About this Blog

iSpeak is the official blog of ISEEK, a public website dedicated to career, education, and job information in Minnesota.  On this blog, we try to take current and cutting-edge research and turn it into “news you can use” for career explorers and job seekers.  We also try to keep on top of current trends in job seeking and career exploration.

ISEEK Blog Authors

The iSpeak blog is coordinated by Rachel Vilsack, a data and performance specialist with Minnesota’s Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Assistance program at the Department of Employment and Economic Development. She has more than 12 years experience collecting, analyzing, and writing about economic and labor market information. She frequently presents to businesses, community organizations, and job seekers. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of St. Benedict and a master’s degree in economics from Miami University (Ohio). E-mail Rachel at rachel.vilsack@state.mn.us.

Denise Felder is a career adviser helping everyday people to make positive choices that impact their lives and communities. She is the editor of the annual MnCareers publication, and a content and outreach specialist for ISEEK and CareerOneStop. She is also an Offender Job Retention Specialist, and serves on the board of the Minnesota Career Development Association. E-mail Denise at denise.felder@iseek.org.

Teri Fritsma has worked at ISEEK since January of 2008.  Her background is in labor market information and employment research. She has a Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology from the University of Iowa and a B.A. in sociology from Northern Illinois University. Some of her current research projects include green careers, skills and skills assessments, and the recession. E-mail Teri at teri.fritsma@so.mnscu.edu.

Regular Blog Contributors

Alessia Liebert is a research analyst with the Labor Market Information Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Alessia’s areas of expertise include the green economy in Minnesota, occupations in demand, and understanding the state’s skills mismatches.

Cameron Macht is a regional labor market analyst for the Central and Southwest regions at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Cameron blogs about regional industry trends and economic conditions.

Brent Pearson is a regional labor market analyst for the South Central and Southeast regions at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Brent blogs about regional industry trends and economic conditions.

Amanda Rohrer is the unemployment statistics analyst with the Labor Market Information Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Besides unemployment, Amanda’s area of expertise is demographic data and trends.

Mark Schultz is an offender employment specialist at the Winona WorkForce Center. Mark blogs on resources and job search tips to help job seekers with felonies or criminal convictions get back to work.

Caleb Werth is an information specialist with the Division of Energy Resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Caleb blogs about the renewable energy and green jobs sector.

Mark Anthony Zappa is a job search workshop facilitator at the North St. Paul and St. Paul WorkForce Centers. Mark blogs on resume and interview tips and techniques.

How to Become a Contributor

iSpeak welcomes guest submissions from career counselors, partners, and other career and education professionals.To learn more about how you can submit an article for publication on iSpeak, please contact Rachel Vilsack at rachel.vilsack@state.mn.us.

Re-using iSpeak Blog Content

iSeek Solutions, which manages the iSpeak blog, works in conjunction with state agencies and other partners to create career, education, and employment content. Re-use of this content by third-parties is governed by our Terms of Use policy. Please refer to this policy or contact Rachel Vilsack at rachel.vilsack@state.mn.us if you are interested in reproducing iSpeak content for your website or publications.