Best ROCS Grad Staffing Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 58: Regret or Adjustment? Making Sense of a New Job 17:31

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2M ago17:31

17:31

Episode 58: Regret or Adjustment? How to Handle New Job Anxiety Starting a new job and already questioning your decision? In this episode of Leaving the Nest, we explore the common signs of new job regret, how to tell if what you're feeling is just part of the adjustment period, and how to navigate the uncertainty with confidence and professionalis…

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Episode 57: You Accepted the Job—Here's What Happens Next 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

Let's take a moment to discuss the steps and considerations that are involved after accepting a job offer, from the perspective of both the employee and the employer. We'll highlight why it's so important to be proactive and responsive during the onboarding process, as this is still part of the "first impression" stage! I'll outline several key ste…

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Episode 56: From Offer to Onboarding: Navigating Background Checks 30:09

4M ago30:09

30:09

One of the final steps in the hiring process that can cause a lot of stress and anxiety is the pre-employment background check which is why I am thrilled to be bringing you this conversation with Kristy Wheeler-Scott, an HR professional with over 8 years of experience, to get the inside scoop on what to expect! Kristy explains that background check…

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Episode 55: Final Interviews: Don't Celebrate Too Soon 22:51

5M ago22:51

22:51

You have made it to the final round of interviews! Congratulations are in order for making it this far, especially since that means that you definitely have the job, right? Wrong. Just because you have made it to the final round of interviews does not mean that it's time to mentally accept the job, and in this episode, I am breaking down the very r…

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Episode 54: Eyes on You: Winning Over the Panel 12:17

6M ago12:17

12:17

Let's talk this week about the dreaded panel interview. Yes, the panel interview, the one where you're the only person on one side of the table (or Zoom screen), and there are four or five people staring at you from the other side, shooting rapid-fire questions at you. I know; this doesn't sound fun, but that's why I am doing this episode of Leavin…

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Episode 53: Standing Out in the Crowd: Mastering Group Interviews 20:36

8M ago20:36

20:36

This episode is one that I know a lot of you have asked about because, let's be honest, group interviews are intimidating. They're uncomfortable, they're high-pressure, and half the time you walk in wondering if you're supposed to treat the other candidates like competition or potential coworkers. If you've never been a part of a group interview, y…

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Episode 52: How to Lose a Job in 10 Days 27:49

9M ago27:49

27:49

Thanks for tuning back in to Leaving the Nest, dear listeners! Join me for this episode as I discuss a topic that might sound a bit tongue-in-cheek at first: how to lose a job in 10 days (inspired, of course, by the 2003 rom-com How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)! Of course, I am not actually setting you up for failure; instead, we will focus on what NO…

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Episode 51: Career Fair Crash Course with Devin Jones 49:25

9M ago49:25

49:25

Welcome back to Leaving The Nest! I am so happy to have Devin Jones from episode 13 join the show again, this time to talk about how to make the most out of your first career fair experience! We share some helpful tips that will help you present your best self to employers, everything from your attire to your elevator pitch. Devin has truly seen it…

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Episode 50: ROCS a Year in Review: 2024 53:21

10M ago53:21

53:21

I am so thrilled to be bringing you this milestone of Leaving the Nest - the 50th episode! Today I am joined by fellow ROCS colleague Kaitlin Hawes as we take some time to reflect on the highlights of 2024 from career advancements to personal triumphs. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane discussing a year full of growth and change! Kaitlin s…

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Episode 49: Left on Read - The Truth Behind Employers Ghosting 13:29

1y ago13:29

13:29

What better time is there to talk about being ghosted by potential employers than during spooky season? Ghosting isn't just something that happens in the dating world; it can also occur after you've gone through multiple interviews and feel confident that the job is yours. Maybe you have discussed start dates or salary, only for the hiring manager …

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Episode 48: ROCStar References - Elevate Your Career with the Right Endorsements 19:37

1y ago19:37

19:37

Join me for this episode as I take on the far too often overlooked but crucial aspect of job applications: providing professional references. As you approach the final stages of your job search, the right references can truly play a pivotal role in solidifying the positive impression that you have already made. You will learn how to select, prepare…

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Episode 47: First Impressions Matter - Why Your Headshot Counts 18:06

