Career Pulse DC

About Career Pulse DC

Welcome to Career Pulse DC, the podcast from Traverse Jobs offering insider tips into Washington’s political and policy career landscape.

Publisher

Traverse Jobs

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Dec 2024

Latest episode

5 May 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 May 2026

   Managing Anger, Respect, and Communication at Work — with Karen Thrall

   In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret and Fraser talk with executive coach and author Karen Thrall about managing anger, navigating conflict, and redefining respect in the workplace. Karen breaks down why most workplace tension stems from mismatched expectations rather than bad intent, and offers practical frameworks for responding in the moment—from her “Now vs. Later” approach to staying calm while still speaking up. The conversation also explores how communication norms, tone, and energy shape how we’re perceived, especially in high-pressure environments like DC, and why learning to regulate reactions is critical for both individual contributors and leaders. About Our Guest Karen Thrall is the author of Don’t Lose Your Sht at Work*—you can learn more at karenthrall.com, find her book on Amazon, and catch her in Washington, DC on May 12 for an in-person workshop.

2. 

   31 Mar 2026

   Why Gen Z Is Struggling to Get Hired—And What Actually Works Now with Liz Helton

   Breaking into the workforce has never felt more confusing—or more competitive. In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret sits down with career strategist Liz Helton of Career Transformation Partners to unpack what’s really happening in the Gen Z job market. From AI reshaping entry-level roles to the reality behind “ghost jobs,” they break down what’s changed—and what still works. If you’re navigating your first job search (or hiring early-career talent), this conversation cuts through the noise with practical, honest advice. Practical Advice From Liz: Treat college projects as real, relevant experience Use AI as a thought partner—not a copy/paste machine Focus your resume on impact, outcomes, and results Build your LinkedIn network early (no “thought leadership” required) Always reapply to reposted jobs—with an improved resume About Our Guest Liz is a career strategist at Career Transformation Partners, where she helps professionals clarify their story, strengthen their positioning, and navigate job searches with strategy and confidence. With a background in public relations, she brings a storytelling-driven approach to career growth, working 1:1 with clients and partnering with organizations to deliver practical, results-oriented career development programming.

3. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Beyond the Stereotypes: Generations at Work in 2026 with Tess Brigham

   In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret sits down with Tess Brigham, host of Gen Mess with Tess, to unpack how generational experiences, from Boomers to Gen Z, are shaping today’s workplace. Drawing on over 20 years as a licensed psychotherapist and coach, Tess offers a rare, ground-level view of how technology, COVID, burnout, and shifting cultural norms are influencing how people work, lead, and define success. This conversation moves beyond stereotypes to explore curiosity, empathy, and sustainability at work — and why the future of leadership may look very different than the past. Key Topics & Takeaways Generational stereotypes vs. realityWhy age should be treated as context, not a conclusion. Gen Z, AI, and the future of hiringWhy younger workers are not immune to anxiety about AI, automation, and resume filtering — and how curiosity (not fear) is the most adaptive response. Managing across age gapsWhat seasoned professionals should remember when reporting to younger managers — and why ego is often the biggest obstacle to career longevity. Networking without the cringeReframing networking as generosity, curiosity, and relationship-building — not self-promotion or transactional hustle. Why Gen X feels invisible (and exhausted)How being a “small sandwich generation” shaped Gen X leadership styles, burnout, and difficulty delegating — and what they can learn from Gen Z. Millennials as managersWhy millennials often equate responsiveness with value, struggle to unplug, and carry invisible pressure to optimize everything — including their own lives. Workplace empathy ≠ therapyHow managers can validate employees’ experiences without becoming their therapist — and why simple acknowledgment goes further than people think. About the Guest Tess Brigham is a licensed psychotherapist, certified coach, author, and TEDx speaker based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She hosts the Gen Mess with Tess podcast, where she explores generational psychology, work, identity, and mental health in a rapidly changing world.

4. 

