a living as a freelance performer for many years, as well as explain the process to audition for major symphony orchestras, what the life of a principal trumpet player looks like, his practice routine, and what advice he often shares with the students in his university trumpet studio. Like many artists, Mark started a side business during the pandemic, which he enjoys and continues today. If you have any interest as a performer or freelancer in any capacity, don’t miss this episode! You can read more about Mark Hughes at https://markhughestrumpet.com/ .
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Feb 14 · 54m Eric Berger: Journalist, Meteorologist, Author, Space City Weather Founder; degrees in Astronomy and Journalism From the time he was a young boy, Eric was fascinated by space, eventually leading to his pursuit of an undergraduate degree in Astronomy. During his time in college, he realized that the career path of an astronomer was not what he wanted. After pursuing a seemingly different path in graduate school for Journalism, Eric has merged his love of space, his talents in writing, and his side project blogging about Houston weather into a rewarding and exciting career. Join us for this conversation about pursuing your passions and merging multiple talents and experiences to create your own path. You can find Eric and his work at spacecityweather.com, https://arstechnica.com/author/ericberger/ , or download the Space City Weather app in the App Store.
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Jan 31 · 49m Phil: Higher Education Professional, Career Services, Public Speaker, Podcaster; Degrees in History, Counseling, and Communications As the son of a military colonel and a physician, Phil was expected to go to college. Once he got there, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, so he started on a business degree track. Join us for this conversation about how Phil discovered his love for a different subject, and how he has continued to make A or B choices along his path to get to where he is today. Phil intentionally continues to learn, grow, and pursue his passions, all while giving back through mentorship and prioritizing the important relationships in his life. You can follow Phil’s podcast, Positive Philter, including a recent episode with yours truly, here, as well as other platforms: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/positive-philter-podcast/id1223813013
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Jan 24 · 1h 21m Katherine: Electrical Engineer, Founder of Morua Power; Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University Katherine’s early love of math and a high school problem solving project with visiting engineers sparked the interest in her to pursue the field of engineering. Always eager to learn and try new things, Katherine’s varied path throughout her college experience, internships, jobs, and graduate school led her to a place where she knew she wanted to start her own company and work on projects she truly cared about to make an impact in the communities she served. How do you make a positive impact on communities across the world as an engineer? Join us as Katherine takes us through her journey and shares how she and the company she formed, along with her non-profit, are changing people’s lives for the better. You can follow Katherine @liveconsciouspower and @katherinemorua on IG Katherinemorua.com You can also find her music (listen to the episode to hear about this!) https://open.spotify.com/artist/3GtAZ3LFRXG8uQbQx36Dly?si=J4nzugvuTQ-VgviYBuP_qQ and https://music.apple.com/us/artist/katherine-morua/600061988
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Jan 18 · 1h 20m Kate: City Government Employee, Data Analyst, Founder of Consulting Group; degrees in Political Science and Urban Planning After a surprise in her college admissions process, Kate started college thinking she wanted to be a psychology major. After realizing her interests were better aligned with Political Science, Kate found herself on a path in local government, which often presented her with opportunities to learn new skills and take her down new career path possibilities. We talk about the nerves involved with leaving home to go far away to college, working and interning for politicians, graduate work in Urban Planning, how local governments are organized and how they can use data to better our communities, and why Kate decided to leave her long-term city position to venture out on her own with her business partner. You can follow the work Kate is doing at https://www.porchlightinsights.com/.
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Dec 28 · 1h 1m Elliot Felix: Educational Consultant, Author, Speaker, Designer, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Architecture Early in his life, Elliot was positively influenced by his Art teacher, who challenged his way of thinking that led him to an interest in architecture and space. After focusing on architecture in his schooling, study abroad in Belgium, undergraduate degree, early career years, and Masters degree at MIT, Elliot realized that he wanted to take on projects with a unique approach, utilizing his experience. Join us for this conversation about how Elliot’s path organically led him to the work he does today with his company, brightspot, and how a degree in Architecture can teach you valuable skills to use across a variety of fields. You can find his book, How to Get the Most out of College , his podcast of the same name, and other resources at www.elliotfelix.com .
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Dec 2 · 1h 13m Maggie: Director of Global Engagement, Study Abroad; Degrees in French, Higher Education Administration, and Ethical Leadership Growing up in a French immersion program in Louisiana, Maggie knew she wanted to pursue her love of language and culture in her collegiate studies and career path–but how do you do that? Growing up with a single mom, Maggie knew she needed to work hard to earn scholarships for college, and also find ways to fund her desire to study abroad. Little did she know, she would one day become a Study Abroad Advisor, then Director, and now be a Director of Global Engagement at a major university. Join us for this conversation about Maggie’s journey to find a rewarding career path that utilizes everything in her background to help students experience the life changing decision to study abroad. This episode includes tips and advice for students interested in a collegiate study abroad experience.
