Good Job New Mexico features funny, personal, and informative conversations with New Mexico workers from all walks of life about the various jobs they’ve worked, how they’ve gotten to where they are, where they might be headed, and some of their weirdest, most intriguing and inspiring stories, sprinkled with just the right amount of advice and tips for the workplace.
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
How do you become a Librarian? What's the difference between public and academic libraries?
In this episode, Nadia shares her experiences of balancing a busy family life with her love for literature, the differences between public and academic libraries, and the vital role libraries play in communities. Explore the diverse resources libraries offer and their adaptability in an ever-evolving digital world.
Get ready for a lively discussion on the importance of mentorship, the joy of learning, and the unexpected surprises of library life. Plus, discover how libraries continue to be a cornerstone of community support and engagement.
Good Job New Mexico!
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
How do you become a School Resource Counselor?
In this episode of Good Job New Mexico, we dive into the inspiring journey of Lorraine Chavez, also known as Ms. College Career, a college and career readiness resource counselor with Albuquerque Public Schools.
Hear her story on how she found her passion for helping students, and her journey to become the person she needed when she was younger.
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Hey listeners! We're on break this week, but while we're out, we want to hear from YOU! Ever had an unforgettable experience at work? Maybe your interview went perfectly... until it didn't, or the lunchroom drama spiraled out of control. Whether it's funny, awkward, or downright bizarre, we want to feature your work stories on the podcast!
Send us your wild, inspiring, or cringe-worthy moments at goodjobnm@dws.nm.gov, and don't worry—if you'd like to stay anonymous, we've got you covered. Until we're back, keep being awesome, and we can't wait to share your stories soon on Good Job, New Mexico!
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
How do you become a Meteorologist? Is being a Meteorologist a good career?
In this thrilling episode of "Good Job, New Mexico," we sit down with Jacob Alexander, an operational meteorologist at Sandia National Laboratories, whose work goes far beyond the green screens of weather stations. Discover the dangerous and exciting moments that have defined his career.
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
In this special mini-episode of Good Job New Mexico, we're joined by our summer intern, Estevan Sandoval. Estevan shares his first internship experience, reflecting on the challenges, growth, and skills gained during his time with us. From creating office name tags to compiling a detailed booklet on workplace art, Estevan's contributions have left a lasting impact. Tune in to hear about his journey, future ambitions, and some fun rapid-fire questions!
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
How do you become a Sanitation Worker / Garbage Collector?
In this episode of "Good Job New Mexico," two employees from Albuquerque's Solid Waste Management Department, Philip Barajas and Martin Saiz, discuss their roles as waste collectors. They share insights on recycling myths, proper disposal practices, and the satisfaction they find in their work. The episode emphasizes the importance of waste management and encourages better recycling habits.
For more information on recycling, visit cabq.gov/solidwaste
If interested in the CDL program, visit or call a Workforce Center near you: dws.state.nm.us/Office-Locations
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
How do you become a Personal or Group Fitness Trainer?
In this episode of Good Job, New Mexico, hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez chat with Thea Muehlenweg, a fitness coach at Orange Theory Fitness. Thea discusses her transition from studying public administration to discovering a passion for fitness and wellness. She shares the challenges of job hunting, the emotional toll of working in a non-profit, and how being laid off led her to a more fulfilling career. Thea emphasizes the importance of not staying in a job that doesn't bring joy, the courage needed to make life changes, and why she chose to stay in Albuquerque despite other opportunities. Her story highlights the value of exploring new paths and finding work that feels rewarding.
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
In this episode, your hosts Stacy Johnston and Karla Meléndez sit down with the inspiring Angie Alley, the Interim Associate Dean at Central New Mexico Community College.
Angie speaks to the importance of passion in education, the value of speaking well, and her love for Broadway musicals. You’ll hear about her adorable toy poodle, Archie, who brings smiles to her workplace, and even get a glimpse into her childhood dreams of teaching and performing.
Follow us on social media @GoodjobNM for behind-the-scenes content and adorable dog pictures!
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
In this episode we interview Marcos Martinez, the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions. Marcos, who has been with the agency for over 30 years, shares his journey from starting in a field office in Taos to becoming Deputy Secretary in Albuquerque New Mexico. He discusses his passion for helping people find employment and his dedication to community service, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and maintaining respect.
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
How do you become a Bus Driver?
In today's episode, we chat with Robert Chavez, a dedicated Motor Coach Operator (Bus Driver) for the City of Albuquerque’s Transit Department. Robert shares his journey from paratransit services to city buses, highlighting the extensive training and focus required for his job. He provides engaging anecdotes about regular passengers, discusses the challenges of the role, and expresses his love for driving. The conversation also underscores the city's active hiring efforts, the job benefits, and Robert's commitment to helping people.
In today's episode, we chat with Robert Chavez, a dedicated Motor Coach Operator (Bus Driver) for the City of Albuquerque’s Transit Department. Robert shares his journey from paratransit services to city buses, highlighting the extensive training and focus required for his job. He provides engaging anecdotes about regular passengers, discusses the challenges of the role, and expresses his love for driving. The conversation also underscores the city's active hiring efforts, the job benefits, and Robert's commitment to helping people.
Stacy Johnston
Stacy Johnston is the Marketing and Communications Director for the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. She started as a student intern and has continued to work for the Department for over 25 years. Over the course of her career, she pioneered the establishment of social media platforms within the department; was a founding employee of the department’s office of Communications, Marketing and Government Affairs, has spearheaded branding and marketing campaigns, and served a term as the Marketing Director for the National Association of Government Communicators. She graduated from the University of New Mexico and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with an emphasis in Economics. Johnston was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is married, and has two sons, she enjoys being involved in the community and assisting with the employee volunteerism and engagement committee.
Karla Meléndez
Karla Meléndez is the Work-Based Learning Manager at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and the New Mexico Public Education Department. Karla brings a unique blend of educational and policy expertise to her role; she has spent a decade effectively driving initiatives that bridge the gap between education and workforce development. Her focus on fostering collaborations between public and private sectors has resulted in valuable experiential learning opportunities for young people and enhanced workforce development programs.
Good Job New Mexico is a Production of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions | The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is 85% Federally funded with ($106,960,200), and 15% ($18,543,600) financed by non-federal sources in state fiscal year 2024. | The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the participants own and do not reflect the views of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, or the New Mexico State Government.