The weekly podcast where we believe that your life and career after grad school should rock. Join us as we interview current and former graduate students who have used their academic skills to craft amazing careers in entrepreneurship, industry/business, non-profit, and policy/government as well as academic careers. If you are wondering about your career options after grad school, then this podcast is for you.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hrtj5sIxzQo This is the end of the podcast! In this episode, I answer your final questions about grad school and life afterwards. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this content creation journey worth taking. You can find my website and resources here: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/ Also, check out two of my previous interviews with humanities PhDs that are now industry employed (I mentioned them in the episode): 1. Zeb Larson, PhD Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grad-school-sucks/id1647212731?i=1000634887336 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30WifuBLQCZbD6NwTW36Sf?si=ea369902b7d444fb YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8WoghsDXkk 2. Joe Stubenrauch, PhD Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grad-school-sucks/id1647212731?i=1000617112861 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sQdc5KDesX0tqsYu25H8J?si=c0b48e0b69b44370 YouTube: https://youtu.be/fJIObSBsWZQ?si=2JNoo12ka3yMmcOM
TW: This episode contains discussions of mental health problems. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pO52zJQOQvQ Here it is, folks - the final interview. Today, previous podcast guest Ashley Ruba is interviewing ME. Here's my story. We talk about: Why I got my PhD The path to becoming a therapist Lessons learned from my time working clinically Common missteps in going industry Some takeaways for content creators What I'm doing next While this is the last interview, this is NOT the last episode. I will release one more episode, a solo chat where I will to answer your last questions. Submit your questions to me by email: matt@gradschoolsucks.com. Please include “Podcast Question” in the subject line of the email.
Ashley Ruba joins the podcast again! Topics: Working in tech & the recent tech layoffs The current state of the job market, particularly the user research experience market Her coaching program that she started earlier this year Hot take on the value of getting a PhD Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V-iTRJPtZUM Join the waitlist for Ashley's program: https://ashleyruba.ck.page/afteracademia Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyruba-phd/ Check out Ashley's website: https://ashleyruba.com Note: Ashley pushed back the release date of her podcast. Join her newsletter at the link below to find out when it's released. Get Ashley's newsletter: https://ashleyruba.ck.page/newsletter ⬇️ Links to Ashley's previous interview on the podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grad-school-sucks/id1647212731?i=1000606478007 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6RZS5YyMSIevybsfD5qO5K?si=05794cd3de44475c YouTube: https://youtu.be/WMcc8_daL_I?si=-A-TizTjNdwHlqKM
This week I spoke with Mark (aka Life Science Career Coach on Instagram) who got his PhD in neuroscience about… Why working for pharma isn't evil Academic vs. industry work-life balance How life science grads can swiftly move to industry Mark on Instagram: www.instagram.com/lifesciencecareercoach Note: Mark requested to remain anonymous, so there is no video portion for this interview.
In this short episode, I discuss why I'm ending my content creation journey with the "brand" Grad School Sucks at the end of this month (May 2024) and what to expect in the next few weeks as I publish the final episodes. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jbkz9-7Qu8I
Humanities degrees, entrepreneurship, and more! In this episode, I interview Elizabeth Preston, PhD. We talk about her (multiple) jobs in the writing space, her experiences with adjuncting, and why you should "kill your darlings" when writing your first industry resume as you leave academia. LINKS Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekpreston/ Hurley Write: https://www.hurleywrite.com/ The Writing Docs podcast: https://www.hurleywrite.com/podcasts Randy Pausch's Last Lecture (Achieving Your Childhood Dreams): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo My Six Week Checklist: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Register for tonight's workshop on how to start a career in data analytics: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/registration-page-6dc07d64-8a02-47d8-b635-be4614eb2316
Hey folks! Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tA8s-NxmyP8 Here's five reasons why I think many PhDs would and do make great data analysts: 1. Curiosity 2. Experience with data 3. Stats programs/packages 4. Self-taught 5. Persistency Register for my free upcoming live workshop on how to use your academic skills and experiences to start a data analyst career: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/pl/2148301793