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Nov 11 · 1h 35m Noe Marmolejo: Professor of Jazz Studies, Trumpet player, Master Teacher Professor Noe Marmolejo is a Master Teacher and storyteller who has impacted thousands of students over the course of his teaching career. Noe describes how his path was shaped by his Latino roots and childhood in a small Texas town with parents who both worked in education. Additionally, Noe was heavily influenced by the guidance and mentorship of the men in his community after his father passed away. Throughout his teaching career, Noe has continued to perform professionally as a trumpet player, often intentionally alongside his former students. Join us for this conversation about education, teaching philosophy, musicianship, discipline, mentorship, and the importance of continuous learning and reflection as an educator.
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Nov 2 · 42m Greg: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Associate Director of Career Education at a major university, Degrees in Psychology and Marriage & Family Therapy There are numerous opportunities for student employment on college campuses, which can be a convenient and valuable experience while in college. Little did Greg know, that experience would influence much of his career path through today. Listen to Greg’s story about why he moved from studying Computer Science to Psychology, how he chose his graduate course of study, and why he is now working with college students during the day and as a therapist at night. There were a lot of experiences along his path, including working with veterans, children in the foster care system, and as a bereavement counselor that contribute to his work today. Greg will also tell you why you should visit your campus Career Services office and how they can help you take the next step on your path. Utilize this important campus resource!
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Oct 25 · 52m Lauren: Police Sergeant, Criminal Justice Degree Growing up in a household where both of her parents were police officers, Lauren developed a deep desire to serve and make a positive impact on her community. She naturally progressed to pursue a Criminal Justice degree and a career with the Houston Police Department. Lauren shares her story and describes the process one experiences as they apply, train in the Police Academy, work, and promote through the organization. Lauren shares how she and her husband, also a police officer, are able to raise a family and support each other’s career. If you have an interest in becoming a police officer or serving your community in some capacity, listen to Lauren’s story! If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Houston Police Department, please go to www.hpdcareer.com .
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Oct 12 · 52m Dr. Hina Talib: Pediatrician, Adolescent Medicine Specialist @teenhealthdoc From a young age, Hina knew she enjoyed working with children and somehow wanted to incorporate that into her career–as long as she wasn’t a pediatrician like her mother! Hina went through most of her college career without pursuing pre-med, so she was able to have experiences outside of the traditional pre-med track that still significantly contributed to her future path. As a new resident of NYC on 9/11, Hina’s plans changed when she fell in love with the city and decided to stay. Join us for this conversation about her experience through college, medical school, residency, and fellowship, as well as the important work happening in the field of Adolescent Medicine. In the last few years, Hina has emerged as a public voice for the field and has learned how a career in medicine can unexpectedly look much different than a traditional path. You can follow Hina and learn from the important information she posts at @teenhealthdoc on Instagram and at www.drhinatalib.com.
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Oct 4 · 1h 14m Ross: Architect; Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture From a young age, Ross was exposed to visual art and encouraged to create with a variety of mediums. This early exposure to art, in addition to his enjoyment of childhood experiences building forts and igloos in the snow, influenced his developing interest in architecture. Ross explains the vast field of architecture and the many ways students can study and pursue this field, while also explaining some misconceptions people have about what skills they must have to become an architect. From his journey through his childhood and teenage years, undergraduate studies, internships, and a graduate program, Ross describes his path and the advice he has for students who wish to pursue architecture. You will likely think about architecture in a new way, once you listen to this enlightening conversation!
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Sep 13 · 1h 5m Steph Belcher: Music Business Management, Educator, Tax Preparer Steph knew she wanted to have a career in the music industry, but she never knew she would end up where she is today! Join us for this conversation about how Steph’s interests and jobs took her through music journalism, record label promotion, tour management, and eventually landed her where she never expected: tax preparation, and all of the complicated pieces that artists have with that, from money management to copyright to song credits to studio session fees and more. This knowledge and ability to advise artists led to her music management, educating students through her classes, and clients through her coaching. Steph is a great example of someone who does incredibly important work in the artist ecosystem, without actually being the artist herself. You can learn more from Steph on her podcast, When Songs Mean Business , here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-songs-mean-business/id1592996723
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Sep 6 · 54m Andrea: Disaster Scientist, Geologist, Published Author; Bachelors degree in Geology, Masters degree in Disaster Science Both of Andrea’s parents were geologists, so Andrea definitely did NOT want to be a geologist….until she realized how much she loved her geology classes! After loading up on science courses in her first two years at a community college, Andrea transferred to a four year institution where she majored in Geology, double minored in Geography and Oceanography (which is what she wanted to pursue in her career), with a certificate in remote sensing GIS technology. Little did she know that her first job out of college would set the course for the next 20+ years of her career in Disaster Science, including her Masters degree in Disaster Science. If you have ever wondered about the people working tirelessly to predict disasters, report data about disasters, respond to disasters on the ground, and later rebuild back better after disasters–don’t miss this conversation! That love for Oceanography never left Andrea, as evidenced in her recently published first novel, Beneath the Deep , available here: https://www.andreachatman.com/
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Aug 25 · 1h 3m Kelly: Attorney, Project Manager at The Conservation Fund, Lobbyist, Language Arts Teacher Kelly began her college journey majoring in Journalism, then Graphic Design, and then her love of Literature guided her to finish a degree in English with Teaching Certification. For a period of time, she describes her path like being inside a pinball machine (can you relate?). Kelly tells us the story of how she was serendipitously led to law school, and eventually to her dream job with The Conservation Fund. She spent 10 years in Washington, DC during an exciting time in environmental policy, working as a lobbyist (the good kind!) to help secure and preserve public lands. Kelly tells us about a number of projects she has worked on, and how we can look around to learn how our national park lands and our local public parks are formed and protected. Whether you are interested in law school, becoming a lobbyist, or have a passion for parks and land conservation, don’t miss this enlightening conversation about Kellys' meaningful work.
