Episodes

  • Here's how to Scale the Science Career Ladder

    Here's how to Scale the Science Career Ladder
    Feb 11 2026
    In this episode of Careering With Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives into the essential differences between undergraduate and graduate-level cover letters. For advanced degree holders and postdocs, a cover letter is no longer just an introduction; it is a vital demonstration of scientific communication skills and technical expertise. Kevin Cameron explains how to transition from simply listing tasks to highlighting the measurable research impact of your work. Key Takeaways The graduate cover letter must bridge the gap between complex data and real-world solutions by focusing on research impact rather than just techniques. Kevin Cameron suggests a dual-path strategy: focusing on funding and teaching for academia, or business science and product pipelines for industry. Use the Talent Account method to map your specific lab skills and instrumentation experience directly to the job description to gain a competitive advantage. Episode Highlights Learn how to structure a four-paragraph letter that moves from high-level engagement with a company’s recent patents to a "Problem-Action-Result" story that proves your technical problem-solving abilities. Kevin Cameron also warns against the "passive voice" trap, urging candidates to use leadership-driven language like "pioneer" or "lead". Finally, discover why cleaning up academic jargon is crucial when interviewing with HR professionals who may not be experts in your specific scientific field. Timestamps 00:26 Differences for graduate students and postdocs 02:31 The Dual-Path Strategy for academia vs. industry 04:58 Using the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) technique 07:46 Avoiding jargon and the pitfalls of passive voice 12:16 Page length guidelines and networking tips If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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    16 mins
  • Why 45% of Internship Applications Get Rejected

    Why 45% of Internship Applications Get Rejected
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode of Careering With Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives deep into the essential, yet often misunderstood, world of cover letters for undergrads and first-time job seekers. Kevin Cameron explains why 45% of employers view a missing cover letter as a total dealbreaker and reveals how to use this document as a powerful writing sample to showcase your personality beyond AI-generated templates. You will learn Kevin Cameron’s signature "T-Account" method to align your unique stories with company pain points. He also shares critical advice on researching hiring managers, why you must stop using "To Whom It May Concern," and how to keep your formatting professional and concise. Key Takeaways The cover letter serves as a critical writing sample to prove you can communicate effectively without relying 100% on AI. Utilising a T-Account helps you match your specific experiences to the required skills listed in a job description. Finding a specific name for your letter is essential in a modern job search. Episode Highlights Kevin Cameron discusses the shift from fax machines to modern digital applications. He breaks down the anatomy of a perfect first paragraph using recent company news to stand out. The episode concludes with formatting essentials, including the one-page rule and why headshots are usually a mistake for interns. Timestamps 00:39 Who this episode is for 02:23 The 45% dealbreaker statistic 03:08 Why your letter isn't a resume recap 05:18 How to build a T-Account 07:09 Researching the hiring manager 08:11 The anatomy of the first paragraph 11:01 Formatting and the one-page rule 11:41 The headshot debate If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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    17 mins
  • The Digital First Impression In a Job Search Explained with Kevin Cameron

    The Digital First Impression In a Job Search Explained with Kevin Cameron
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode, Kevin Cameron breaks down what the "handshake" really looks like in today's job market and why first impressions are no longer physical, but digital. This conversation explores how AI is reshaping job applications, screening processes, and how candidates can stay competitive without sounding robotic. "The handshake of 2026 is no longer just a polished résumé, it's how your information is discovered, interpreted, and trusted." Kevin Cameron explains how job seekers can use AI as a strategic advantage while still keeping a strong human voice, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding what employers' systems are actually looking for. Key takeaways This episode explains why specificity matters more than volume in job searching, how to define a clear mission for your AI tools, why human review is non-negotiable, and how interview data can guide smarter career decisions. Episode highlights Kevin Cameron introduces the concept of the modern digital handshake, explains how AI agents match candidates to roles, shares real-world examples of AI misuse, and outlines how to monitor interview success rather than application volume. He also discusses pipeline hiring, personal branding, and the importance of keeping your online presence current. Timestamps 00:00 What the modern "handshake" really means 01:10 AI and the changing application process 03:10 Defining your AI agent's mission 05:30 Building a machine-readable career profile 07:30 Choosing the right AI tools 09:00 Human guardrails and personalization 10:15 Tracking interview success metrics 13:20 Pipeline hiring and online visibility If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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    20 mins
  • Mastering The New Year Career Transition with Kevin Cameron

