"I Figured Out, I'm Grown" is a podcast that delves into the heart of adulting, exploring the pivotal moments and lessons that mark the transition into adulthood. Each episode brings insightful discussions, ranging from navigating personal and professional challenges to evolving relationships and self-awareness. This show is a guide and companion for those realizing the complexities and joys of being a grown-up, offering stories, advice, and a touch of humor to help listeners navigate this e ...
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Welcome to Degree Free! It’s our job to share fundamentals we’ve discovered and the mistakes we’ve made while self educating, getting work, building businesses, and making money. We’ll tell you how to make it happen, no degree needed!
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A show about the people and things we encounter along the way. Hosted by Carl Gratiot.
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No Doubt No Fear Only Believe | Christian Podcast | Bible Study & Testimony to Encourage Believers | Greg Ryan |
Greg Ryan
I created this podcast to encourage believers to follow a perfect example with imperfect actions and results using the Bible as your guide. God had one superstar, Jesus, but as a follower of Jesus, I want to use my mistakes, stories, testimonies, and victories to help attack your doubts and fears by applying the Truth (and the Holy Spirit) to your life and situation. When you listen, you will learn perfection is not the goal, and it has never been. You are the hero of your story, and God wan ...
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From Lawn Care to Director of Account Services at Bitcoin Magazine With Allen Helm (DF#157)
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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Allen Helm, who shares his journey of breaking free from college to pursue a successful career in lawn care and eventually becoming the director of account services at BTC Inc. What You’ll Learn: - How Allen Helm transitioned from breaking free from college to building a successful career in the Bitcoin in…
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How Pursuing a Degree Free Path Leads to Success with Quinn McLaren (DF#156)
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Join us as Quinn McLaren, a 22-year-old financial analyst at a Fortune 500 company, shares his journey of breaking free from college and finding success through a Degree Free path. Discover the flaws in the education system and the importance of questioning the traditional path. What You’ll Learn: - Quinn's belief that college is not necessary for …
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Companies Prefer Skills Over College Graduates and Why Your Degree Doesn’t Matter (DF#155)
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Join us for a thought-provoking episode where we challenge recent college graduates to rethink their job search strategy by removing their college degrees from their resumes and applying with their skills to see if they have the same difficulty in finding work. What You’ll Learn: - The shift in job requirements towards focusing on skills and potent…
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How to Help Your Young Adult Explore Career Options That Fit Their Goals (DF#154)
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Join us for a thought-provoking episode where we explore the pressure parents often feel to push their children into traditional paths. We share a moving example of a mother unsure of how to guide her son's post-high school journey. What You’ll Learn: - The negative impacts of blindly suggesting traditional paths like college or the military withou…
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How to Help Your Young Adult Build Wealth in Niche Professions (DF#153)
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Join us for an eye-opening episode where we share a story of guiding an 18-year-old to a unique career path through artisan jobs like tailor, cobbler, shoemaker, or upholsterer. Discover the rising demand for these skills and the potential for high income. What You’ll Learn: - The benefits of self-employment and flexibility in artisan professions c…
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How We Helped a Family Launch Their 19 Year Old, The Degree Free Way (DF#152)
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Join us for an enlightening episode where we share the success story of a young adult who found his career path through the Launch Program. Discover how he identified his goals and secured a job aligned with his interests. What You’ll Learn: - Importance of prioritizing needs and wants when choosing a job - Value of specific skills over a college d…
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The State of College and Finding Work That Aligns with Your Goals (DF#151)
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Join us for an enlightening discussion on the lack of vocational creativity among educators and the societal pressure to prioritize college as the only path to success. We challenge the status quo and advocate for exploring alternative education pathways. What You’ll Learn: - The need for educators to guide students towards suitable career options …
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How to Transition into the Crypto Industry with Kenny DeGiglio (DF#150)
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Join us for this week’s episode with Kenny DeGiglio, CEO of US Employment Solutions, as he delves into the importance of retraining in the evolving job market and introduces the Crypto Academy training program for transitioning into the Bitcoin and crypto industry. What You’ll Learn: - Explanation of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and web 3 and their int…
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How ChatGPT Experience > College Degrees and How to Gain That Experience (DF#149)
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Join us as we talk about the growing importance of vocational creativity and the impact of ChatGPT experience in the job market. What You’ll Learn: - How half of business leaders now value Chat GPT experience more than a college degree, signaling a shift in hiring preferences. - The potential benefits of AI in enabling individuals to focus on more …
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The metamorphosis of our political identities is a journey that can surprise even ourselves. I never expected to trade in my Democrat badge for an Independent's uncertainty, only to later align with the Republicans. With Leander Kelsey Jr by my side, we unfold the story of this evolution, revealing why primaries played a pivotal role in this switch…