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Aug 16 · 1h 22m Jackie Scully: History & Psychology Teacher, Host of The Teacher Story Podcast Where do you apply for your first teaching job out of college? Hawaii, perhaps? That’s what Jackie did, and spent five unforgettable years there, where her teaching was transformed. She also tells us about her experiences as a long-term sub, a teacher in a private Catholic School, a Quaker School, teaching ESL in the Summer in China, and how she valued her Masters Degree experience and uses it in her classroom today. Jackie also shares with us how college experiences outside of the classroom shaped her into the teacher and person she is today. Don’t miss this conversation about Jackie’s incredible journey of growth and lifelong learning! Jackie and I have a shared love of storytelling through our podcasts. Check out her meaningful work on The Teacher Story Podcast! https://www.theteacherstory.com/
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Aug 2 · 1h 7m Sarah Buino: Psychotherapist, Business Owner, Podcast Host, Speaker, Educator Sarah grew up in a small town in Ohio with dreams of becoming a Broadway star. In college, Sarah discovered that singing in a rock band was actually what she enjoyed more! After earning a degree in Music Education with a minor in Theater, Sarah explains how her personal life experience eventually led her from a career in the Arts to enrolling in graduate school to become a psychotherapist and business owner of Hand/Heart Therapy in Chicago. She is a licensed clinical social worker, registered dual diagnosis professional, certified alcohol and other drug counselor, Certified Daring WayTM facilitator, and NARM Master Therapist. Sarah is also the creator, host and producer of the podcast Conversations with a Wounded Healer , which examines the parallel path of helping professionals of all types as they heal themselves, while supporting their clients. Sarah also serves on the faculty of Loyola University in Chicago. Join us for this inspiring conversation about how many of the pieces of Sarah’s journey have come together where she is doing what she is truly meant to do. Although it may not be her official job title, she is without a doubt a Rock Star! You can check out Head/Heart Therapy and Conversations with a Wounded Healer here: https://headhearttherapy.com/podcast/
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Jul 23 · 1h 6m Fleurette: Director of Graduate Arts Leadership program, Theater Artistic Director, Choreographer, Dancer Fleurette began her life in the Arts dancing as a small child. As a teen, she attended a performing arts high school and started working as a choreographer. After deciding she wanted to be a director, she studied her craft through an undergraduate degree, a certificate, and later an MFA. After becoming probably the youngest Artistic Director of a theater at 21 years old, Fleurette’s journey continued to show her that the skills needed to lead and advocate for Arts organizations needed to be content taught in university programs. Fast forward to today, where the Masters of Arts in Arts Leadership university program she founded is about to celebrate 10 years of training the next generation of Arts leaders in our communities. If you have an interest to begin or remain working in the Arts, but not necessarily in the role of an artist, join us for this informative conversation about the many possibilities of working in a variety of roles within the Arts ecosystem. Check out the University of Houston Master of Arts in Arts Leadership here: https://uh.edu/kgmca/arts-leadership/ Association of Arts Administration Educators: https://artsadministration.org/
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Jul 13 · 1h 30m Adrian: Educator, Musician, Choral Conductor, Educational Events & Community Engagement at Juilliard, Doctoral Candidate at Columbia University Adrian is an accomplished educator, musician, and conductor, who worked as a Choir Director in public schools and churches for many years. As he tells his story, we return to some of the same questions: How much are we a product of circumstance? Agency? Serendipity? How much have our educational institutions shaped us? Adrian is passionate about the power of education to change lives and communities, especially for those marginalized communities who don’t have access to resources they want and need. Adrian shares with us how he has channeled his passions into his work with students in the arts, and how he hopes to continue this important work in his position at Juilliard. Whether you are a choir nerd, a music teacher, or just someone who loves Arts Education, you don’t want to miss this episode!
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