if you want to start your career as a data analyst this summer, i invite to apply to my upcoming data analytics live course. details and application can be found here: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/phdata-analyst-application
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tEJ-nnA0C1w Here are three mistakes I made when I was hunting for a data analyst job. Don't make these! 1. Didn't pick a specific job title to pursue 2. Didn't make a resume that was worth reading 3. Didn't learn the tools required Register for my upcoming live online workshop on how to use your PhD to jumpstart a non-academic career in data analytics: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/registration-page-6dc07d64-8a02-47d8-b635-be4614eb2316
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FQ55tNKj_A4 I've been a data analyst for just over 18 months and I've learned a few things along the way. Those lessons include: 1. the important of an underrated tool 2. how knowing how to code is only half the battle 3. that simply saying you can analyze data is not enough Checkout this week's episode for more! And if you want more content on becoming a data analyst, click some links below. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradschoolsucks/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwillcarl/ Newsletter: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/newsletter
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XFXrhHT0BVM *** In this episode, I interview master PhD career coach and consultant: Tory Wobber, PhD. Tory got her PhD in human evolutionary biology before leaving academia. She climbed the ladder at Facebook and then Google before leaving corporate life to pursue coaching full-time. She has been coaching for years and established the brand Academic Exit, which has a popular Twitter/X account and website. In our conversation, we discuss: The turning point that shifted her focus from academia to industry Where PhDs get tripped up in their journey to industry How cold job applications are like dating online The current state of the job market (in the US) What to do when you don't have any "real experience" LINKS Follow Tory on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/academic_exit Get Tory's free guide and newsletter: https://www.academicexit.com/opt-in-6bf8f970-bc8d-4826-9643-bd435ab59663 See Tory's Academic Exit website: https://www.academicexit.com/ Follow/connect with Tory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-tory-wobber-phd-0364682b/ *** Ready to go industry? Download my six week checklist: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nxPDaaRyzyM Hey folks! Today I'm sharing seven reasons why industry PhDs told me that they love their non-academic careers. These reasons include: - Not having to feel guilty on weekends - Feeling appreciated - Higher pay ... and many more. LINKS Get my Six Week Checklist for PhDs going industry: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist Check out my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradschoolsucks Here's the Nature article I mentioned: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03567-3
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gevvgYX7thw Hey folks! Job interviews suck, which is why it's good to be prepared for them. In this episode, I discuss six stories that I think you should prepare to use in job interviews. These stories will be based on your experiences in academia and will help you make good connections with industry recruiters and hiring managers. Ready to leave academia? Download my Six Week Checklist to get started: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cXC8zxHx0w4 Today I'm talking with Merle, a PhD financial consultant who lives in Australia. After getting her PhD in behavioral science, Merle then broke into the finance sector. In our conversation, we discuss career transition from academia to industry as well as her book: The Ultimate Guide to doing a PhD. LINKS BELOW Download My Six-week Checklist: http://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist Buy Merle's book (The Ultimate Guide to Doing a PhD) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48w2Gvx Follow Merle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merle-van-den-akker-phd-40a8b811b/ Check out Merle's blog: https://www.moneyonthemind.org/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lTBKgM7W47Q In this episode, I answer 13 questions from Instagram about how to get your first non-academic job. Here are the questions I answer: 1. What do you actually consider an industry job? 2. How early should I start looking for an industry job? 3. What field did you get your PhD in? Do job outcomes vary for different fields? 4. I am getting a masters/PhD in XYZ field. What kind of a job can I get? 5. How do I deal with recruiters who say I'm overqualified? 6. How do you get people to do an informational interview? 7. Do your publications matter if you are going to go industry? 8. What about when entry-level jobs require previous experience? 9. What salary can I expect to make in industry with a PhD? 10. I'll be in my 30s after getting my PhD. Is it too late to go industry? 