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This Book Can Save You $100,000! and Choosing Work the Degree Free Way (DF#148)
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Preorder our workbook set for parents of 16-20 year olds today! https://degreefree.co/otheroptions This book can save your young adult $100,000 and 5.5 years of their life! Join us as we dive into the world of Degree Free career options. Discover the insights we share about the importance of setting goals first when making career decisions. What Yo…
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Episode 15: The Social Media Evolution - Molding Digital Identities
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Remember the days when updating your MySpace page with the perfect song felt like the most crucial decision of the week? As we ride the wave of nostalgia, Ben Ford and I, Leander Kelsey Jr., throw it back to those early digital days and chart the rise of social media from its innocent roots to the complex giant it's become. Our candid tales and per…
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What Makes a Winner and Other Lessons From Ryan’s Trip (DF#147)
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Join us for an engaging episode where we share insights from Ryan's trip to San Francisco and his experiences at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). Discover how you can pursue a career in video game design without a degree. What You’ll Learn: - The value of practical skills and hands-on experience over a traditional education in creative fields.…
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Learning Business and Marketing from Taylor Swift and The Most Expensive Colleges in the US (DF#146)
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Join us for a thought-provoking episode where we tackle the irony of a college course at UC Berkeley centered around Taylor Swift as a case study for business and marketing. We discuss the high cost of degrees and the emergence of specialized programs in fields like AI. What You’ll Learn: - Questioning the value of paying for a class on a Degree Fr…
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Episode 14 - Shifting Gears Part 2 - Changing Care Desires Over Time
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Ever wondered how a car can be an extension of your soul? Join us, Ben Ford and Leander Kelsey Jr., as we embark on a gear-grinding journey through the world of cars and their intimate ties to our identities. From the practicality of a Ford Lightning to the eclectic dream garage that rivals Jay Leno's collection, we share our heartfelt thanks to ou…
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How I Helped Someone Turn Their In-Person Job Into Full Remote Work and How You Can Too (DF#145)
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Join us for an engaging episode as we share a compelling story about negotiating remote work arrangements. Learn how to successfully secure a remote work setup by strategically planning and getting supervisor buy-in. What You’ll Learn: - Importance of getting buy-in from the right people and presenting a well-thought-out plan in writing - Tips on c…
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Episode 13 - Shifting Gears: Our Changing Car Desires (Part 1)
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Buckle up for a ride through time as we reminisce about the cars that revved up our teenage dreams and how our tastes have evolved to the sophisticated preferences of today. In our latest episode, we chat about the allure of bubble Chevys and SS Impalas that ruled our younger years, inspired by cultural icons of the era. However, as we've navigated…
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What Your Young Adult Can Do After High School and Stories from the Degree Free Launch Program (DF#144)
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Join us as we explore the lack of awareness among teenagers and young adults about career options beyond college, trades, or the military. Discover the importance of vocational creativity and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future. What You’ll Learn: - The focus on vocational creativity and helping young adults explore…
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Episode 12 - Thee Outdoors: Backyard and Beyond
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Remember those carefree days of youth when the call of the wild was quite literally your mother hollering across the lake to wrap up your outdoor shenanigans? Those days might be long gone, but the allure of the great outdoors remains unshaken in adulthood. In our latest podcast episode, we take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane and contrast it w…
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Master the Art of Asking Great Questions with This Simple 3-Step Framework (DF#143)
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We explore the art of asking great questions and the importance of effective communication. Join us as we delve into the world of questioning with expert insights and practical tips. What You’ll Learn: - The significance of understanding the purpose of a question and the types of questions (open-ended and closed) - Tips and examples for using the S…
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Ever found yourself knee-deep in a DIY disaster, questioning your life choices as you hold a perplexing piece of IKEA furniture? Well, you're not alone. Join us on a rollicking adventure that pits the can-do spirit against the realities of home and auto repairs. We'll share tales from the trenches, like my own thermostat debacle and a calamitous at…
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Repeal of FAFSA Graduation Requirement in Louisiana and What Filling It Out Does for You And Your Child (DF#142)
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We explore the controversial topic of college education and recent changes in FAFSA requirements. Questioning the necessity of all students filling out the FAFSA and exploring the financial implications on students and families. What You’ll Learn: - The repeal of the FAFSA graduation requirement in Louisiana and its impact on students and families.…
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Episode 11 - People Watching: The Unscripted Drama of Daily Life
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Have you ever caught yourself, in a moment of idle curiosity, watching the world whirl around you, taking in the nuances of human behavior like a spectator at the grandest of plays? That's where you'll find me, Ben Ford, and my partner in observation, Leander Kelsey Jr., as we peel back the curtain on the delightfully unpredictable art of people wa…
