This week our special guest is Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus, who discusses the topic of career development 101 for graduate students. Dr. Emmanuela is a multi-passionate professional who serves as a diversity researcher and consultant, doctorate coach, scholar, and podcast host of the Writing on My Mind podcast. In this episode we cover: How her Haitian immigrant parents' entrepreneurial experience influenced her multi-passionate interests. Her experience working with a career advisor who understood...
Oct 21, 2022•57 min•Ep 160•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I discuss essential components of creating an effective CV for graduate school applications. I explain the differences between a resume and a CV, and outline the key sections to include, such as contact information, education, research experience, presentations, publications, honors and awards, and more. I also provide tips on formatting and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you're applying to grad school or looking to update your CV, this episode provides valuable insider knowl...
Oct 14, 2022•23 min•Ep 159•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Xochitl Clare, who discusses the topic of how to carve and intersectional and interdisciplinary path for yourself. Xochitl is a Afro-Latina Marine Biologist & Performing Artist with Caribbean & Central American heritage. Her Ph.D. research provides valuable insights on how ecosystems and the fisheries they support are coping with ocean warming and how this could impact daily livelihoods. We discuss her work in using the combined power of science and storytelling to...
Oct 07, 2022•39 min•Ep 158•Transcript available on Metacast This solo episode will provide you with insights on what to do when applying to graduate school with a chronic illness. There are several different considerations you may have to ensure you receive the support, treatment, and accommodations you need. No graduate program is the same, therefore it is imperative to do your research to identify programs and institutions that have a track record of supporting diverse populations, including individuals with chronic illnesses. Follow me on your favorit...
Sep 30, 2022•18 min•Ep 157•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Laura Quintero-Soekarnsingh who shares her experience studying abroad and then moving abroad to the Netherlands. Laura is a program officer at ECHO, Expertise Center for Diversity Policy who has been involved in multiple diversity and inclusion projects in the U.S. and the Netherlands. During her studies at UCLA, she combined her Sociology major with projects in access and outreach to contribute to social justice change in education and society. In 2019, she moved ...
Sep 23, 2022•59 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast The episode offers a a discussion of the physical, emotional, and behavioral signs of academic burnout. I discuss some differences between stress and burnout and offer strategies for how to cope with and/or overcome academic burnout. I also share my own personal experience dealing with burnout while in graduate school. If you think you may be feeling burned out or would like to avoid burnout, please listen to this episode today. Follow me on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram, Linke...
Sep 16, 2022•29 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast In today's solo episode, I share eight different strategies for building a writing routine that is effective, in other words, that will help you make more consistent progress with your writing. From habit formation, to time-management, to understanding and accepting what works best for you, there are countless strategies you can try out to help you get out of a writing rut or writer’s block. I recorded this episode with dissertation writers in mind especially given that my own dissertation writi...
Sep 09, 2022•25 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Dra. Hortencia Jimenez who shares her knowledge on the importance of wellness, nutrition, and guilt-free joy in grad school. Dra. Hortencia Jimenez, who is from huichol ancestry, was born in the Sierra Madre in the state of Nayarit, Mexico and immigrated to the United States with her paternal grandmother and aunt. She holds a BA, MA, and Ph.D in Sociology and is also a certified Health Coach and Intuitive Eating Counselor, among many other titles! In this episode w...
Sep 02, 2022•1 hr•Ep 153•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is for everyone who is considering applying to graduate school. In my work coaching applicants, I’ve noticed that reaching out to faculty in the graduate programs you’re interested in continues to be an intimidating task for many first-gen students of color. Despite this, I strongly urge you to reach out to them and in this episode I share five key reasons why you’ll benefit from contacting and meeting with them. You have very little to lose and so much to gain from putting yourself...
Aug 26, 2022•15 min•Ep 152•Transcript available on Metacast This episode was originally aired on September 17, 2021 and it is an extension of my first episode on "The Grad School List" and it includes some additional things to consider when creating a graduate school list. These may be considered deal breakers or hidden aspects of graduate school to consider when making a decision. They include factors like the diversity and demographics of the area, size of campus, cost of living, transportation needs, and more! Click here to listen to my very first pod...