11. Do you think part of your successful transition to industry was due to being a white male? 12. Is it harder for international students to go industry and how do I counteract that? 13. How do you actually do it? How do you go industry? LINKS Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gradschoolsucks/ Learn about the EB-1A green card & apply for free legal consultation:https://permanentresident.us/ Download my six week checklist:https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XFJ0PMPEvN4 Hey folks! In this episode, I talk about three resume tips that I spoke about in a recent Instagram livestream. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradschoolsucks/ Subscribe to the newsletter: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/newsletter
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ecFeos5zjcg In this conversation, I spoke with Lindsay Handren about adjuncting, or teaching part time at a university. In my conversation with her, she shared about how she got started adjuncting, the positives and negatives she experienced as a adjunct professor, the pay scale for adjuncting teaching, who she thinks should and should not pursue adjunct work, and what she has planned next for her career. Connect with Lindsay on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/linnocent/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayhandren/ Download my Six Week Checklist: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZJrGCwvgCVo In this episode, I chat with Dr. Alexis Jameson about her new career as a medical writer. Other topics include how to write a resume for industry, life as a fully-remote worker, and parenting in academia vs. industry. Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-jameson-phd/ Download my six week checklist to start going industry: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/0l3YEZfj42M Hey folks! This week I talk about how to take your goal for 2024 and make it SMART, which stands for SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, & TIME-BOUND. I walk through how to use the SMART framework both for a personal goal of mine as a content creator as well as how you can use it to frame your 2024 job search. Ready to go industry? Download my six week checklist today: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
In this episode, I talk briefly about what I expect to see on the 2024 job market, what that means for you, and the three goals I have for Grad School Sucks for this new year. Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/newsletter
Watch this episode on YouTube Here are the top three conversations of 2023. See the links below to the full interviews! 1. Karen Parada, MS Apple Spotify Google YouTube 2. Joe Stubenrauch, PhD Apple Spotify Google YouTube 3. Ashley Ruba, PhD Apple: Spotify Google YouTube
Hey folks! In this short episode, I share why pursuing one job title (instead of many) is THE BEST CHOICE for your future industry career. Subscribe to my newsletter here!
Watch this episode on youtube Here are the six steps it takes to get your first industry job! Download my six week checklist here: www.sixweekchecklist.com
Click here to watch this episode on YouTube In today's episode, I cover three specific steps you can take to ensure that your next job interview performance is effective and experience is painless. Click here to register for my upcoming live online workshop on how to get your first non-academic job!
Watch this episode on YouTube In this episode, I chat with my friend Kyle Ireton about his transition from his academic postdoc in neuroscience to his data-related industry roles in biotech and clinical trials. We talk about: The viral twitter debate that led to him leading academia His experiences in contract vs W2 roles What to do if you don't have any “real world experience” Don't forget to register for my upcoming webinar on Tuesday, December 12th at 7PM Eastern! I'll be discussing industry career paths for social scientists. Be sure to show up live for some bonus resources. Register for free here. Follow Kyle online: Twitter/X LinkedIn TikTok
Happy Monday! In this belated episode, I share three things that I'm grateful for as well as three quick tips to help maximize your LinkedIn profile. Click here to register for my upcoming Live Industry PhD Workshop
Watch this episode on Youtube In this episode, I talk with Dr. Zeb Larson about his transition from getting a PhD in History to working as a software engineer. We talk about: Freelancing in the curriculum development field The benefits and dynamics of a coding bootcamp How to find a great job after a humanities degree The role of informational interviewing in reinventing your career Zeb has a fascinating and unique story that you are not going to want to miss! Be sure to connect with Zeb on LinkedIn. Also, check out some of Zeb's writings on grad school and academia: Let's End Career Advice by Anecdote The Need for Outside Jobs in Grad School Doctoral Training Is Ossified. Can We Reinvent It? Need to start the process of building a network of industry PhDs but don't know how to start? Download my Coffee Chat Guide for PhDs here.
