In recent years, the popularity of podcasts has grown exponentially. The accessibility of opening your device, clicking on a podcast, and listening from anywhere has been the biggest attraction. Within the wide range of podcast topics, one that specifically benefits college students are podcasts on career readiness conversations and advice. Career readiness podcasts discuss topics about navigating post-grad, corporate workplace culture, professionalism, networking, and are even centered around specific career paths.
Benefits of Black Career Focused Podcasts
Podcasts are flexible, allowing you to listen on the go while you are multitasking. It is simple to incorporate a podcast into your schedule, whether you’re exercising, doing chores, or commuting to campus. A plus for college students as well, is that podcasts are typically free and can be found on a variety of platforms that are eligible for a wide range of users.
Additionally, no matter where you are in your career- there is a podcast dedicated to every step. They can offer aid in your transition throughout different challenges in your career journey, provide easy access to knowledge, present insights from experts and professionals, and are great for self-improvement.
Specifically for the Black community, hearing from Black professionals about their experiences in navigating cultural dynamics within the workplace can inspire and relate to personal experiences. These podcasts highlight diverse perspectives and allow room for empowerment in workplaces, alongside fostering a sense of community and understanding, as listeners can choose a podcast or episode that delves into the unique perspectives that are embedded into the designated career paths.
How To Make the Most out of a Black Career Focused Podcast
Think about specific areas where you are seeking guidance when choosing the right podcast for you. These areas could be choosing the right major for you, career advancement, entrepreneurship, navigating corporate spaces, overcoming biases, or developing a personal brand. It is imperative you choose a podcast that aligns with your career goals to ensure that the advice and guidance is being directed towards your future.
Once you find the podcast for you, actively engage with what you are hearing. Write down key takeaway, action steps, resources, or even quotes that resonate with you. Implementing what you hear in the podcasts into your own personal journey can aid in enriching your career growth. Alongside this, following the host/guest speakers on social media may assist in helping you find more resources or opportunities within that particular field. If the podcast promotes events or webinars, attend them to expand your networking pool. Following these steps will ensure you are getting the most out of your career focused podcast.
Black Career Focused Podcasts
If you are looking for Black career focused podcasts that will be beneficial to your personal and professional journey, check out some of these!
Student Success Podcast by Inquire Higher
- Features successful Black students and professionals sharing their career journeys to inspire and provide guidance to Black students and the youth.
Young Black and Professional: Navigating Your Career as a Young Black Professional
- Dr. Des and Black professional guests join to delve into career paths and journeys for multiple professional fields, giving advice and lessons for steps along the way.
Black Social Capital Podcast: Stay Motivated and Rise Together Enterprises
- Meant to drive professional growth, this podcast consists of Black Professionals sharing experiences within their fields while also touching upon issues that affect Black professionals and students on college campuses.
- Targeted towards Black Women to discuss the many hurdles within corporate America, intended to help Black Women battle said hurdles with strategies to ensure success within their positions.
Black Tech Green Money: Will Lucas
- Will Lucas discusses wealth building strategies while also telling the stories of successful Black professionals including entrepreneurs and technologists, and their journey within their fields.
The Black Career Guide Podcast
- Delivers a collection of interviews and stories surrounding Black careers. This podcast showcases the diverse range of careers that are available.
She’s So Lucky with Les Alfred: Balanced Black Girl Podcast
- Les Alfred delivers a range of episodes dedicated to the self-improvement and growth aspect of starting one’s career. Alfred has videos on identity crisis’, vulnerability, mastering confidence, and more.
- Social Proof is an entrepreneurship podcast outlining how to turn a business idea into a success. The podcast is dedicated to transitioning individuals from working a 9-5 to fully working for themselves becoming a free full-time entrepreneur.
After listening to the podcasts and reflecting on the discussions and advice given, if you have any career questions, I highly recommend visiting the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills located in Wilbur Cross 202 and/or scheduling a Career Coaching appointment. Whether you’re considering a major or career path change, need your resume or LinkedIn reviewed, or need help creating a plan for after graduation, the Center can help!
