"Promoted" Podcast By Merit America
Explore "Promoted," the podcast by Merit America that guides you from low-wage jobs to fulfilling tech careers, featuring real stories and expert advice from career coaches and learners.
What You Need to Know About”Promoted”
Promoted is a podcast about how to leave low-wage work for good, produced by Merit America, a national nonprofit organization that creates fast, flexible pathways to well-paying careers for Americans stuck in low-wage jobs.
In this series, we join Merit America’s career coaches to chat with their former learners about key challenges they overcame in moving from low-wage work to careers they love–and show how you can, too.
Episode 1: How Ray Won the Battle Against Imposter Syndrome
Release Date: September 6, 2024
You’ve identified your dream career, perfected your resume, and spent countless hours sharpening your technical skills. So why does the thought of applying for the job make you want to hide under the covers? Two words: impostor syndrome—a feeling of inadequacy that often creeps in during career transitions. This was the reality for Ray Ramos, who made the leap from retail to IT Support.
In the first episode of “Promoted,” Bridget Johnson, a career coach at Merit America and the show’s host, sits down with Ray to understand how he overcame his inner critic, transitioned from retail to tech, and pursued a better career despite personal and professional challenges.
Episode 2: How To Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Release Date: September 10, 2024
In this episode, Bridget Johnson, a Merit America Career Coach, dives into the complex reality of Impostor Syndrome. Discover what it truly means, why so many professionals struggle with feelings of inadequacy despite their accomplishments, and how to conquer self-doubt. Bridget shares practical insights on recognizing these emotions and offers strategies to overcome them.
Tune in to learn how to address Impostor Syndrome with confidence. From acknowledging your feelings to finding the right support, Bridget’s expert advice will empower you to break free from the cycle of self-doubt and fully embrace your achievements.
Episode 3: How a Strong Network Led April Tillery to her Dream Job
Release Date: September 13, 2024
“It’s not about what you know, but who you know.” While this might sound like a cliché, it’s truer than ever in today’s competitive job market. Networking is essential, especially for career changers, but getting started can be daunting. For April, a high school dropout and neurodivergent, the thought of securing a sustainable career in tech seemed unattainable—not just due to her skills, but also her lack of industry connections.
In this episode of “Promoted,” April recounts how she conquered her fear of rejection and embraced authenticity, which led to a life-changing conversation and her dream job in production. Tune in to learn how small adjustments to her LinkedIn profile and a strategic approach to networking helped April open doors to new career opportunities.
Episode 4: How To Build A Strong Network
Release Date: September 17, 2024
In this episode, Robert Johnson, a Merit America Career Coach, explores the transformative power of networking for both personal growth and career advancement. Robert shares key strategies for effective networking, including essential dos and don’ts, and provides practical tips on how to enhance your connection-making skills.
Tune in to discover how to create a robust network that supports and propels your career forward. Robert’s expert guidance will equip you with the tools and confidence needed to network effectively and achieve your career goals.
Episode 5: How Daniel Didn’t Let Rejection Keep Him Down
Release Date: September 20, 2024
Rejection can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to your career. When Merit America alum Daniel Sanchez lost his job as a community organizer, he faced uncertainty and fear. However, instead of letting rejection define him, Daniel used it as a chance to pivot toward a new path in IT. With the help of his Merit America career coach, Pat Reynolds, he learned to embrace feedback, stay persistent, and seek support. These strategies ultimately led him to a rewarding role as an IT Help Desk Specialist.
In this episode of Promoted, Daniel shares how resilience, dedication, and a focus on personal growth helped him transform his career. His story underscores the importance of pushing through adversity, upgrading your skills, and building a strong support network. If you’ve ever faced rejection or feel stuck in your career, Daniel’s journey offers valuable insights on turning setbacks into opportunities for success.
Episode 6: How To Build A Strong Network
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Changing careers is often a risk that comes with highs and lows—it’s often stressful and frequently discouraging. Although rejection can be tough to handle, it’s the most common part of the process. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you turn rejection into a tool for innovation and rejuvenation, keeping your momentum going in the face of setbacks.
In this episode of Promoted, Patrick Reynolds, a Merit America career coach, shares his expert advice on navigating rejection with resilience. He emphasizes that while rejection can be disheartening, it doesn’t have to define your career path. Patrick highlights the importance of leveraging your strengths, staying determined, and continuing to push forward despite challenges. Tune in to learn how to manage rejection while staying hopeful and focused on long-term success.
Episode 7: How Andrew Hopson Changed Careers to find the Perfect Work-Life Balance
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Work-life balance is a challenge that many people struggle to achieve. Nearly 48% of the U.S. workforce identifies as “workaholics,” and 60% feel they lack boundaries between their work and personal lives. With life’s demands constantly shifting, setting clear boundaries can seem impossible, yet the desire for balance remains a driving factor for many career changes. Instead of prioritizing higher pay, Americans are increasingly focused on protecting their personal time, nurturing family moments, and caring for their mental and physical health.