    Mastering The New Year Career Transition with Kevin Cameron
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode of Careering With Cameron, Kevin discusses how to successfully transition into the new year by maximizing the unique "downtime" between December and January. He explores why many people fail at their resolutions and provides a blueprint for career search success, emphasizing that "activity almost solves everything" when it comes to finding your next role. Kevin Cameron shares actionable tips on avoiding the "Monday trap," leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your professional capabilities. Whether you are a student looking for an internship or a professional navigating outplacement, this episode offers the strategy needed to launch into 2026 with confidence. Key Takeaways Consistency is the hardest but most vital part of the process; it is much harder to restart than to stay engaged. Don't wait for a specific Monday or the 1st of the month to begin your goals; start as soon as you have a plan. Prioritize your three hardest tasks at the start of the week to create an "emotional lift" and clear your desk for easier projects. Episode Highlights The importance of self-care and finding exercise or hobbies you actually enjoy to sustain your energy. How to use the holiday season to reconnect with your network via LinkedIn while the "pace is faster" for responses. Improving your skills through webinars and online courses to "identify and brush up" on data or coding. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the transition between December and January 04:30 – Why you should avoid the "January 1st" goal-setting trap 08:15 – Using LinkedIn and networking during the holiday downtime 12:45 – Managing the "hardest tasks" first to gain momentum 18:20 – Leveraging AI and ChatGPT to boost job search productivity If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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    15 mins
  • The #1 Financial Fear When Quitting Your Job (And How to Fix It)

    The #1 Financial Fear When Quitting Your Job (And How to Fix It)
    Jan 6 2026
    This week on Careering with Kevin Cameron, we are joined by Todd Roselle, a good friend and founder of Blue Rock Financial Group. Todd shares incredible insight on the financial psychology and planning for career changes. Many clients approach Todd when they are moving towards being "more in control of their time" or simply face unplanned financial situations. We dive into the critical importance of creating a personalized financial strategy that prepares you for any pivot. Todd emphasizes that money management is a constant thing, and stresses how a little planning can make a big difference in how soon you can leave an uncomfortable work situation. We talk about the biggest fear people have when considering a career transition, which is usually related to money. Todd gives tangible tips for mitigating the stress of job uncertainty and what to do when contemplating a significant professional change. Key Takeaways Financial Freedom is about building a buffer and designing your life to provide for your family, not just accumulating wealth. The biggest financial fear during a career change is uncertainty, which can be overcome by planning for different "what if" scenarios. Proactively saving into accessible accounts like a brokerage or cash reserve is a great way to be prepared for an unplanned layoff or period of transition. Retirement Planning often involves coordinating tax strategy, investment allocation, and retirement income streams, especially when transitioning careers later in life. Episode Highlights The biggest tip Todd gives people around financial readiness for a job change. The three buckets of money and where to save your accessible cash reserves. Why the Affordable Care Act and COBRA are critical components of a career change plan. The importance of thinking about your money consistently versus constantly. Why people "get stuck" in their jobs and the role planning plays in finding freedom. Timestamps 0:15: Why Todd is the perfect guest for a career conversation 2:40: The financial reality of unplanned career changes 6:35: The mindset shift needed for financial control 11:55: The biggest fear clients have when changing jobs 15:00: Where you should be putting your money now for career pivots 18:40: How to treat your savings like a "next door millionaire" 21:10: Health coverage options like COBRA and ACA 25:25: The psychology behind why people stay in jobs they don't love 30:10: How your network is your net worth in job searching 34:50: The two important timelines to remember for investments If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/ Connect with Todd bluerockfg.com Blue Rock Financial Group - Advisor & Planning Service
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    33 mins
  • Connecting Your Passion to Your Profession with Kevin Cameron

    Connecting Your Passion to Your Profession with Kevin Cameron
    Dec 31 2025
    In this solo episode of Careering With Cameron, host Kevin Cameron dives deep into the essential concept of finding "your why" to unlock true professional fulfillment. Kevin shares expert coaching insights on how to identify your unique "superpower" - that natural ability which often goes unnoticed because it comes so easily to you. This episode is a call to action for anyone feeling stuck, offering a roadmap to transition from merely having a job to building a career that resonates with your core identity. Kevin discusses the 80/20 rule of job satisfaction, suggesting that at least 80% of your work should be engaging and meaningful. He provides practical steps for "connecting the dots" between your childhood interests, your free-time activities, and your professional goals. By the end of this session, you will understand how to pay attention to "glimmers" of passion and use them as a compass for your next career move. Key Takeaways Identifying your "superpower" involves looking for tasks you perform repeatedly and effortlessly, which are often the clearest indicators of your natural talent. Your "why" is the foundation of your career journey; understanding it makes work more engaging and helps you avoid the "Sunday Scaries". Transferable skills are found in every experience, from personal hobbies like carpentry or hiking to the ways you interact in social groups. Episode Highlights The importance of self-reflection and looking back at what you wanted to be as a child to find clues about your current professional needs. How to utilize modern tools, including AI, to harness your strengths and better understand the current job market. A strategy for "nudging" yourself toward new opportunities by paying attention to what naturally lights you up. The value of finding a safe place to ask "dumb questions" and gain the clarity needed to move forward with confidence. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to the "safe place" for career questions 05:30 - Defining your "superpower" and natural abilities 12:15 - Analyzing your free time to discover your career "why" 18:45 - Overcoming the feeling of being stuck in the wrong role 25:20 - Practical ways to transfer hobby skills to your resume 32:10 - Final thoughts on building a career you love If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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    10 mins
  • How to Sell Yourself Without the "Ick" with Shannon Johnston

