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High School Dropout Becomes Journalist & Author of "Uneducated"–Christopher Zara | E175

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Manage episode 380679320 series 3252769
Content provided by NoDegree.com and Jonaed Iqbal. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by NoDegree.com and Jonaed Iqbal or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

He was placed in the special education system. But, Christopher Zara’s so-called “behavioral issues” continued so, he got kicked out of high school in the 11th grade. Zara still went on to get his GED and at 32 he found himself working at a picture frame shop. He didn't enjoy his job. Occasionally he reflected on the few teachers that told him he was a good writer. Those embers of encouragement were enough to spark a flame of hope and pushed him to pursue writing.

Listen in as he talks about getting kicked out of high school, overcoming addiction, finding a book that helped him to get his career in journalism started. He shares insights on building a portfolio without a degree, and his early work experiences, his book 'Uneducated', and handling imposter syndrome.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest, Christopher Zara

(4:43) The changing landscape of journalism and the shift towards independent journalism

(6:06) Building a portfolio in journalism and salary ranges

(10:29) Need resume help?

(11:28) High school experience: Behavioral issues, getting kicked out and getting his GED

(12:43) Embers of Encouragement from teachers: The reason Christopher believed he could write

(13:39) After high school: Drugs, overcoming addiction and other work experiences

(16:33) How an unpaid internship got him a foot in the door

(18:44) Lessons from the first job

(20:26) Learning about the online journalism industry and transitioning to larger organizations

(27:44) Reflecting on career decisions and overcoming the 'imposter syndrome'

(33:12) How the applicant tracking systems affected his job search because he didn’t have a degree

(34:51) Skills-based hiring is on the rise vs the strong branding of college

(36:08) The purpose of Christopher's book 'Uneducated' and the importance of viewing education holistically

Support/Contact Christopher:

Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.

Connect with us on social media!

Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.

Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonaed

Connect with us on social media!

- Instagram: @nodegreecareers

- TikTok: @nodegree

Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, or drop us a review on Apple Podcast.

Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at NoDegree.com.

  continue reading

212 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 380679320 series 3252769
Content provided by NoDegree.com and Jonaed Iqbal. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by NoDegree.com and Jonaed Iqbal or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

He was placed in the special education system. But, Christopher Zara’s so-called “behavioral issues” continued so, he got kicked out of high school in the 11th grade. Zara still went on to get his GED and at 32 he found himself working at a picture frame shop. He didn't enjoy his job. Occasionally he reflected on the few teachers that told him he was a good writer. Those embers of encouragement were enough to spark a flame of hope and pushed him to pursue writing.

Listen in as he talks about getting kicked out of high school, overcoming addiction, finding a book that helped him to get his career in journalism started. He shares insights on building a portfolio without a degree, and his early work experiences, his book 'Uneducated', and handling imposter syndrome.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest, Christopher Zara

(4:43) The changing landscape of journalism and the shift towards independent journalism

(6:06) Building a portfolio in journalism and salary ranges

(10:29) Need resume help?

(11:28) High school experience: Behavioral issues, getting kicked out and getting his GED

(12:43) Embers of Encouragement from teachers: The reason Christopher believed he could write

(13:39) After high school: Drugs, overcoming addiction and other work experiences

(16:33) How an unpaid internship got him a foot in the door

(18:44) Lessons from the first job

(20:26) Learning about the online journalism industry and transitioning to larger organizations

(27:44) Reflecting on career decisions and overcoming the 'imposter syndrome'

(33:12) How the applicant tracking systems affected his job search because he didn’t have a degree

(34:51) Skills-based hiring is on the rise vs the strong branding of college

(36:08) The purpose of Christopher's book 'Uneducated' and the importance of viewing education holistically

Support/Contact Christopher:

Books and resources mentioned in this podcast:

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.

Connect with us on social media!

Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, drop us a review on Apple Podcast and/or subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nodegree.

Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at nodegree.com.

Need career or resume advice? Follow and/or connect with Jonaed Iqbal on LinkedIn.

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonaed

Connect with us on social media!

- Instagram: @nodegreecareers

- TikTok: @nodegree

Thank you for sponsoring our show. If you'd like to support our mission to end the stigma and economic disparity that comes along with not having a college degree, please share with a friend, or drop us a review on Apple Podcast.

Remember, no degree? No problem! Whether you're contemplating college or you're a college dropout, get started with your no-degree job search at NoDegree.com.

  continue reading

212 episodes

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