Aug 19, 2022•15 min•Ep 151•Transcript available on Metacast If you are in the middle of a big post-grad life transition, such as starting or ending graduate school, changing jobs, and moving away from loved ones, then you will want to listen to this episode. I share my insight about how to navigate feelings of loss, grief, and discomfort especially as it relates to changes that impact one’s identity-formation. I also offer a few coping strategies that may be helpful for you as you navigate your own life transitions. Follow me on your favorite social medi...
Aug 12, 2022•31 min•Ep 150•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Dr. Zakiya Akerele who discusses the topic of repurposing your education and controlling your career after grad school. Dr. Zakiya Akerele is a third-generation educator passionate about lifelong growth and learning. She holds degrees from Florida A&M University, Columbia University, and Fordham University in International Educational Development, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. She is also the author of Dump Your Degree: How to Repurpose Your Education, Control...
Aug 05, 2022•30 min•Ep 149•Transcript available on Metacast If you are trying to decide whether graduate school is the right next step for you, listen to this solo episode where I cover the wrong reasons to attend graduate school. While there are many great reasons to attend graduate school— such as needing an advanced degree to pursue a career, to move up a job ladder, or to switch fields— there are also some not so great reasons. Even if you know that you definitely plan to go to grad school, this episode may also help you decide if now is the right ti...
Jul 29, 2022•14 min•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Dra. Jasmine Escalera who discusses the topic of confidence building and defining career success on your terms. Dra. Jasmine is a certified career and life coach with proven programs that help her clients focus on gaining clarity around their careers, beating self-doubt, and building confidence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Pace University and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Yale. She was also named a 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice! In this episode we dis...
Jul 22, 2022•38 min•Ep 147•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is for all graduate students and undergraduates who may be feeling stuck or losing motivation. I share a journaling exercise that will grant you permission to dream again, that is, to consider, without limits, what your ideal life looks like. The purpose of this exercise is to help you recenter yourself—your wants, needs, and desires— in your career and life trajectory. This exercise will also help you reflect and assess on how you’re currently spending your time and if it’s aligned...
Jul 15, 2022•22 min•Ep 146•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Ana Ramirez who discusses the topic of taking a leave of absence as a survivor in grad school. Ana is a socio-cultural anthropology PhD student at UNC Chapel Hill. Her work focuses on Indigenous women, gender-based violence, trauma, community and families, and healing. Currently, she's taking a leave of absence, exploring different career paths, and hiking with friends and family. In this episode we discuss: What is a leave of absence and some reasons why students ...
Jul 08, 2022•42 min•Ep 145•Transcript available on Metacast For this week's solo episode, I introduce you to the ABC method of productivity. This method of productivity involves taking a look at your to-do list and marking tasks based on priority (A, B, and C) and then working on tasks accordingly. I've modified this method to include my energy levels and the time of day I work best. A time is my most focused and energetic time, B time is less focused and less energy, and C time is even less focus or energy. I like to align my A tasks with my A time to g...
Jul 01, 2022•15 min•Ep 144•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Liu Miao who discusses the topic of disability and academia. Liu is a PhD student in human development and family sciences and is passionate about research on positive youth development, cross-cultural studies, immigrant youth, as well as fostering and adoption. In this episode we discuss: How she got involved with content creation as a means of making knowledge accessible to the wider public. Her experience as someone with a physical disability attending graduate ...
Jun 24, 2022•54 min•Ep 143•Transcript available on Metacast Are you currently working on a big project like a senior thesis, a dissertation, or even a book manuscript? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or disorganized when it comes to managing the workload? Are you interested in learning about how to set up a work system to better manage your project and time? If so, then tune in to this episode where I offer project management strategies related to how to set up a filing, task-management, and calendaring system that works for you. If you want to ...
Jun 17, 2022•29 min•Ep 142•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Jeffrey Merino who discusses the process of pursuing a master of library science and a career as a bilingual school librarian. Jeffrey has experience as a bilingual school librarian for a Kindergarten through 5th grade elementary school. He has also taught in the classroom as a dual language educator. In this episode we discuss: How an undergrad job as a research data collector led to him working in elementary schools and switching his major to elementary education...