Watch this episode on YouTube This episode covers seven things that I have learned about resumes and job hunting from other industry PhDs, through my own research, and during informational interviews with recruiters (these are gold mines of information). The main clip for today's episode comes from a webinar I recently conducted for grad students and academics on how to make your first industry resume. Interested in hearing about future webinars? Then sign up at the link below: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/newsletter
Watch this episode on YouTube This week, I talk with Drs. Allen and Lauren about why dissertation writing is a unique process, what PhD students should do to ensure they finish their dissertation, and their book "PhDone: A Professional Dissertation Editor's Guide to Writing Your Doctoral Thesis and Earning Your PhD." ⬇️ Links to everything mentioned in the show ⬇️ The Book "PhDone" on Amazon Allen and Lauren's dissertation editing website My Six Week Checklist for industry-bound academics
Watch this episode on YouTube In this episode, I discuss the purpose of an industry resume, compare key differences between resumes and CVs, and lay out three things you can do to improve your industry resume. Sign up for my free resume workshop here
Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Today I interview Karen Parada, a STEM-influencer and scientist who abruptly left her PhD program earlier this year. We talk about her decision to leave grad school, her new career, and advice that she has for current grad students and undergrads considering grad school. Links to everything mentioned in the show: Karen on Instagram Karen on TikTok Spooky Sticker Pack Six Week Checklist
In this episode, I cover six career paths in industry that social science (and other) PhDs should consider! All of these career paths lead to a six-figure income. Are you in the social sciences and interested in going industry soon? Then check out my bootcamp: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sales-page-49ff0bd8-890d-41e2-9217-5687f7c06798 *** Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZFjJMuDi_dk?si=P7aciC9gqjj4Aa7Z
In this episode, I discuss the six steps to getting your first industry job after grad school. Sign Up for My Free Industry PhD Resume Workshop: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/registration-page-88722418-84fc-4e02-b6b6-91dcf553751c Check Out My Industry Social Scientist Bootcamp: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sales-page-49ff0bd8-890d-41e2-9217-5687f7c06798
In this episode, I demonstrate how to quickly create an industry-ready resume using your academic CV. Watch the Episode on YouTube here (recommended): https://youtu.be/3k13QN48vQU Download my ChatGPT Guide & Prompt here: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/chatgpt
In this episode, I interview Senior Lab Manager Dr. Raúl Peña. We discuss his career as an academic scientist as well as his popular social media account Research Goes Slowly. Check out Research Goes Slowly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/research_goes_slowly/ Listen to the episode on Apple podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grad-school-sucks/id1647212731?i=1000627705799 Listen to the episode on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nPYGKTZXW14MVcrcy9PcO?si=03b686517b1d4f81 Watch the episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/7kA2dhE-pt4
In this podcast episode, I discuss the importance of transitioning from academia to industry after completing my PhD. I share my personal journey of wanting financial stability and finding a job as a research scientist, only to be later disillusioned by the academic world's challenges. I encourage listeners to start planning their industry transition early and offer a three-step approach for success. Click the link below to download my free six week checklist and start mapping out your path to a career in industry today: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist *** Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kimHtacvffA
Happy Sunday! In this short episode, I share a story I recently heard where a friend of mine doubled his salary without having to change jobs. Check it out - there's a valuable lesson in here for anyone who wants to maximize their current or future starting salary. Ready to start going industry? Download my Six Week Checklist for a roadmap to your first industry job:https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
$1 Webinar: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/offers/KuoycFgx Hey folks, in this video, I'll be discussing three important reasons why you should consider joining LinkedIn. First, LinkedIn is a hub for job openings, with over 90% of available jobs posted on the platform. Second, LinkedIn allows you to connect with recruiters who can help you find relevant job opportunities. Finally, LinkedIn provides a strong professional network where you can seek advice, explore different job titles, and conduct informational interviews. Ultimately, joining LinkedIn can greatly enhance your chances of finding the right job and expanding your professional network. Ready to start your journey towards going industry? Then register for my $1 Webinar: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/offers/KuoycFgx Also, connect with me on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwillcarl/
In this episode, I share three somewhat controversial resume hacks that I think every PhD going industry should consider. Read my blog post on how to write job descriptions in your resume: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/blog/addimpact Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradschoolsucks/ Download my six week checklist to start your industry journey today: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
On this week's episode, I interview Dr. Nicole Betz, a senior research & insights analyst. Nicole talks about: How data collection and analysis fits into businesses (particularly marketing) The big differences between working in academia vs industry Things you can do to prepare yourself for the industry job market after grad school This is a great episode for social scientists and humanities students and graduates! Links from the episode: Follow Nicole on Twitter https://twitter.com/njoybetz Follow Nicole on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-betz-phd-915bb1222/ Follow Alt-Ac Chats on Twitter https://twitter.com/AltAcChats Follow Alt-Ac Chats on Linkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/altacchats/ Ready to start going industry? Download my six week checklist to get started: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Hey folks! Today I answer some more questions from listeners on Instagram on getting your first industry job after grad school. Don't follow me on Instagram? Check me out here: https://instagram.com/gradschoolsucks Need to the scoop on a company you're interviewing with? Check out Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/ Apologies that this episode is a week late!