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SAT Goes Digital and Uncoupling Your Identity From Your Job (DF#141)
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We talk about the recent decision of Ivy League schools to reinstate standardized test requirements like the SAT and ACT, despite prior drops. Discover the motivations behind this choice and the impact it has on applicant filtering and revenue generation. What You’ll Learn: - Insights into changes in SAT format, such as going digital and adaptive, …
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Ever wondered what it takes to be the unrivaled champ of potluck etiquette? Strap in as your hosts, Ben Ford and Leander Kelsey Jr., take you on a rip-roaring ride through the world of communal feasts, dishing out chuckles alongside practical advice. We'll let you in on a little secret—the recipes that get you invited back are not the ones you whip…
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Keeping the End Goal in Mind and Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone (DF#140)
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Join us as we talk about the importance of taking action and making changes to achieve your career goals. Learn how to move beyond studying and research to start applying for jobs and adjusting your strategies based on results. What You’ll Learn: - The importance of being willing to try different things and make changes in order to reach goals, whe…
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Remember the days when we'd huddle around the TV waiting for our favorite show's scheduled time slot, only to be interrupted by commercials? Fast forward, and we're navigating a sea of digital content, ravenous for the next binge-worthy wave. Cue Ben Ford and Leander Kelsey Jr. joining forces to dissect the grown-up love affair with media that leav…
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The Secret to Life and Living Every Day Like It’s Your Last (DF#139)
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Join us for an introspective episode as we reflect on the quote 'live every day like it's your last,' sharing my journey of realizing the importance of incremental improvements and future thinking. What You’ll Learn: - The concept of contentment and finding fulfillment in the present moment versus always striving for more. - The value of setting ne…
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Ever found yourself chuckling at the quirks of different American cities? Well, Ben Ford and Leander Kelsey Junior have, and they're spilling the beans on the cultural mishaps and laughter-filled lessons learned from coast to coast. Sip on some metaphorical Japanese whiskey with us as we recount the welcoming warmth of Tuskegee, the stoic streets o…
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Building Your Own Apprenticeship and How to Make Employers Say Yes (DF#138)
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Join us in exploring the concept of a Degree Free mindset and the 5 pathways to a successful career without a traditional college degree. What You'll Learn: - Benefits of creating your own apprenticeship and transitioning into building a business - Tips on finding apprenticeship opportunities and buying a business - Creative options for buying exis…
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Episode 7 - Burnout: Finding Balance in Life's Demands
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Ever found yourself running on empty, trapped in a cycle of stress that seems endless? Join me, Ben Ford, alongside Leander Kelsey Jr., as we tackle the beast called burnout. Together, we share raw, personal encounters with this modern malaise, spanning from the demanding echoes of parenting to the silent, self-imposed pressure cooker we often find…
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Artificial Intelligence vs. Managers and Gen Z's Preference for Career Advice (DF#137)
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Join us for an inspiring episode where we discuss feeling unsupported in careers and the importance of seeking advice from successful individuals. Learn how changing your mindset can lead to personal growth and success. What You’ll Learn: - Importance of learning from others' mistakes and seeking advice from successful individuals - Value of podcas…
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Ever thought about how your fitness regimen changes when you swap college sports for a 9-to-5 and a family? Grab a drink and join the camaraderie as my pal Leander Kelsey Jr. and I, Ben Ford, muse over the trials and laughter that come with chasing the elusive grown-up work-life-fitness balance. This isn't just about mourning our athletic glory day…
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Massachusetts Joins the Degree Free Movement and Eliminates Degree Requirements (DF#136)
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In this episode, we explore how degree requirements can hinder qualified applicants and the recent executive order in Massachusetts that aims to eliminate unnecessary degree requirements. We emphasize the importance of skills-based hiring and how it can lead to more resilient and successful workforces. Join us as we challenge the notion that a degr…
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Explore 'The Friendship Evolution' with Ben and Kelsey on I figured Out, I'm Grown, where we delve into how friendships change from childhood to adulthood. This episode offers insights into maintaining long-term friendships, navigating the challenges of evolving relationships, and understanding when it's time to let go. Join us as we discuss the im…
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Why Hard Work Doesn’t Matter and How to Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Success (DF#135)
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In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between working hard and being in the right opportunity. We dive into personal stories and experiences to underscore the significance of aligning our actions with our goals. Additionally, we discuss alternative ways to achieve objectives and the importance of intentional decision-making. Tune in a…
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Episode 4: Gift-Giving Etiquette - The Unspoken Rules…