In this episode of Promoted, Merit America alumna Andrea Hopson shares her personal journey of transitioning from the insurance industry to data analytics in pursuit of work-life balance. As a mother of four, Andrea opens up about how she balances family responsibilities with her studies and full-time job, and the vital role her family and career coach, Maurice Davis, played in her success. Tune in to learn how Andrea navigates the complexities of juggling her personal life while advancing in her new career.
Episode 8: How Do We Find the Best Work-Life Balance?
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Feeling like all you do is work? You’re not alone. Over 60% of U.S. employees report feeling that their work-life balance is off, especially with the increasing overlap between work and home. With so many tasks competing for your time, finding a balance can seem overwhelming. But achieving harmony between your job and personal life doesn’t have to be impossible. It’s about more than just squeezing in a yoga class—it’s about learning how to set boundaries and work more efficiently while figuring out what works best for you.
In this episode of Promoted, Maurice Davis, a Merit America career coach, dives into the complexities of work-life balance and how to define it for yourself. He offers valuable insights into managing your workload, setting boundaries, and prioritizing well-being while maintaining professional success. Tune in to hear Maurice’s expert advice on how to avoid burnout and create a balance that supports both your career and personal life.
Episode 9: How Haley Jones Transformed Their Experience to a Thriving Tech Career
Release Date: October 7, 2024
The world of work is changing fast, and soft skills are becoming increasingly important for career success. While technical expertise is still required in some roles, many entry-level tech positions now prioritize skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management. These transferable skills, often gained through diverse life experiences, can be a powerful asset for career changers looking to break into new industries. Yet, too often, job seekers overlook their existing strengths and focus on the qualifications they lack.
In this episode of Promoted, Merit America alum Haley Jones shares their journey from a series of roles—including nanny, waitress, and project manager—to landing their first tech job. Alongside host and career coach Masha Finn, they discuss how they leveraged their broad experience and how Merit America helped them focus on the soft skills they had already developed, transforming their career path.
Episode 10: Why Is It Important to Focus on Transferable Skills?
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Switching careers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure how your past experiences fit into a new field. The truth is, transferable skills—like communication, problem-solving, and leadership—are often your greatest assets. These skills, gained in any role, can open doors to new opportunities and set you apart from the competition. Learning how to identify and showcase your transferable skills is a powerful way to boost your confidence and stand out in your career change journey.
In this episode of Promoted, Masha Finn, a career coach at Merit America, shares her insights on making the most of your transferable skills. She breaks down how to recognize which skills apply to other industries, how to refine them for your next role, and how to communicate their value to potential employers. Tune in for expert tips on turning your past experience into a stepping stone for career success, no matter where you’re headed next.
Promoted Ep. 11: How Briana Overcame Barriers While Transitioning Careers
Release Date: October 11, 2024
Imposter syndrome is the feeling of self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud, even when you’re fully qualified. It often affects career changers entering new industries, especially in tech, where the rapid pace of change can make anyone feel like they’re falling behind.
In this episode of Promoted, Merit America alum Briana Coleman sits down for an honest conversation with her Career Coach, Maisy Adams. Together, they break down the tools Briana used to silence her inner critic, successfully transition from being a DoorDash driver, and secure two job positions upon completing the program.
Episode 12: How Can We Overcome Barriers While Transitioning Careers?
Release Date: October 15, 2024
Many professionals dream of switching careers or industries, but when it comes time to take the leap, hesitation often sets in. While making a career change can feel daunting, with the right information, expectations, and planning, it’s entirely achievable. Understanding the common barriers professionals face when transitioning careers—and learning how to overcome them—is crucial for success.
In this episode of Promoted, Maisy Adams, a Career Coach at Merit America, shares her personal journey of career change and the most effective strategies for overcoming common obstacles. Tune in for expert advice on building a strong support system, gaining clarity on your goals, and cultivating a positive mindset as you navigate your career transition.
Promoted Ep. 13: How Luiz Transformed a Passion for Tech Into a Career
Release Date: October 18, 2024
When is the right time to turn a hobby into a career? A survey of 2,000 workers reveals that 55% of adults wish they could transform their hobbies into full-time careers, while 27% have already done so through side hustles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that many tech professionals, including systems analysts, help desk technicians, and software developers, have successfully transitioned by leveraging personal projects and interests.
In this episode of Promoted, Merit America alum Luiz Mattos shares his journey with Career Coach Masha Finn. Together, they discuss how Luiz landed a Junior Technology Associate role at Southwest Airlines after completing the Merit America program. They also cover how Luiz used his personal tech projects to enhance his resume, the strategies he used to highlight his non-technical background in interviews, and the key takeaways from his experience at Merit America.
Our alums work for the world’s top tech companies
