While we love to give our best advice on how to successfully earn the position of your dreams, there’s a stage of the job search process that is rarely discussed but just as important to address: recovering from job rejection. During this episode of the Work Like a Laker Podcast, hosts Megan Riksen and Dani Lauer will take you through their top five tips on how to bounce back from rejection as an even stronger candidate than before to secure success in your next search! Read the full transcript ...
Apr 08, 2025•19 min•Season 7Ep. 15
As busy college students with an academic workload and little time to spare, it can be difficult to figure out how to juggle school and career planning all at once - but what if you also add athletics into the mix? Now THAT’s a whole new ball game. On today’s Work Like a Laker Podcast episode, Megan Riksen, Grace Joaquin, and GVSU softball alum Hannah Beatus are hitting all of the bases on making the transition from student-athlete to new professional. From discussing how to balance school, spor...
Mar 25, 2025•23 min•Season 7Ep. 14
In 2025, it’s safe to say most of us use artificial intelligence everyday: to get directions in traffic, to find new streaming recommendations, to unlock our phones… the list could go on and on. But how can we use this tool as job seekers? On today’s Work Like a Laker Podcast episode, Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin outline how you can use AI intentionally, responsibly, and successfully to support you through the job search process. From tips on generating personalized interview responses to effe...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 13
It’s a VERY common misconception that your career path has to align with your major - while this may be the case for some fields, like nursing or engineering, a majority of post-graduate opportunities are available to job seekers with various degrees. Still, how do you know which path to choose? How do you know which jobs you qualify for? What if you want to explore different options or hone a certain skill set before committing to a profession? All of these questions and more will be answered i...
Feb 18, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 12
This special-edition episode of the Work Like a Laker podcast is hosted by the “Sensational Six” members of the 2024-25 GVSU Career Center Intern Cohort: Sheridan Maske, Katie Chitwood, Le Nguyen, Gracie Roginski, Shelby Huerta, and Lauryn Babb. This takeover episode is all about the GVSU Career & Internship Fair! For those who haven’t attended one of these amazing events in the past, the Career Fair can seem pretty intimidating. You might have an idea of what the fair could look like, but w...
Feb 04, 2025•25 min•Season 7Ep. 11
If you’re applying to a new job or graduate school program, it’s a safe bet that “leadership skills” will appear high on the list of applicant qualifications. But we have to ask: what is a leader, and what skills define one? Why is it one of the most-asked-for skillsets from supervisors? And perhaps the most burning question: what does a candidate include on a resume to show they’re a leader? If you’ve also been scratching your head while trying to answer these questions, you’ve found the right ...
Jan 21, 2025•25 min•Season 7Ep. 10
Join co-hosts Megan Riksen and Grace Joaquin as they sit down with Caitlin Horrocks, author of one of Wall Street Journal’s Top Ten Books of 2019 and member of the GVSU Writing Department, to talk about all things books! From discussing her writing process to giving listeners advice on breaking into the publishing industry, Caitlin unshelves all the secrets to a successful writing career. This book-ish edition of the Work Like a Laker podcast is impossible to put down once you start listening, s...
Jan 07, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 9
On today’s Work Like a Laker episode, our hosts Megan Riksen and Dani Lauer get the chance to interview one of the 1300+ adult learners that are on our GV campus; and she just so happens to be one of our awesome Career Center interns, Shelby Huerta! Listen now to get an introduction to the students who bring diverse perspectives and experience to the classroom, hear firsthand about Shelby’s experience so far as an adult learner, and get exposed to a few of the resources available to this part of...
Dec 03, 2024•14 min•Season 7Ep. 8
This November, the Career Center held our ever-popular annual Etiquette Dinner to teach students the best practices for fine dining in professional settings. From learning which fork to use to how to properly butter bread, 150 GVSU students got the opportunity to put these skills into practice. If you weren’t part of the fun this time around, don’t worry! The Work Like a Laker podcast team has taken it upon ourselves to bring the experience to you. Listen to today’s episode, hosted by Megan Riks...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 7
If you’ve ever wondered what working in a lab actually entails, you’re not alone! From medical to environmental, there are many kinds of laboratories that offer diverse opportunities for students. Host Megan Riksen and special guests Dana Vaughan, Meagan Eggebeen, and Sara Brown break down how different labs are run, what day-to-day work looks like, and what you can do now to prepare for your future career in a lab. Read the full transcript here. Resources: STEM Career Community #gvcareers #stem...
Nov 05, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 6
The problem: Building your resume with professional experiences is key to making your application stand out, but you don’t have the time to fit extra activities into your already jam-packed schedule. The solution: Micro-internships! Whether you’re limited on time or simply want to test out a potential career path, these short-term opportunities are the perfect way to gain experience without completely overwhelming your to-do list. Listen to today’s episode of Work Like a Laker to find out how, w...
Oct 15, 2024•18 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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 #careerfair #jobrecruitment #jobopportunities #internships...
Oct 01, 2024•24 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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 joined by career coach Kali Wolken to discuss the best practices to overcome burnout and get your groove ...
Sep 24, 2024•22 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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 other candidates. Resources: Civil Service Commission hotline for follow-ups on your application (1-8...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min•Season 7Ep. 2
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 Riksen, Dani Lauer, and special guest Molly Landa talk about all-things on-campus employment and how...
Sep 03, 2024•27 min•Season 7Ep. 1
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 Brian Bossick as they discuss what imposter syndrome is and how to work around it. Resources: Universi...
Apr 16, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 16
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 students. Resources: Group Counseling Services GVSU International Students Read the full transcript her...
Apr 09, 2024•29 min•Season 6Ep. 15
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 Letter Format Drafting a Cover Letter Read the full transcript here. #gvsu #worklikealaker #coverletter #...
Mar 26, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 14
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 match for you! Resources: GVSU Alumni Career Resources GVSU Alumni Career Coaching Database GVSU Alu...
Mar 19, 2024•18 min•Season 6Ep. 13
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 the Arts career community, as she discusses what really goes into getting a job in creative fields. Al...
Mar 12, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 12
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#gvcareers#outofstate#michigan#internship#studyabroad...
Feb 27, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 11
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...
Feb 13, 2024•18 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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: Handshake GVSU Career Center Read the full transcript. #interns #internship #takeover #careers #experience #o...
Jan 30, 2024•43 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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 Program Page Disney Internships Read the full transcript here. #gvcareers #disney #disneycollegeprogra...
Jan 16, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 experience at GVSU and how he was able to build his resume. Read the full transcript here. Resources: Resume ...
Dec 07, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 #criminalminds #FBI #CSI #trendy #gvsu #gvcareers #worklikealaker...
Nov 28, 2023•20 min•Season 6Ep. 6
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 Ermoyan. Resources: Post-graduation Service Year Opportunities GVSU Gap Year and Fellowship Info Read the...
Nov 07, 2023•27 min•Season 6Ep. 5
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 the episode, you’ll also hear from Ian Curtis, a Student Undergraduate Research Assistant, about his ...
Oct 24, 2023•41 min•Season 6Ep. 4
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 S5E4 - Career Fair Etiquette WLAL S3E4 - How to Follow-Up After the Career Fair #careerfair #internship #...
Oct 05, 2023•17 min•Season 6Ep. 3
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: LinkedIn Handshake Employer Showcase Headshot Hub #LinkedIn #Handshake #networking #jobsearch #careerpl...
Sep 26, 2023•23 min•Season 6Ep. 2