   14 Jan 2026

   Federal Résumés in 2026: What the New OPM Two-Page Rule Means for Job Seekers

   Note: While this episode was recorded in October 2025, release was delayed out of respect for furloughed federal workers affected by the 2025 shutdown. This week on Career Pulse DC, Margaret sits down with federal hiring expert Diane Hudson (Polished Resumes) and Traverse Jobs CEO Fraser Traverse for a deep dive into one of the biggest changes to federal hiring in decades: OPM’s new requirement that federal résumés be capped at two pages. For job seekers inside and outside government, this shift affects everything—from how you write your résumé, to how agencies review applicants, to how quickly hiring decisions are made. Diane breaks down what applicants must do to stay competitive and how to translate accomplishments, structure a résumé, and navigate a faster, AI-assisted hiring process. In This Episode Why OPM eliminated lengthy 5–8 page résumés How federal hiring is becoming more “business-like” The new 80-day hiring timeline What to include (and cut) when you only have two pages How to write accomplishment-driven, impact-focused bullets How agencies may use AI, skills tests, structured interviews, and asynchronous video interviews Advice for: • Veterans & military spouses • Caregivers returning to the workforce • Entry-level job seekers • Applicants coming from nonprofit or private sector Whether to include side hustles or freelance work Why having some job—any job—can matter for early career applicants About Our Guest: Diane Hudson is the owner of Career Marketing Techniques, a professional training, career coaching, and resume writing firm. She is co-author of the “New SES Application” and Director of the Certified Professional Career Coach program with 3,000+ students. Diane is an expert in crafting federal resumes and navigating the federal application process; she has trained thousands of career seekers and coaches at federal agencies and military bases globally. You can reach her at diane@polishedresumes.com or linkedin.com/in/dianehudson.

5. 

   2 Sept 2025

   Eric Woodard on Mindset, Trust, and Job Search Strategies for 2025

   Margaret Knudsen and Fraser Traverse interview career coach Eric Woodard about building trust and mastering job search strategies for the 2025 market.

6. 

   5 Aug 2025

   30 Years in the Game: Narric Rome on Staying Curious and Staying in DC

   Narric Rome, a DC veteran, discusses his career journey through internships, lobbying, and advocacy, highlighting the importance of curiosity and adaptability in navigating the ever-changing job market; this is an interview.

7. 

   29 May 2025

   Breaking Into International Careers with Dawson Law

   International careers coach Dawson Law and Fraser Traverse discuss navigating global job markets with host Margaret Knudsen, sharing insights on strategic networking and pivoting mid-career in this interview.

8. 

   27 Apr 2025

   The DC Internship Advantage

   Guest: Karen Carter, Internship Advisor, Washington Semester Program (American University)Special Guest: Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs Episode Summary:In this episode of Career Pulse DC, we dive deep into one of the most impactful entry points to a career in politics, policy, and public service: the internship. Margaret is joined by Karen Carter from American University’s renowned Washington Semester Program (WSP), alongside Fraser Traverse, a proud WSP alum and the CEO of Traverse Jobs. Karen shares what makes the WSP one of DC’s longest-running and most respected internship programs, the kinds of placements available to students, and what it takes to land a meaningful internship in the nation's capital. Fraser reflects on how WSP launched her own career and offers insight into today’s job and internship market. Whether you’re a college student, career advisor, or just curious about how internships shape the DC career pipeline, this episode is packed with advice, tips, and firsthand stories. What You’ll Learn: The history and impact of AU’s Washington Semester Program What sets WSP apart from other internship experiences in DC How students from a wide range of majors—from political science to IT—find tailored internship placements Resume and cover letter tips for students with little prior work experience Why being proactive and applying early is key (think: 40 applications!) The value of networking, site visits, and making the most of DC’s opportunities How WSP alumni—including Paul Ryan, America Ferrera, and Lori Lightfoot—have gone on to impactful careers Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more about the Washington Semester Program: american.edu/washington-semester-program 🔗 Find internships and jobs in politics and public affairs: TraverseJobs.com Connect with Us: 📌 Follow @TraverseJobs on social for job tips and DC career insights 📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at margaret@traversejobs.com

9. 

   13 Dec 2024

   The Origin Story of Traverse Jobs with Brad & Fraser Traverse

   Join us as we explore the origin story behind Traverse Jobs, the key workforce trends shaping this industry, and the advice Brad and Fraser have for powering your career in D.C. and beyond. Whether you're just starting out or already making waves, Career Pulse DC provides the knowledge and connections to take your career to new heights.

Who has been a guest on Career Pulse DC

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Eric Woodard
• Narric Rome
• Dawson Law
• Fraser Traverse

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

4

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Career Pulse DC

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.