Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads – Schan Willis – Radon Mitigation Technician and Business Owner
Originally launched during the COVID-19 Pandemic when students could not engage in face-to-face or on-site work-based learning experiences, the Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads video series brings people from a wide range of occupations to students remotely to learn about their careers and the competencies necessary for success.
In this Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads episode, we interview we interview Schan Willis, Radon Mitigation Technician and the owner of Clean Air Radon Systems in Naperville. Schan is a graduate of (the formerly named) Wheaton Central High School, Wheaton, Illinois. In 2000, Schan graduated from Columbia College Chicago, earning a B.A. in Communications, Marketing, and Advertising.
After graduating from Columbia College, Schan worked in various fields, but in 2012, he became interested in radon mitigation. He interned with a local radon mitigation business he had previously worked for in 1994. In 2014, Schan earned his radon mitigation license, and in 2017, he launched his company, Clean Air Radon Systems. He was able to use his degree in Communications, Marketing, and Advertising to promote his business. Schan’s focus is ensuring that homeowners have a safe home free from radon while installing systems that do not take away the beauty of their homes.
In this video, Schan shares his unconventional path to becoming a Radon Mitigation Technician and owning his own business. Schan talks about the importance of effective communication, advertising, creating a referral base, and networking. He also emphasizes the importance of planning and organizing, accountability and responsibility, problem-solving, self-motivation, and adaptability. He notes that becoming a radon mitigation technician does not require a college degree but that his degree has been very valuable in running his business.
Schan’s work as a business owner is part of the Finance and Business Services Career Pathway.
To keep up-to-date as new Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads videos are released, subscribe to the P-20 Network YouTube Channel.
April 2024Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads – Darren Mitchell – Chief of Police
Originally launched during the COVID-19 Pandemic when students could not engage in face-to-face or on-site work-based learning experiences, the Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads video series brings people from a wide range of occupations to students remotely to learn about their careers and the competencies necessary for success.
In this Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads episode, we interview we interview Darren Mitchell, the Chief of Police at Northern Illinois University.
After graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1988, Mitchell began his career as a police officer and was later promoted to Chief.
In this video, Chief Mitchell shares his journey to becoming a policeman, the resilience needed to be a successful police officer, and his daily responsibilities. He talks about the importance of respect for the community, overcoming challenges, and the critical connections that he makes with his clients. Chief Mithcell discusses the importance of career exploration, encouraging teachers, and the importance of literacy. Chief Mitchell discusses celebrating his successes and the critical thinking skills he needs in his field. He also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence, communication, and problem-solving. He also stresses that he has fun in his role and doing what he loves is an essential aspect of his career.
Chief Mitchell’s work as a police officer is part of the Human and Public Services Career Pathway.
To keep up-to-date as new Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads videos are released, subscribe to the P-20 Network YouTube Channel.
February 2024Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads – Rebecca Francis – Human Resources Consultant
Originally launched during the COVID-19 Pandemic when students could not engage in face-to-face or on-site work-based learning experiences, the Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads video series brings people from a wide range of occupations to students remotely to learn about their careers and the competencies necessary for success.
In this Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads episode, we interview we interview Rebecca Francis, a human resources consultant and entrepreneur with Ignite Change Solutions.
After graduating from Winnebago High School, Rebecca attended Alabama A&M. After taking time off of school to work full-time and care for her daughter, Rebecca later returned to college to finish her Bachelor’s Degree. She continued with her studies to obtain her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University. Rebecca completed her studies while working as the Operations Manager of a charter school. Through this work, Rebecca was responsible for marketing, operations, and management of the school, and this experience helped Rebecca discover her passion for human resources. This led Rebecca to begin her consulting company, Ignite Change Solutions. Ignite Change Solutions specializes in assisting organizations to identify barriers and create solutions for more equitable workplaces. She has worked with educational institutions, government agencies, and corporations.
Rebecca’s work as a human resources consultant is part of the Finance and Business Services and, in this case, the Human and Public Services Career Pathways.
In this episode, Rebecca shares her journey to becoming a human resource consultant, the tenacity needed to be successful in this career pathway, some of the advantages of being a black woman in the industry, and her desire to inspire others to go into the field and entrepreneurship. She talks about the importance of having a growth mindset, overcoming failures, the value of communication skills, and always self-reflecting.
To keep up-to-date as new Career Pathways Virtual Trailheads videos are released, subscribe to the P-20 Network YouTube Channel.
December 2023