Is College Worth It? Measuring ROI, Outcomes, and What Really Matters with Amber Gilsdorf
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.
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Bridging the Gap from College to Career with Micro-Internships with Jeffrey Moss
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!
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The Power of Community in Career Development with Jared Chung
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!
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Beyond the Hamster Wheel: Rethinking High School and College with Nat Greene
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
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Navigating a Challenging Job Market with Jeanetta Warren
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
Are you tired of watching the teenagers in your life trying desperately to keep up on the high school hamster wheel? Is your teen confused about which direction to take after high school graduation? Is your young adult rethinking their future career path? Our world is changing and our kids need to know all of the options available after high school so they can feel empowered to make the choice that is best for them. Through interviews with industry experts and leaders in education, we will explore the latest trends that are shaping the opportunities of today and tomorrow.