Career Services Podcast Proposal

Client
Illinois State University Career Services

Year
2023

Objective
The objective of this proposal was to conceptualize a dynamic and innovative podcast for Illinois State University Career Services. The podcast aimed to engage students with career-related content in a modern, entertaining, and accessible format. By aligning with Career Services' mission to assist students in developing, evaluating, and implementing career decisions, the podcast was designed to provide actionable advice, career preparation tips, and insights into various professions.

Concept & Inspiration
The podcast concept emerged as a response to the growing popularity of podcasts among students. It was designed to replace the existing "Tuesday Tips" initiative, offering the same practical career advice in a more interactive and engaging format. Inspiration came from existing university podcasts and the enthusiasm of students, as revealed through polls and informal surveys conducted with Career Ambassadors.

Key Features

  • Format: Episodes capped at 15 minutes, featuring a consistent, charismatic host to maintain cohesion.

  • Themes: Career opportunities, career fields, preparation tips, and actionable advice on transitioning from academia to the professional world.

  • Guest Lineup: Diverse professionals, alumni, employers, and industry experts to provide a wide range of perspectives.

  • Production Style: High-quality audio, storytelling, and humor to engage the Gen Z audience.

Execution
The proposal outlined a bi-weekly release schedule, ensuring consistent content delivery. Each episode would focus on a specific theme to maintain relevance. To support the idea, data from polls and informal surveys highlighted strong student interest in the podcast, making it clear that this format resonated with the target audience.

Conclusion
The Career Services Podcast represents an opportunity to modernize how students engage with career-related resources. By leveraging humor, professionalism, and storytelling, the podcast could redefine how Career Services connects with students, providing value through relatable and actionable content. This project showcases my ability to analyze audience needs, conceptualize engaging formats, and deliver thoughtful, innovative solutions.