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This laugh-packed episode sheds light on the art of meaningful gifts, beyond just price tags. Discover the secrets to selecting presents that resonate, from heartfelt gestures to memorable experiences, with our light-hearted guide to etiquette. Whether it’s navigating birthdays, anniversaries, or ‘just because’ moments, we share hilarious personal …
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Picking A Bone with “Knowledge Worker” and the Framework to Learn New Skills (DF#134)
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Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at ask.degreefree.co/question and get your question answered on the podcast! We’re diving deep into the false distinction between knowledge and labor in the workplace. I've got some personal stories to share from my experiences as a firefighter and handyman, shedding light on how knowledge pla…
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Join Ben and Leander on a nostalgic trip down memory lane in 'Revisiting Childhood Dreams'. This episode explores how our youthful aspirations have transformed as we've journeyed into adulthood. From astronauts to artists, we delve into the dreams we had, the paths we took, and the reality checks along the way. Tune in for a blend of humor, reflect…
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Top Jobs People Are Leaving and How to Do Cold Outreach in 2024 (DF #133)
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We've got a jam-packed show that's all about breaking down barriers in the job market! You won't want to miss our deep dive into the increasing demand for jobs and the hurdles that prevent them from being filled. Discover why hiring managers can be too picky and why candidates should apply even if they don't meet all the qualifications. I'll be sha…
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Dive into the art of 'Learning to Say No' with hosts Ben and Leander as they humorously dissect the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional realms. Discover the power of a well-placed 'no' as they share personal anecdotes, tackle the nuances of assertiveness, and provide tips to help you guard your time and energy. This e…
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The Shift in Hiring Practices: What They Don’t Tell You About Jobs (DF#132)
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Join us as we delve into the misconception that college graduates have about job opportunities. We discuss that colleges have given graduates a false sense of security, and address the criticism of the podcast focusing too much on tech careers. We highlight that Degree Free individuals have a wide range of options and explore the myth that degrees …
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Discussing the first significant purchase someone made as an adult and the lessons learned from it.By Benjamin Ford & Leander Kelsey Jr.
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Your Permission to Start Now! And How to Help Your Teen Be Degree Free in 2024 (DF#131)
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Are high school students stressing over classes that don't contribute to their future life skills? In this episode, we explore the frustration of wasting energy on meaningless pursuits and the importance of parents' guidance. We also delve into the value of branded tech certifications, career opportunities in software tools, and the relevance of su…
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Degree Free Healthcare?!, AI is Taking Over, and the Other 2024 Predictions (DF#130)
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2024’s gonna be crazy! We got all the predictions that you need to know about in today’s episode. To the rise of Degree Free healthcare, AI taking over the world, and more! What you’ll learn: - Explore the concept of down credentialing in medicine, technology, and teaching, and how it has become a viable alternative to a traditional degree. - Disco…
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Portfolio Building, Seizing Career Opportunities, and the Most Important Lessons from 2023! (DF#129)
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2023 was wild! We’re going over the most important lessons we learned from our podcast guests this year. You should definitely listen to all the episodes. But, if you don’t have time, these are the highlights! In this episode, we delve into the importance of portfolios and projects for showcasing skills and experience. We take a moment to reflect o…
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30 Seconds to Stand Out?!, Breaking into Recruiting, and Navigating Careers as an Introvert with Linda Le (DF#128)
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In this episode, Linda Le, founder of Creatively Quiet and a recruiter in the defense industry, shares her experience as an introvert and debunks the misconception that introverts are weak. Linda discusses her journey into recruiting, overcoming challenges without a degree, and how she became a top recruiter in her division. “Hi I'm Linda :) I am c…
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College Marketing Secrets and $800,000 in Debt for a Photography Degree?! (DF#127)
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Colleges are the best marketers in the world. Sometimes they market to us without us even knowing. In this episode, we talk about how AP courses are used by colleges to capture students early and get them hooked. What you’ll learn: - Explore the high cost of college degrees, particularly in niche fields like film and photography, and the challenges…
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Degree Free is Starting to Catch!, Minnesota Eliminates Degree Requirements from Jobs, and Why Skills > Degrees (DF #126)
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A college degree isn’t necessary for success. In this episode, we go over the growing trend of employers lowering degree requirements and the importance of identifying high-leverage skills. Let's shift the narrative to 'Degree Free' instead of 'college dropout' and emphasize the value of a skill-based society. What You’ll Learn: - Discover how jobs…
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3 Conversations to Have With Your Child Before They Buy a Degree (DF#125)
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In this episode, we discussed three important conversations to have with your child before they spend five and a half years and hundreds of thousands of dollars on a college degree. What You'll Learn: • Determining if the desired job legally requires a degree and exploring alternative paths such as trade schools or online courses. • Weighing the fi…
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