    How to Sell Yourself Without the "Ick" with Shannon Johnston
    Dec 24 2025
    In this episode of Careering with Cameron, host Kevin Cameron is joined by trusted colleague and career coaching expert Shannon Johnston to demystify the art of professional networking and self-promotion. Shannon shares her "unshakable confidence" framework, explaining how job seekers can overcome the "ick" factor associated with selling themselves by shifting their mindset toward curiosity and service. The discussion explores practical strategies for building an authentic executive presence, whether you are an introvert or a seasoned leader. Shannon highlights why traditional "cookie-cutter" responses fail in interviews and how to leverage your unique story to stand out in a competitive market. Key Takeaways Networking should be viewed as a curiosity-led conversation rather than a transactional sales pitch. Authentic self-promotion is based on your real experiences and results, not "bragging" or exaggerating accomplishments. Executive presence is built on being grounded, prepared, and genuinely interested in the people you are meeting. Episode Highlights Mindset Shift: How to stop "selling" and start connecting by focusing on how you can help others solve their problems. The Power of the Story: Why sharing tangible, real-world examples creates a more lasting impression than a list of responsibilities. Navigating Anxiety: Practical tips for introverts to manage the "nerve-wracking" nature of high-stakes networking events. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to executive presence and career transitions. 15:30 - Shifting from a "sales" mindset to a "service" mindset. 32:45 - How to build unshakable confidence in interviews. 48:15 - Practical networking tips for introverts. If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/
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    24 mins
  • The #1 Financial Fear When Quitting Your Job (And How to Fix It)

    The #1 Financial Fear When Quitting Your Job (And How to Fix It)
    Dec 17 2025
    This week on Careering with Kevin Cameron, we are joined by Todd Roselle, a good friend and founder of Blue Rock Financial Group. Todd shares incredible insight on the financial psychology and planning for career changes. Many clients approach Todd when they are moving towards being "more in control of their time" or simply face unplanned financial situations. We dive into the critical importance of creating a personalized financial strategy that prepares you for any pivot. Todd emphasizes that money management is a constant thing, and stresses how a little planning can make a big difference in how soon you can leave an uncomfortable work situation. We talk about the biggest fear people have when considering a career transition, which is usually related to money. Todd gives tangible tips for mitigating the stress of job uncertainty and what to do when contemplating a significant professional change. Key Takeaways Financial Freedom is about building a buffer and designing your life to provide for your family, not just accumulating wealth. The biggest financial fear during a career change is uncertainty, which can be overcome by planning for different "what if" scenarios. Proactively saving into accessible accounts like a brokerage or cash reserve is a great way to be prepared for an unplanned layoff or period of transition. Retirement Planning often involves coordinating tax strategy, investment allocation, and retirement income streams, especially when transitioning careers later in life. Episode Highlights The biggest tip Todd gives people around financial readiness for a job change. The three buckets of money and where to save your accessible cash reserves. Why the Affordable Care Act and COBRA are critical components of a career change plan. The importance of thinking about your money consistently versus constantly. Why people "get stuck" in their jobs and the role planning plays in finding freedom. Timestamps 0:15: Why Todd is the perfect guest for a career conversation 2:40: The financial reality of unplanned career changes 6:35: The mindset shift needed for financial control 11:55: The biggest fear clients have when changing jobs 15:00: Where you should be putting your money now for career pivots 18:40: How to treat your savings like a "next door millionaire" 21:10: Health coverage options like COBRA and ACA 25:25: The psychology behind why people stay in jobs they don't love 30:10: How your network is your net worth in job searching 34:50: The two important timelines to remember for investments If you found this advice valuable, please hit subscribe, leave us a review or follow @careeringwithcameron_ so you don't miss our next episode! Share this episode with a friend currently navigating the job market! Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/ Connect with Todd bluerockfg.com Blue Rock Financial Group - Advisor & Planning Service
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    33 mins