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Is college worth it? In this episode, I sat down with Amber Gilsdorf, an Independent Educational Consultant at Estrella Consulting, to unpack this complex and timely question. We explore how families can evaluate the true return on investment (ROI) of college, what metrics matter most, and why personal values and readiness play a major role in long-term success. We also talk about the importance of looking beyond rankings and sticker prices to focus on outcomes, both tangible and intangible. Amber shares useful tools and frameworks for measuring success, and we reflect on how to support students in choosing the path that's right for them. As a career coach, I help students and recent grads explore career options, gain clarity, and build career readiness. Whether your student is college-bound, considering alternatives, or somewhere in between, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful guidance. Know someone who’s navigating these decisions? Share this episode. And if your student could use additional help, visit betsyjewellcoaching.com to learn more. Connect with Me! ⁠High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page⁠ ⁠Betsy Jewell Career Coaching⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠Subscribe ⁠to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the High School Hamster Wheel podcast! I’m Betsy Jewell. It’s been a while—okay, a long while—since I last released an episode. Life has been busy with some exciting new projects, and I can’t wait to share one of them with you soon! But today, I have some bittersweet news. This episode marks the beginning of the final three episodes of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast. I can hardly believe it’s been over five years since I started this journey. What began as a passion project has evolved into something far beyond what I ever imagined, ultimately leading me to my favorite and current role, as a Career Coach! Now, let’s talk about today’s episode. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeffrey Moss, Founder and CEO of Parker Dewey, to dive into a topic that affects so many students and graduates: the transition from college to career. Jeffrey brings a wealth of experience, from his background in venture capital investing in education and technology to launching Parker Dewey, a platform designed to bridge the gap between students and meaningful work experiences. We discuss the challenges of hiring bias, the importance of real, paid professional experience, and how micro-internships can create better job matches for both students and companies. Jeffrey also shares insights on higher education trends and the crucial role parents play in helping their kids navigate career exploration. This is a conversation packed with valuable takeaways—so let’s get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the High School Hamster Wheel podcast, I am joined by Jared Chung, executive director of CareerVillage.org, a nonprofit that provides online career advising to help young people prepare for their future careers. Jared discusses the organization's flagship career Q&A platform where young people can ask any career-related question and receive answers from over 150,000 volunteer professionals. He also introduces their new AI Career Coach, which offers mock interviews, resume feedback, and other career development tools. During our discussion, we cover how the community-driven model works, the impact of the platform, and how volunteers and learners can get involved. The episode offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and young people seeking reliable career guidance. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Nat Greene to the podcast. Nat has accelerated the careers of hundreds of professionals of all ages as a consultant, coach, and business leader. Today, we'll be diving into some thought-provoking topics around education, including why the current system is broken, the misconceptions about the college application process, and innovative solutions like Nat's new venture, Futures Forge. This conversation is going to challenge some of the long-held beliefs about higher education. I invite you to listen with an open mind and consider all possibilities. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are diving deep into the essential conversations about finding career success in today’s job market. In this episode, I am thrilled to welcome Jeanetta Warren, founder and CEO of JW Professional Writing Services, and the president-elect of the New Jersey Career Development Association. Jeanetta brings a wealth of knowledge in resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, and career branding. During our conversation, we will explore the intricacies of the current job market, discuss strategies for career advancement, and learn how to effectively brand ourselves for success. Whether you're a high school student pondering your future, a college graduate ready to step into the workforce, or you are mid-career pivoting in a new direction, this conversation will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am super excited to bring you part two of my conversation with Dr. Emily Edlynn. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She is also the author of her first book titled “Autonomy-Supportive Parenting = Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children.” In episode 140, Emily and I talked about autonomy-supportive parenting - what it means, why parents should choose to do it, and the research that demonstrates the positive impact it has on our kids. In this second part, we will be focusing on autonomy-supportive parenting for parents of children with neurodivergence and mental health challenges. This is an important topic and becoming more prevalent among teens and young adults. During our conversation, Emily reinforces the need for empathy and perspective when parenting neurodivergent kids and those with mental health challenges. She also provides valuable advice for parents to help their children develop a strong sense of self, no matter what challenges they may be facing. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am thrilled to bring you my conversation with Dr. Emily Edlynn, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. Dr. Edlynn is also the author of her first book, "Autonomy-Supportive Parenting = Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children.” I picked up a copy of Emily’s book and couldn’t put it down. I just knew I had to invite her to be a guest on the show. During our conversation, we talk all about autonomy-supportive parenting - what it means, why parents should choose to do it, and the research that demonstrates the positive impact it has on our kids. As a parent of two young adults, I know how hard it is to relinquish control - what they do, who they hang out with, and the decisions they make. We are parenting from a place of concern and safety but in the end, controlling our kids does not support their autonomy. My conversation with Emily provides so much insight and actionable advice to help our kids live the life they want to live. