From College to Career: How Leadership and Experiential Learning Build Career-Ready Graduates with Dr. Amanda Pacheco
How can college students prepare for careers in an AI-driven job market? Is a college major really that important? What do employers actually want from new graduates?
In this episode, Betsy Jewell sits down with Dr. Amanda Pacheco, leadership educator at the University of Central Florida, to explore what career readiness looks like today and why experiential learning is becoming just as valuable as classroom learning.
Together they discuss:
Why internships, micro-internships, and project-based experience matter more than ever
The professional skills employers consistently rank as most important
Why your college major doesn't determine your career
How students can explore careers through informational interviews and shadowing
The impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and entry-level jobs
Dr. Pacheco's ACCESS Framework for creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences in the age of AI
What gives us hope about Gen Z and the future workforce
Whether you're a college student, recent graduate, parent, educator, or employer, this conversation offers practical advice for navigating today's changing world of work while building the skills that matter most.
In this episode, you'll learn about: career readiness, internships, experiential learning, leadership development, AI in higher education, Gen Z careers, informational interviews, professional skills, career exploration, college majors, and the future of work.
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We want to hear from you! Connect with us!
Betsy Jewell
betsyjewellcoaching.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/
Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz
yourcareerhappinesspc.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/
Kathleen Dohoney
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/
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About our Guest
Dr. Amanda Pacheco oversees the Leadership program at the University of Central Florida. Bringing more than 25 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and corporate workforce development, she offers a blend of academic and professional experience, including roles as a lecturer, administrator, recruiter, consultant, entrepreneur, and founder of a nationally recognized nonprofit.
At UCF, Dr. Pacheco has held leadership roles across campus, including within the Office of Experiential Learning and the General Education Program. In 2025, she received the GEP Leadership Award for creativity, initiative, and exceptional support of both students and faculty.
Her teaching philosophy centers on empowering both traditional and nontraditional students through accessible, flexible, and reflective learning experiences that promote student agency and real-world application. She has a particular interest in how neurodivergence shapes the college experience for both students and instructors, and applies Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a framework for equitable, human-centered instruction.
As a first-generation college student, she knows firsthand what it’s like to navigate higher education without a roadmap. That experience shapes her deep commitment to accessibility, encouragement, and real-world relevance in the classroom. She’s passionate about helping students build confidence, find their voice, and grow their gifts, regardless of where they started.
Dr. Pacheco speaks nationally on the integration of generative AI in education and on fostering student agency through intentional, inclusive course design.