1y ago18:06

18:06

Welcome back! In today's episode, I'm excited to reconnect with you one-on-one! I've had the pleasure of hosting many incredible guests recently, but today, I'm diving into an essential topic for anyone looking to build a strong personal brand: professional headshots. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a great headshot from a professional pho…

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Episode 46: Your Major Doesn't Define You with Aishwarya Nagy 28:22

1+ y ago28:22

28:22

Tune in to this episode as I chat with Aishwarya Nagy who shares her fascinating journey from studying criminology and pre-law at George Mason University to landing a role at Google in a completely different field. We discuss her experiences as a student, a ROCStar Intern, her early career struggles, and the pivotal moments that led her to where sh…

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Episode 45: Navigating Career Success: Insights on Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Internships with Meg Kadrmas 39:44

1+ y ago39:44

39:44

Join me for this episode as I sit down with Meg Kadrmas, an Internship Coordinator with extensive experience in career counseling and talent development. We tackle a plethora of topics essential for anyone navigating the job market, from resume writing and job searching strategies to interview preparation and the value of internships. Meg shares in…

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Episode 44: Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile with Returning Guest, Chris Ricci 34:32

1+ y ago34:32

34:32

Join me as Career Coach Chris Ricci returns to the podcast to discuss all things LinkedIn! If you have been neglecting LinkedIn, Chris has the expertise to turn it into a thriving career searching tool! Today we'll delve into the various nuances of LinkedIn etiquette, from the importance of the right banner image to the perfect headline and beyond.…

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Episode 43: Setting and Achieving Goals with Lee Kaiser 30:56

2y ago30:56

30:56

In this episode of "Leaving the Nest," I sit down with Lee Kaiser to delve into the transformational power of goal-setting for personal and professional growth. Throughout the episode, Lee imparts his valuable insights on the correlation between self-confidence, risk-taking, and his secrets for turning resolutions into daily routines that help you …

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Episode 42: ROCS a Year in Review: 2023 48:11

2y ago48:11

48:11

Today, Ana Kuzemka, our newest Recruiting Manager joins me to share her journey with ROCS and reflect on the accomplishments of our team this past year. As we close the chapter on 2023, we enjoyed taking a stroll down memory lane and reflecting on the exciting events, milestones, highlights, and lessons learned this year at ROCS! Join us as we bid …

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Episode 41: Understanding Your Employee Benefits with Jessica Lepp 40:20

2y ago40:20

40:20

The landscape of employee benefits packages can be a bit of a maze to navigate. If you've already landed a job or you're in the process of deciding on the job that's the right fit for you, these benefits play a crucial role in your overall job satisfaction as well as your financial well-being. So it's only natural to have questions! Today, Jessica …

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Episode 40: The Art of Sales Success with Wendy Weiss 42:07

2y ago42:07

42:07

Have you considered launching your career in sales? It's an excellent starting point, especially if you possess strong communication skills and untapped potential. Today, Wendy Weiss is joining me on the show. Wendy is The Queen of Cold Calling™ the Founder of the Salesology® , the author of "The Sales Winner's Handbook," and a speaker, sales train…

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Episode 39: Tips for Writing the Perfect Resume and Cover Letter (Part 2) 24:48

2y ago24:48

24:48

Today, in the second part of our two-part series, I'm sharing my valuable insights as a Recruiter on crafting a standout resume. In this episode, I'll guide you through the complete process of writing your resume, starting from the top and working our way down. We'll cover everything, including the essential sections to include, how to tailor your …

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Episode 38: Writing the Perfect Resume and Cover Letter with HR Expert, Meg Martin (Part 1) 41:52

2y ago41:52

41:52

Today, I'm joined by Meg Martin, an expert in the field of human resources who has dedicated her career to helping job seekers navigate the intricate world of career development. For the past three years, she's been sharing her wealth of knowledge as an outside consultant helping craft resumes that get applicants noticed. In this two-part series, w…

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Episode 37: Navigating Career Growth with Honesty and Grit with Kevin Nunes 50:38

2y ago50:38

50:38

Today, I am joined by Kevin Nunes. With over a decade of experience, Kevin offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay of factors that contribute to a successful career journey. Kevin shares his insights on the significance of taking chances and pursuing your passions, and the crucial role networking can play in opening doors and creating…

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Episode 36: The Power of Networking and Building Your Personal Brand with Philip Wilkerson 40:29

