Informational Interviews

Marguerite Turek shares her road to becoming an Occupational Therapist. She has a passion for optimizing the daily lives of her patients, using empirical evidence and a strengths-based approach to empower individuals to take charge of their lives.  Marguerite shares the differences between Physical and Occupational Therapy and what attracted her to her current role. Occupational, Physical, Sports, and Speech Therapy are healthcare careers that continue to grow in demand. Discover if this could be the right career for you. 

Louis Lopez is a master electrician running two electrical shops, Fail Safe and R&L Maintenance, in the Chicago suburbs. Louis shares his journey to becoming a Master Electrician, from training to becoming an owner. He has worked in a union, and non-union environment and shares the pros and cons and the various places to work as an electricion, from warehouses to high rises, from homes to utility poles. He explains A, B and C license as well as shareing the skills you'll need to run your own business  Discover more about the electric trade!

Paul Julson is currently the Executive Director of Space, Infrastructure, and Facilities at the University of Chicago. Prior to his current role, Paul was in the Navy, working on nuclear submarines. When he relocated to Illinois, he worked as a Navy recruiter for over three years. In this interview, Paul answers questions about the various branches of the military and the challenges and opportunities a military career path offers. Paul shares the steps a student can take to explore and then step into a career serving our country.  

Antigone shared that she gained early career experience through a high school program at a metal spinning company, where she worked with industrial equipment and was inspired by a female business owner. She encourages students to explore internships to discover what they enjoy. She highlights that welding skills can lead to many careers in many industries, including utilities.

Matt explained the difference between an EMT and a paramedic. EMTs complete a basic training program that focuses on patient assessment, CPR, and emergency care. Paramedics complete a longer, more advanced program where they learn skills such as administering medications, reading EKGs, starting IVs, and managing airways, along with extensive clinical experience.

Carolyn has worked in veterinary medicine since she was 14 and is now a veterinary technician. She explained that veterinary technicians can work in many settings, including clinics, zoos, aquariums, research laboratories, animal sanctuaries, national parks, education, and pet poison control. She emphasized that the field offers hands-on and non-clinical career opportunity.

Rima Sutton did not begin her career with a clear plan to become a therapist. Although she earned a degree in psychology, she also considered other careers. Her desire to help those who were hurting led her to volunteer in various settings. Through these experiences, she found purpose and joy in helping people improve their lives. 

Adan is a machine operator at The Royal Group(TRG). After graduating from high school, he started at TRG. At the age of 21, Adan has been promoted and is often directing team members more seasoned than himself. Listen as he shares his journey at TRG and what he sees as the next steps as he moves through his career.

Haley shared her journey into the automotive industry, beginning with a high school technical education program and continuing through an automotive degree while working as a parts store manager. She emphasized the importance of confidence, earning certifications, and finding an employer that invests in training and career growth. 

Our first informational interview of this school year is with is with Dr. Rosemary Huggins, PhD, an Assistant Director for Cancer Education at the University of Chicago. Dr. Huggins will speak about what it is like to have a career in medical research and can introduce our students to paid, hands-on programs she runs for high school students in the labs at UC. 

An informational interview covering careers in the Aerospace Industry! Maeve Brady and Sa'Naya Allen will be joining us from Tuskegee Next to discuss the opportunities within the aerospace industry! From drone pilot to commercial pilot, they are ready to fly!

Great for any student interested in the Aviation or Transportation industry!

A hot Career Spotlight! Chris Foltz is an experienced firefighter and the Lieutenant for Training at the Cicero Fire Department. He also teaches Fire Science courses at Morton College. 

He can share his experiences and what it takes to be one of the brave people who protect us every day!