Journey Mappers

Jessica Hodor, SBA ’03, chats with Career and Life Design Coach Maelle Rouquet about how working internships and jobs unrelated to her major built her network and shaped her career across various industries.

Steven Sparks, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Sparks Behavioral Services LLC, talks with OU Career and Life Design Coach Yejie Lee about the power of resilience, grit and just showing up when it comes to determining your career path.

The Career and Life Design Center’s Madi Best and Claire Childers, SECS ‘25, discuss how their internship and work experiences have augmented their learning at OU and share strategies for juggling the demands of work and school. Tune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.Sponsored by Oakland University Credit Union.

Articulating experiences is key to a successful interview. Watch as Maelle Rouquet, a Career and Life Design Coach in the School of Business Administration, provides real-time feedback to Guadalupe Sanchez, SBA ‘25. Make an appointment with a coach on Handshake to practice your own interview skills. Tune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.Sponsored by Oakland University Credit Union

Ian Caullay and Bill Stec of Yeo & Yeo break down what it really takes to build a brand on campus. From networking and LinkedIn storytelling to consistently showing up at events, they share how employers and students alike can stand out, stay visible and build meaningful professional relationships. Produced by the Career and Life Design Center.Tune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.Sponsored by Oakland University Credit Union

Three Career and Life Design Coaches and the Experiential Learning and Internship Coordinator from the Oakland University Career and Life Design Center come together to share their top tips for preparing for the career fair, and exactly what to expect once you walk through the doors. From first impressions to confident conversations, they break down how to show up prepared, curious, and career-ready. Produced by the Career and Life Design Center.Tune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.Sponsored by Oakland University Credit Union

Ian Duncanson, market manager at Oakland University Credit Union, sits down with Wayne Thibodeau,  senior director of the OU Career and Life Design Center, to talk about all things finance when starting out as a college student or young professional. Produced by the Career and Life Design Center and sponsored by Oakland University Credit Union.Tune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.

Managing Partner Meagan Larson of TruVista Wealth Advisors reflects on how empathy, deep listening and human connection shape meaningful careers, and why she’s committed to hiring Oakland University students who lead with curiosity, courage and character. Produced by the Career and Life Design Center and sponsored by Oakland University Credit Union.Tune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.

Meet Reem Abdaal and Eric Jones:Leaders. Mentors. Changemakers at Rocket.In this episode of the Journey Mappers Podcast, we sit down with Reem Abdaal, Senior Sales Recruiter, and Eric Jones, Senior Talent Relationship Manager at Rocket - two powerhouse professionals who know what it takes to launch a career that soars.From their own journeys at Rocket to the values that shape the company’s bold, people-first culture, Reem and Eric share insights on how to stand out as an applicant anywhere. They dive into the art of curiosity, the importance of asking great questions and how confidence and connection can turn an interview into an opportunity.Whether you’re a student, recent grad, a job seeker or just someone who loves a good success story, this episode is packed with real talk and inspiration straight from the Rocket team.Sponsored by the Oakland University Credit UnionTune in to the Journey Mappers Podcast, the official podcast of The OU Pledge.

In this episode of the Journey Mappers Podcast, we sit down with Julien Mayberry, a dynamic student who's making waves both on campus and in the automotive world. As a dedicated member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Oakland Robotics Association, and OU’s Formula SAE team, Julien exemplifies the power of getting involved early and often. He shares how seizing opportunities like his micro-internship with Digital Lakes—where he collaborated with industry leaders such as Magna International and toured companies like Google—has shaped his career aspirations and personal growth. Tune in to discover how he's accelerating toward his goals—one lap at a time.

In this episode of Journey Mappers Podcast, Breckin Helfen, a Mechanical Engineering major and President of OU’s Formula SAE team, shares how hands-on learning and motorsports have shaped his college journey. From tackling real-world design challenges to leading a team of aspiring engineers, Breckin has turned his passion for problem-solving into purpose.Now, as a sophomore guiding one of OU’s most dynamic student organizations, he’s building leadership skills, growing through collaboration, all while being driven by curiosity. Tune in to hear how Breckin is engineering his future—one project at a time!

In this episode of Journey Mappers Podcast, Ehlimana Campara, a Mechanical Engineering major and Testing and Validation Intern at Webasto Group, shares how finding community through the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) transformed her college experience. From mentorship and networking to leadership and career development, Ehlimana has leveraged SWE to create opportunities for herself and others.Now, as president of SWE at OU, she’s expanding professional growth, strengthening industry connections, and fostering an inclusive space for women in engineering. Tune in to hear how she’s paving the way for future STEM leaders!

In this episode of Journey Mappers Podcast, Bao Nguyen, an Oakland University student, shares how curiosity has been his greatest tool in shaping a meaningful career. Rather than following a set path, Bao has embraced exploration, allowing his interests to guide him toward unexpected opportunities. His story is a reminder that staying open, taking action, and following what excites you can lead to incredible possibilities.If you're looking for inspiration to navigate your own career with intention and creativity, this episode is for you. Tune in and start designing a future that excites you!

In this episode of Journey Mappers Podcast, Izabella Stanczak, a Social Work major at Oakland University, shares how she navigated the process of exploring majors and career paths. As a CMI Peer Mentor and OGL, Izabella reflects on the impact of mentorship and how Oakland University’s First Year Advising Center and Career and Life Design Center helped her gain clarity and confidence.Her journey is proof that using the right resources and staying open to new possibilities can lead to lasting success. Tune in and get inspired to design your own path!

In the first episode of Journey Mappers Podcast, we sit down with Jack Andrews, an Oakland University alum who graduated with a BS in Bioengineering. Jack shares how trying new experiences, from research labs to career opportunities, shaped his journey.His story is a reminder that figuring things out by doing is the best way forward. From learning through failure to working every day toward being the best version of himself, Jack’s insights will inspire you to embrace curiosity, take action, and make the most of every opportunity.Tune in and start mapping your own journey!