2+ y ago40:29

40:29

Today, I am joined by Philip Wilkerson, a career advisor and host of the "Positive Philter" podcast. Phil shares his insights and strategies on personal branding, networking, and building meaningful connections. Listen in as he shares his practical tips for networking effectively and promoting yourself in the digital space through aligning your per…

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Episode 35: Do What You Love with Robert Harris 32:26

2+ y ago32:26

32:26

Today, I am joined by Robert Harris, a local Talent Acquisition Specialist at Euclid Systems Corporation. Robert shares his wealth of experience and insights into the world of career development and finding purpose in one's work. Listen in as he shares his education and career journey and how his love for basketball has played into his leadership r…

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Episode 34: The Right Job Is Worth The Wait with Claire Shriver 37:38

2+ y ago37:38

37:38

Today, I am joined by Claire Shriver, an Early Talent Recruiter with Lenovo. We delve into the world of job hunting, recruiting, and finding the perfect fit. Claire brings her expertise and insights from her experience in the field, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs faced by both job seekers and recruiters. Claire shares her personal jo…

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Episode 33: House Hunting: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers (Part 2) with Realtor, Sydney Beckman 35:31

2+ y ago35:31

35:31

In our last episode, we talked to John Ragano of SWBC Mortgage to discuss financing a home. Today, I am joined by Sydney Beckman, Realtor at Jennifer Mack Properties of eXp Realty, to discuss the process of finding and buying your first home. From your buyer's consultation to finding "the one" and finally making an offer, Sydney shares the ins and …

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Episode 32: Tips for First-Time Homebuyers (Part 1 of 2), The Financial Aspects of Leaving the Nest with John Ragano 43:25

2+ y ago43:25

43:25

Today, I am joined by John Ragano of SWBC Mortgage to discuss the process of buying a home. From credit management to down payments to financing options, John shares the ins and outs of buying a home and how to make informed decisions about your finances. He offers his expert insights on the current state of the housing market, the benefits of home…

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Episode 31: Hear from the Hiring Manager, Stephanie Baker 41:10

2+ y ago41:10

41:10

Today, I am joined by Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer at WAEPA. Stephanie has extensive experience in hiring entry-level professionals and mentoring individuals in their careers. In this episode, Stephanie shares her tips for recent graduates on how to stand out in the job market and what employers look for when hiring entry-level profess…

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Episode 30: Is Recruiting What You Thought It Would Be? 35:57

2+ y ago35:57

35:57

Today, I am joined by my colleague, Joanie Belo. Although this episode was recorded in 2022 and has been in production for some time, I'm thrilled to share Joanie's journey with you. In this episode, Joanie takes us through her journey from Virginia Tech to becoming an Entry-Level Recruiter at ROCS, where she now holds the title of Recruiting Manag…

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Episode 29: Introducing Stuart Mease 42:45

3y ago42:45

42:45

Introducing Stuart Mease Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino, from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. As we continue to move further into the new year of 2023 and the post-pandemic era, it has become increasingly ap…

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Episode 28: New Year, New Job with Kristen Reed 33:48

3y ago33:48

33:48

New Year, New Job with Kristen Reed Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino, from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. It's a new year, the perfect time for a new job and a fresh start. But during challenging times, it ca…

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Episode 27: ROCS a Year in Review: 2022 1:09:00

3y ago1:09:00

1:09:00

ROCS a Year in Review: 2022 Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino, from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. Today, my guest is a colleague and a friend, Abby Atwater, a member of our recruiting team, and she's here to …

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Episode 26: The Power of Internships with Kyler Zampiello 38:01

3y ago38:01

38:01

College Grad Career Job Search Tips: The Power of Internships with Kyler Zampiello Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. Today, I have Kyler Zampiello who is so energetic, bubbl…

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Episode 25: Relationship Building with Meredith Leutbecker 43:24

3y ago43:24

43:24

Relationship Building with Meredith Leutbecker Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. Today, I have with me Meredith Leutbecker who is someone I met a few years ago and we've sta…

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Episode 24: Career Advice from Director Of Career Services, GMU School of Business - Kaleb Lewis 42:10

3y ago42:10

42:10

Career Advice from Kaleb Lewis, Director Of Career Services, George Mason University School of Business Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. It is now September 2022, so summer…

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Episode 23: ROCS Alumni Success Story - Bethany Brown 46:14

3+ y ago46:14

46:14

Episode 23: Bethany Brown - A ROCS Success Story! Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. Today, I have Bethany Brown, a candidate I started working with back in 2018. When Bethan…

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Episode 22: ROCS Alumni Success Story - Against All Odds with Caitlin Gunning 41:10

3+ y ago41:10

41:10

Episode 22: ROCS Alumni Success Story - Against All Odds with Caitlin Gunning Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. I hope you're enjoying your summer break and doing some fun t…

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Episode 21: Career Coaching Spotlight with Stephanie Zimmermann, Local Entrepreneur 52:31

3+ y ago52:31

52:31

Episode 21: Career Coaching Spotlight with Stephanie Zimmermann, Local Entrepreneur Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. Today, we are so lucky to have with us Stephanie Zimmer…

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Episode 20: Time-Off Requests, Part Two of Two 22:40

3+ y ago22:40

22:40

Episode 20: Tips on Employee Time-Off Requests, Part Two of Two Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving The Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. This is Part 2 of the Time-Off Requests mini-series. In the first episode, …

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Episode 19: Time-Off Requests, Part One of Two 22:32

3+ y ago22:32

22:32

Episode 19: Tips on Employee Time-Off Requests, Part One of Two It's that time again! The birds are chirping, the ocean waves are crashing, the sun is shining, and students are graduating. And do you know what that means? It's time for a discussion about time-off requests! Welcome back, listeners! Thanks for joining us for another episode of Leavin…

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Episode 18: ROCS Grad Staffing Questions and Answers Session One 34:53

3+ y ago34:53

34:53

Questions & Answers Session One Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving the Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. I've got to say I've missed you all! It's been a long time since I've been able to host a solo episo…

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Episode 17: Every Job is an Opportunity - Career Advice with Karen Long 28:20

3+ y ago28:20

28:20

Episode 17: Every Job is an Opportunity; Advice from Karen Long To all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, what's going through your minds as you get close to graduation? Or have you already graduated and you're waiting for that right opportunity to present itself? Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving the Nest. I'm you…

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Episode 16: Working at the FBI and in Federal Law Enforcement with Zack Lowe 50:17

3+ y ago50:17

50:17

Leaving The Nest - Episode 16: Working at the FBI and in Federal Law Enforcement with Zack Lowe Have you ever wondered what it would be like working for the FBI? Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving the Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college …

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Episode 13: Graduating During a Pandemic with Devin Jones 59:03

3+ y ago59:03

59:03

Leaving The Nest - Episode 13: Graduating During a Pandemic with Devin Jones Do you remember what it was like during that first week of COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020? For many of us, life was so certain the week before. But in a matter of days, everything became so uncertain so quickly. Now imagine being a senior in college getting hired at your…

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Episode 12: Career Coaching Spotlight - Changing Careers with Amanda Sierzega 39:24

3+ y ago39:24

39:24

What did you want to be when you grew up? An astronaut? An archeologist? A teacher? Many of us started out believing we'd do one thing then changed our minds shortly thereafter. This isn't the case for today's guest—she knew she would be teaching people since preschool. The only thing that has changed has been who and what she teaches. Hey there, l…

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Episode 11: No Office Experience? No Problem! 47:39

3+ y ago47:39

47:39

No office experience? No problem! Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving the Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. I am joined today by a colleague and a friend. Her name is Darcy Grogan and she's been a member of…

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Episode 10: Career Coaching Spotlight with Chris Ricci 48:44

4y ago48:44

48:44

What is career coaching and how can it help job applicants and early-career people get and crush their next interview? Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to another episode of Leaving the Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. Our mission is to help you find a job out of college and thrive in the real world. I'm joined to…

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Episode 9: The Story of ROCS - Meet the Founders! 1:19:08

4y ago1:19:08

1:19:08

Ever wonder what you could accomplish during college besides earning a degree? Today we learn and hear from two special people, the Co-founders of ROCS Grad Staffing, who started this business while still earning their college degrees. Welcome back to another episode of Leaving the Nest. I'm your host, Kathleen Pellegrino from ROCS Grad Staffing. O…

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ROCS a Year in Review: 2021 43:24

4y ago43:24

43:24

We've finally made it! After many unique challenges and personal milestones, we've made it to the end of 2021. At ROCS Grad Staffing, our team certainly had its fair share of changes. We saw an increase in the job market for our job seekers, we got to meet many of our new employees in person for the first time, and a couple of us even got married (…