The Career Coaches of Fisher

Hosted by Tracy Sullivan & Laurie Valentino

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Join St. John Fisher University’s Career Coaches Tracy Sullivan and Laurie Valentino as they chat about all-things career and answer your burning questions about navigating the often challenging world of work.

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35 recent

October 21, 202628 min

AI Doesn’t Have to Be Scary

With Halloween around the corner, we're tackling one of the spookiest topics in higher education and the workplace: artificial intelligence. In this episode, we sit down with Robin Schmid from the DePeters Family Center for Innovation to explore how AI can be a powerful thinking partner, not a replacement for your creativity, critical thinking, or problem-solving skills. We discuss how students can use AI responsibly, evaluate its output, brainstorm ideas, and build career-ready skills while staying in the driver's seat of their own learning. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, you'll leave with practical tips for getting started, while also putting a few spooky AI myths to rest.

October 7, 202633 min

AI Tools & Tricks

AI is changing the way we explore careers, search for jobs, and prepare for what comes next, but are you using it effectively? In this episode of The Career Coaches of Fisher , we are joined by Dan Lopez, Career Services Advisor at RochesterWorks Career Center and workforce development professional, to explore practical ways college students can put AI to work in their career development. From exploring career paths and strengthening your resume to organizing your job search, practicing for interviews, preparing to network, improving your LinkedIn presence, and even thinking through graduate school, Dan shares AI tools, prompts, tips, and tricks you can start using right away. AI can be a powerful career sidekick, the key is learning how to use it without losing you in the process.

September 23, 202618 min

AI and Your Job Search

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way students explore careers, prepare application materials, and navigate the job search but how can you use it effectively while still showcasing your authentic self? In this episode of The Career Coaches of Fisher, Tracy Sullivan and Laurie Valentino break down practical ways college students can use AI as a career development tool not a shortcut. Learn how AI can help you strengthen your resume, draft personalized cover letters, organize your job search, prepare for interviews, and better understand job descriptions. You'll also hear examples of effective AI prompts, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for ensuring your applications still reflect your unique experiences and voice. Whether you're searching for an internship, preparing for your first full-time job, or simply curious about how AI fits into today's hiring landscape, this episode will help you work smarter and search with confidence. Tune in and discover how AI can become your newest career sidekick.

September 9, 202612 min

Career Fair Myths Debunked

Think the Career Fair isn't for you? Think again. In this episode, we tackle the biggest myths that keep students from attending career fairs—and explain why showing up might be one of the best decisions you make this semester. We'll debunk common misconceptions like: "I don't have a resume." "I'm only a first-year student." "I'm not looking for a job." "I don't know what I want to do." "I don't have a LinkedIn profile." "I don't know how to network." "I don't have professional clothes." "It's too overwhelming." Whether you're exploring majors, searching for internships, preparing for your first job, or simply curious about your options, you'll leave this episode with practical strategies, greater confidence, and a new perspective on what a career fair can do for your future.

April 20, 202615 min

Standing Out as an Intern: Small Actions That Make a Big Impression

Getting the internship is just the beginning—what you do next is what truly sets you apart. In Part 2 of our “Standing Out as an Intern” series, the Career Coaches of Fisher explore how students can make the most of their internship experience by demonstrating professionalism, initiative, and a growth mindset. From building strong relationships with supervisors and coworkers to asking thoughtful questions, managing feedback, and finding ways to add value beyond your job description, this episode shares practical strategies interns can use every day. We’re joined again by Tashanda Thomas, Senior Vice President and Chief People and Culture Officer at Foodlink, who brings insights from both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors on what employers notice most in standout interns. Whether you’re hoping for a strong reference, a return offer, or simply a clearer sense of your career path, this episode will help you turn your internship into a meaningful and memorable experience.

April 1, 202621 min

Standing Out as an Intern | How to Shine Before You’re Hired

Landing an internship is competitive—but standing out doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In Part 1 of our two-part series on Standing Out as an Intern , we break down how students can shine before they even get the offer. We’re joined by Tashanda Thomas, Senior Vice President and Chief People & Culture Officer at Foodlink, who offers insider perspective on what hiring leaders are really looking for in internship candidates. From crafting a résumé and application that actually gets noticed to walking into interviews with clarity and confidence, we’re sharing practical strategies that move you from applicant to standout candidate. You’ll learn how to tailor your materials, answer common interview questions with impact, and communicate your value—even if you feel like you “don’t have enough experience.” Whether you’re applying for your first internship or looking to level up your approach, this episode will help you show up prepared, authentic, and intentional.

March 10, 202613 min

Networking Without the Awkward: How to Build Career Connections That Actually Work

Networking has a reputation for being awkward, fake, or downright uncomfortable—but what if it didn’t have to be? In this episode, Career Coaches Tracy Sullivan and Laurie Valentino demystify networking and show students how to use it as a powerful (and approachable) career tool. You’ll learn how to craft an elevator pitch, conduct meaningful informational interviews, leverage LinkedIn and alumni connections, and avoid common networking pitfalls. Most importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable steps to start building genuine professional relationships—one conversation at a time.

February 12, 202620 min

Reputation Matters: How to Leave a Job Without Burning Bridges

How you show up at work—and how you leave—can shape your professional reputation long after the job ends. In this episode, we’re joined by Nicole Viggiano, an experienced HR Manager, for an honest conversation about why not burning bridges matters more than students and early-career professionals often realize. Nicole shares an insider HR perspective on common mistakes employees make when they’re frustrated, disengaged, or preparing to leave a role—and how those moments can quietly impact references, networking opportunities, and future job offers. Together, we talk about navigating difficult workplace situations, giving notice professionally, handling conflict with maturity, and protecting your career reputation even when a job isn’t the right fit. Whether you’re in a part-time job, internship, or thinking about leaving your first full-time role, this episode offers practical advice to help you exit (and work) with integrity, professionalism, and confidence—without burning bridges you may need later.

January 13, 202623 min

More Than a Club: Turning Campus Involvement Into Career Skills

Ever wonder how your clubs, jobs, or campus involvements translate to future career opportunities? In this week’s episode, we chat with Fisher students Mackenzie Lloyd and Victoria Howard about the skills they’ve gained—from leadership to problem-solving—and the surprising moments they realized their experiences belonged on their résumé. You’re building transferable skills every day… even when you don’t realize it!

November 10, 202514 min

Launch Your Career with the Fisher Flight Program

Get ready to take flight with us! In this episode, we’re exploring the Fisher Flight Program — a high-impact, all-expense-paid career experience happening April 15–17, 2026, in Charlotte, NC. Designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, this immersive trip offers exclusive access to top employers, Fisher alumni, and professional development workshops that help students explore careers, build networks, and gain real-world insight into life after college. We are talking with talking with Katy Festa, Senior Director of Alumni and Constituent Engagement at Fisher, and Jack Heltzel, a student veteran of the Fisher Flight Program who will break down what makes this opportunity so valuable for career exploration and growth, how to apply, and why experiences like Fisher Flight can be a game-changer for your future.