Hey folks! Today I answer some questions from listeners on Instagram on getting your first industry job after grad school. Don't follow me on Instagram? Check me out here: https://instagram.com/gradschoolsucks PS - Wow, there's some bad static at the beginning and then again near the end. Sorry y'all! Won't be using that mic again :/
Do you have a gaps in your resume that you'll need to explain to a recruiter? Maybe you took time off after you obtained your degree. Maybe you started a family or cared for an elder. Maybe you just couldn't find a job. Regardless, there are some critical ways you can address gaps in your resume, which I review on this episode. Ready to go industry? Download my six week checklist below to get started: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Former history professor Joe Stubenrauch joins the podcast to talk about... - What User Experience (UX) Research is and how he got his first UX position - Why (and how) he left his position as a history professor - How coffee chats and passion projects fueled his transition from academic to industry Connect with Joe on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-stubenrauch/ Check Out Joe's Website: https://www.joestuben.com Ready to start going industry? Download my six week checklist: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/sixweekchecklist
Today I discuss what I think is the true cost of doing a PhD and how to recover from it. Main points: To do a PhD, you ultimately sacrifice opportunities to: - Gain real-world career experience outside of academic - Build a professional network that you can leverage for your industry career - Achieve a higher salary and invest for your future (i.e., retirement) I also review ways to recover from each of these "losses" after you are done with graduate school. If you are interested in having a career in industry after grad school, be sure to sigh up to my newsletter for tips and add me on LinkedIn to build your professional network! Links below. Newsletter: https://www.gradschoolsucks.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwillcarl/
Today I interview Dr. Elnaz "Ellie" Parviz, an assistant professor of communication studies. We talk about her journey from international student to professor, what it was like being on the job market, her experiences with tokenism, and what grad students (particularly international grad students) should do to be competitive for academic jobs. Follow Ellie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elnaz.parviz/ Connect with Ellie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elnazellieparviz/
Hey folks! In this episode we are talking about competitive advantages on the job market. We cover: Five kinds of different competitive advantages Five examples of folks I know who got great jobs using their competitive advantages Five questions that you can ask yourself (or ask friend!) to identify what your competitive advantages are Would you like to watch episodes and not just hear them? Check out myYouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@gradschoolsucks/ Want more post-grad job hunting tips emailed to you directly? Subscribe to my newsletter! https://www.phdgoingindustry.com/newsletter
Today I interview seasoned recruiter Estee Cohen of the Apply Now podcast and California Job Shop recruiting agency. We discuss how to: - Get your first job out of grad school - Create your first industry resume - Crush your first few job interviews - Find a job with good work-life balance Find Estee Cohen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/esteecohen/ Listen to Estee's Podcast “Apply Now” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/apply-now/id1660307129 See the California Job Shop Website https://www.californiajobshop.com
Recently, I had some conversations on Instagram that compared academia to religious cults. It got me thinking about my own religious upbringing in Christianity and the Christian religious concept of a sacred cow (or false god). What academic sacred cows do you worship? Are they keeping you from pursuing a career in industry? Here are the four I could think of: - Knowledge (the love of) - Fame & notoriety - Power/influence - Impact In this episode, I discuss each academic ideal, how it might prevent you from pursuing a career in industry, and the antidote that I think should be applied if one of these four keeps your from exiting your time in academia.
Percussion! Tutoring! Social Media! Oh my! Tune in to this week's episode to meet Brandon Arvay, DMA. Brandon and I talk about: - How he went to grad school for percussion performance - What it was like when he realized his career plan (to teach/be a professor) was untenable - How Brandon built a social media management business Links from the show... Connect with Brandon on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonarvay/ Check out Brandon's company: Branded 78 https://www.branded78.com Listen to Brandon's podcast: the Lexington Business Showhttps://lexington.libsyn.com *** Ready to go industry? Download my six week checklist to get started. https://www.phdgoingindustry.com/sixweekchecklist