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I am joined by Pam Roy. Pam Roy is a writer, filmmaker, investor, and philanthropist with a mission to provide community-based support for youth and families. Pam and I have a shared passion for parenting and educational transformation. During our conversation, Pam shares content from her new book, “Parenting From the Passenger Seat”, which by the way, is a must-read for anyone who parents, mentors or works with teens. We also talk about the value of social connections and how to help our kids find meaning. If your teen or young adult is struggling to find their path, this conversation will give you some insights and ideas to help them get back on track. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I am joined by Hassan Akmal, Executive Director, Career and Professional Development, UC San Diego, Author, Professor, Future of Work Expert, Career and Life Mastery Consultant, and TEDx Speaker. During our conversation, Hassan tells the story of his extraordinary path through high school, and college, as a tennis pro, and as a career development professional. It’s a pretty incredible story and one that demonstrates the value of being intentional about designing your own life and career. Hassan and I talk about why everyone should be a curious explorer of their potential. Hassan shares why it’s important to begin the reflection process early when crafting a career and life vision statement, even if it’s not perfect. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Counseling Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a new year and I’m excited to bring you new episodes with some pretty amazing guests, beginning right now. My guest today is Dr. Denise Pope. Denise is a Senior Lecturer at Stanford University Graduate School of Education and is also the co-founder of Challenge Success, a school reform nonprofit. Additionally, she is the author of “Doing School": How We Are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students. Dr. Pope lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student health, engagement, and integrity. During our discussion, we talk about the importance of student feedback to improve their health, well-being, sense of belonging, and engagement with learning. Denise shares some results from the “Fit Over Rankings” research brief that she contributed to and…spoiler alert…where you go to college doesn’t make a difference. Denise reinforces what I keep saying over and over again, there is not one path to success. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or someone who cares about the future well-being of teens and young adults, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Counseling Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I am joined by Marcia Wall. Marcia is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association. She is also certified to coach people who cope with mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. In today’s episode. Marcia and I will be discussing two words you may or may not be familiar with: Happenstance and Coddiwampling. Both two very fun words to say. But more importantly, two words that can have a big impact on our lives both personally and professionally. During our conversation, we talk about the importance of learning to be curious, flexible, and optimistic. We live in an unpredictable world and Marcia provides valuable insight and advice about how to navigate the uncertainty and indecision. She also shares why a growth mindset is fundamental for our kids’ success and why they need to learn to have faith in themselves. Be sure to stay tuned for Marcia’s actionable tips for parents of teens. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am joined by Nicole Precourt. Nicole is a Career and Educational Counselor and the owner of Waves of Change Careers. Nicole and I met in an online group for career coaches and counselors and immediately connected. We share a passion for helping teens and young adults explore and prepare for future careers. It’s become unfortunately clear to both of us that many students are graduating college without the career readiness skills that they need. During our conversation, Nicole and I talk about what students can be doing to develop the skills and strategies they need to be prepared for post-college employment and how they can stand out against all of the other recent graduates applying to the same jobs. This episode is packed full of valuable tips for networking, skills-building, and career exploration, so invite your college students and recent grads to listen along with you. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Counseling Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am super excited to welcome Erin Lewber to the podcast. I met Erin recently on LinkedIn. I had been following Erin for a while and knew I had to reach out to her. Erin brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the show gained through her years of experience in staffing, recruiting, leadership and career coaching. During our conversation, we discuss today’s job search trends and the future of work. Erin shares valuable advice on knowing how to tell your story, how to ask good questions and why it’s important to learn to embrace the discomfort of being wrong. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Counseling Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, I am thrilled to welcome Leah Jewell back to the podcast. You might remember Leah from episode 30 when we talked about the future of work for teens and young adults. It’s hard to believe that our conversation was THREE years ago. The future of work has changed dramatically in that short time and I’m delighted that Leah agreed to come back to talk more about this important topic. Since we last spoke, Leah has co-founded an amazing new company called Work Simplr that you will want to share with your teens and young adults. The company’s mission is to connect students to paid work and from what I’ve seen, they are succeeding. Leah shares all the details about Work Simplr and how students can get started. And you’ll want to stay tuned till the end when Leah and I talk about AI and how it will likely impact the future of work for teens, young adults, and well, all of us. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Counseling Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, I am thrilled to welcome Deepali Vyas to the podcast. After spending a good part of her career in executive recruiting, Deepali has her finger on the pulse of the career landscape and what employers are looking for, and she has made it her mission to bring valuable advice and an amazing digital platform to help young people on their journey.  During our discussion, Deepali shares how and when she got her first taste of entrepreneurship and how it actually helped prepare her for her future career. We talk about helping teens and young adults focus on what they are good at and why it’s more important to follow your strengths rather than your passion. You won’t want to miss learning about Fearless+, the positive online experience that Deepali and her team built to inspire and motivate teens. Please visit the show notes page for more information and links mentioned during this episode. Connect with Me! High School Hamster Wheel Facebook Page Betsy Jewell Career Coaching Instagram LinkedIn Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss a single episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices