You know, you can have all the technical knowledge in the world, a stellar GPA, and impressive credentials, but if you can't communicate effectively, work as part of a team, or present yourself professionally, you're missing that critical transmission that gets all that horsepower to the wheels. Today, I'm joined by Tracy Engstrom, Coordinator of Career Development at Carl Sandburg College, who has spent the last 15 years helping students bridge that gap between academic achievement and workplace success.
Tracy's story is fascinating—from growing up on a farm to working as a cosmetologist in North Dakota, to finding her true calling in career development. What I love about her approach is how she helps students see that they already have more going for them than they realize. Whether it's learning the CART method for storytelling in interviews, understanding why you shouldn't season your food before tasting it at a business dinner, or discovering that "good enough" can actually be better than perfectionism, Tracy brings a wealth of practical wisdom to every interaction.
We'll explore her Employability Skills Academy, dive into the importance of digital footprints in today's hiring landscape, and discover how farm-grown work ethic translates into professional success. Plus, Tracy shares some remarkable success stories that will remind you why this work matters so deeply. So settle in as we learn what it really takes to prepare students not just for jobs, but for careers that can transform their lives.
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