Career Practitioner Conversations with NCDA

Career Readiness and Today's College Students with Mike Wysocki and Erica Mattison

• NCDA • Season 4 • Episode 21

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In this episode Erica Mattison and Mike Wysocki discuss their work and insights on career readiness. Erica Mattison, an executive coach and author, integrates narrative assessment and strengths-based coaching in her approach, while hosting her own podcast. Mike Wysocki, also an author, discusses his upcoming book, which reports on career readiness insights gathered from college students. The conversation highlights the significance of developing soft skills, such as public speaking and teamwork, which are often overlooked in traditional education. Mike shares his journey and his passion for understanding job satisfaction, leading him to interview professionals for his books. Erica and Mike also reflect on the shifting focus of educational institutions towards better preparing students for the workforce, underscoring the importance of career exploration courses and involvement from career professionals.

Mike Wysocki is a speaker and author focusing on career readiness. Wysocki published the two-time award-winning and Amazon best-selling book, Careers By the People: Candid Career Advice from 101 Experienced Professionals. It got rave reviews from Forbes and Kirkus Reviews. Moreover, Careers By the People received endorsements from educators of Harvard, Stanford, UMass, Northeastern, Boston University, Alcorn State, Western Kentucky, UHawaii and many more. Wysocki produced over 120 YouTube videos on career readiness and built a Udemy course. Wysocki has spoken at Boston University, UMass, Hawaii Pacific University, Suffolk University, UNH, Cal State University and many more colleges and high schools. Also, Wysocki has spoken at ACTE Hawaii, ACTE Alabama, ACTE Region V and Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMWorks.

Erica Mattison is an executive coach, speaker, and author who supports organizations and professionals to strengthen direction, sharpen focus, and achieve lasting impact. Drawing on her background in sustainability and social impact, she works with leaders and teams to enhance effectiveness, navigate change, and build thriving workplace cultures. For individuals, she provides career coaching and development support, helping professionals clarify goals, build confidence, and move forward with intention. Erica is the author of Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction for Your Career and host of the Conversations with Erica podcast, where she explores themes of purpose, leadership, and growth. Her approach integrates narrative assessment and strengths-based coaching to foster clarity, resilience, and meaningful progress. A certified career coach and Master Certified Life Coach, Erica holds degrees in psychology (BA), public administration (MPA), and law (JD), and has supported thousands of professionals across higher education, government, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses.