Career Development Episodes

In this episode, we got interview the amazing Sean Jennison, the Senior DSP Learning Experience Manager at Amazon. Sean shares his journey into the learning and development space, starting from wanting to be a geography teacher to teaching English in Madrid. He discusses his role at Amazon, which involves developing learning strategies and delivering training interventions for last mile logistics. Sean emphasizes the importance of putting the learner at the heart of everything and seeking feedba...

Summary In this episode, we got interview Dave Fano, the CEO and co-founder of Teal. Dave shares his background and journey, from studying architecture to starting a consulting business and eventually being acquired by WeWork. He discusses the challenges and lessons he learned as an entrepreneur and emphasizes the importance of focusing on your craft and simplifying the job search process. Dave also explains how Teal helps users find their career path and navigate the job market by providing t...

In this episode, Holly discusses the topic of transitioning into a career in learning and development (L&D), specifically in instructional design. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being intentional and strategic in the career transition process. She suggests five key steps to take before applying for roles in the L&D industry: 1) identify what you want in a role, 2) determine which sector of L&D you want to work in (e.g., education, corporate, government, freelance, etc.), 3) conduct re...

In this episode of Edup Ed Tech, we interviewed Spencer Sharp, a Talent Specialist at Field Pros Inc., who specializes in recruiting for the ed tech industry. Sharp shares his journey from being a STEM teacher to entering the ed tech industry and eventually becoming a recruiter. He discusses the qualities he looks for in candidates, including the ability to pivot, confidence, and soft skills. Sharp also emphasizes the importance of understanding the recruiting process and the challenges that com...

In this episode, Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson delve into the intricacies of LinkedIn optimization, emphasizing the critical nature of establishing a polished professional profile. Key recommendations include utilizing a professional photo and cover image, crafting a compelling headline, and specifying your location. The hosts also advocate for featuring a portfolio or website link in the designated section. They caution against sharing proprietary content, suggesting a shift towards more generi...

In this discussion, Holly provides advice on how to navigate job descriptions when applying for roles in instructional design or the learning and development (L&D) field. She emphasizes the importance of identifying the sector you want to work in, such as corporate, education, government, ed tech, or nonprofit. Holly also suggest that applicants should not be deterred if they don't meet 100% of the qualifications, as many companies are open to candidates who meet 60-70% of the criteria and are w...

In this episode, we got to interview Josh Kamrath, CEO of Bongo, an EdTech company that uses video assessment to help learners demonstrate skills or competencies. Kamrath shares his journey from being the first employee of Bongo to becoming its CEO. He discusses the role of AI in education, particularly in facilitating personalized learning and validating learners' knowledge. Kamrath also highlights the importance of data privacy and security in EdTech, and how Bongo ensures both. He envisions a...

Holly Owens and Nadia Johnson discussed their experiences transitioning into instructional design and ed tech roles. They emphasized the importance of knowing what you want to do, conducting thorough research, and networking. They also highlighted the value of freelancing to gain experience and build a resume. They recommended using Teal, a job search platform that helps track applications and provides resources for job seekers. They also suggested spending 20 minutes a day on job searching to a...

Holly takes us on our journey and discusses the challenging (and anxiety-inducing) interview stages. By the end of this episode, you will feel comfortable and confident when stepping into the your next interview. Our journey starts with an understanding of the interview stages, from initial phone screenings to the final panel interviews. We kick off with the phone or video screening stage, discussing common questions like "Tell me about yourself" and "Why are you interested in this role?" We pr...

In this live demo, Shaunak Roy, founder and CEO of Yellowdig an EdTech company, showcased the platform's features and functionalities. Yellowdig is a tool designed to enhance student engagement and learning in higher education institutions. It allows students to create and share content, fostering a sense of community and active participation in the learning process. The platform also provides data to instructors, helping them understand student engagement levels and improve course delivery. Yel...