In this episode, host Pierre Michiels interview features Christine Kickels, Reference Librarian at College of DuPage, who shares insights on how students can use the library to explore careers, research companies, and access hidden resources. Before exploring how libraries can be powerful tools in the job search, the episode begins with a conversation between Pierre and guests from Lime Connect. Yardena Gerwin and Alissa Brower discuss Lime Connect, a valuable resource for job seekers with disabilities in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) happening throughout October.

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Below is a general timestamp summary.

00:00–03:00 Host Pierre Michiels introduces the episode and guests from Lime Connect, a nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities.

03:00–06:30 Yardena Gerwin and Alyssa Brower explain Lime Connect’s mission, inclusive definition of disability, and free resources including scholarships and career coaching.

06:30–008:00 Overview of Lime’s Discovery and Fellowship programs for students, and promotion of their October 9 event for Disability Employment Awareness Month.

08:00–10:30 Lime Connect’s networking events, online community platform, and confirmation that all services are free for job seekers.

10:30–13:30 Interview with Christine Kickels, reference librarian at College of DuPage, discussing her role and the value of storytelling and information access.

13:30–16:30 Comparison of public and academic libraries, and how COD’s library connects students to campus resources and career services.

16:30–19:30 Four ways students use the library: career exploration, skill building, company research, and access to space and tech for interviews.

19:30–22:30 Common student questions and how the library helps answer “Where do I start?” and “What can I do with this major?”

22:30–26:30 Tips for company research using databases like Reference Solutions and Merchant Intellect.

26:30–30:00 Using local resources like Crain’s Chicago Business and Daily Herald for regional insights.

30:00–33:30 Underused resources: career-focused books and LinkedIn Learning for just-in-time skill development.

33:30–36:30 Christine shares a personal success story of her daughter using library tools to land a nursing job.

36:30–39:30 Final thoughts on the value of one-on-one research consultations and the personal touch libraries offer.

39:30–41:46 Closing remarks and encouragement to use library resources in your job search.

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

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