Jun 10, 2022•52 min•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast In this solo episode, I discuss the topic of classism in academia. I begin by defining classism and institutional classism. I then share examples of institutional classism in college and grad school. I discuss the intersections of classism, pay inequities and stagnation, and the great resignation in higher education. And I end the episode by sharing specific suggestions for how to take action towards fighting classism within and outside academia. Follow me on your favorite social media platforms...
Jun 03, 2022•37 min•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Samantha Gonzalez who talks to us about her process of navigating imposter syndrome as a high achieving first-gen grad student. Samantha is a Program Coordinator for a First-Gen Summer Bridge Program for incoming college freshmen at a local college in Las Vegas, Nevada and has a Master’s Degree in Education from John Hopkins University. In this episode we discuss: Her undergrad experience at UCLA and how she dealt with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and anxiety....
May 27, 2022•38 min•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast In this solo episode, I discuss the topic of the secrets of successful nontraditional paths into graduate school. If you self-identify as a nontraditional student and are planning to apply to graduate school at some point in your career, then you won’t want to miss out this episode where I cover the following: What is a nontraditional student? What are common concerns and obstacles of nontraditional students?What are common traits that successful nontraditional students I’ve femtored have in com...
May 20, 2022•31 min•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Dr. Max Schneider who talks to us about the pros and cons of getting a master’s degree abroad. Dr. Max Schneider is an applied statistician who earned a master’s degree in Germany and recently got his PhD in Statistics from the University of Washington. In this episode we discuss: His childhood moving from Ukraine to California and his immigrant family experience. How an internship opportunity helped him secure a Master’s degree abroad. His challenges with culture ...
May 13, 2022•42 min•Ep 137•Transcript available on Metacast In this solo episode, I discuss the topic of how to deal with academic and career disappointment in compassionate ways. It can be really challenging to experience the disappointment of working hard towards something that ultimately does not work out the way you imagined. Many of us are experiencing losses or changes in our academic and career trajectories that prompt a wide range of uncomfortable emotions. If you're struggling with feelings of disappointment, listen to this episode where I discu...
May 06, 2022•19 min•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Dr. Angela Crumdy who talks to us all about wellness and content creation in grad school. Dr. Angela is the creator of @gradgirlwellness, a platform designed to inspire and encourage women of color to prioritize their overall health and wellness while pursuing higher education. In this episode we discuss: Dr. Angela’s reasons behind focusing on wellness for women of color to fill a gap in higher ed and in content creation. The skills you learn in grad school that a...
Apr 29, 2022•22 min•Ep 135•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, you'll get to enjoy a replay of one of my earliest episode, all about writing the statement of purpose. In this episode, you'll learn more about why I decided to bring back this episode from the Grad School Femtoring Podcast vault and my reactions to listening to it again after more than two years since I recorded it. If you're planning to apply to grad school this fall, you won't want to miss this episode. Follow me on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, ...
Apr 22, 2022•23 min•Ep 134•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Jamaal Muwwakkil (he/him) who discusses the topic of contextualizing higher ed models and academia’s hidden curriculum. Jamaal Muwwakkil is a sociocultural linguist and educator from Compton, California. Jamaal is currently a PhD candidate in the department of Linguistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara and his dissertation investigates language socialization of Black students within an elite public higher education model. In this episode we discuss:...
Apr 15, 2022•41 min•Ep 133•Transcript available on Metacast In this solo episode, I share five specific budget-related tasks that you should complete before saying yes and submitting your statement of intent to register (SIR) to a graduate program. These five steps will help to ensure that you make an informed and empowered decision when it comes to the financial aspect of grad school. Follow me on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about gra...
Apr 08, 2022•20 min•Ep 132•Transcript available on Metacast This week our special guest is Hazel Carías-Urbina (she/her) who discusses the topic of applying to summer research programs. Hazel is a History student with a minor in Latin American Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. She is also Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow and daughter of Guatemalan and Honduran immigrants. In this episode we discuss: How her Central American identity and growing up in LA has shaped her interest in studying history. What Hazel has learned about applying ...
Apr 01, 2022•35 min•Ep 131•Transcript available on Metacast 
