HigherEdJobs Podcast

What does it mean to be “on” in high-stakes moments like interviews, job talks, and presentations? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Moser, communication expert, performance coach, and professor of practice at Northwestern University, discusses how nerves affect performance and why preparation, audience focus, and flexible storytelling help professionals stay clear, conversational, and confident when the pressure is on.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Christopher D. Lee discusses how candidates should approach salary questions during interviews. He explains why preparation, market research, and understanding total compensation are essential, and advises candidates to avoid naming a single number too early, consider offering a range if pressed, and remain focused on role fit while negotiating thoughtfully.

In this episode, Dr. Joseph Brennan returns to the podcast to talk about heart-first leadership and what empathy looks like in action in higher education workplaces. Inspired by his article, “How To Be the Leader Everyone Actually Wants To Work For,” he shares several ways leaders can support overwhelmed teams and build psychological safety on campus. The conversation introduces the LASER method as a framework for listening to, acknowledging, and following up on concerns, offering higher ed professionals realistic strategies for improving morale, retention, and day-to-day team culture.

In this episode, Leah Jackson, assistant director of editorial strategy at HigherEdJobs, joins the podcast to discuss keeping momentum after being hired. Drawing from her articles “4 Ways to Prepare for Your New Job” and “Starting a New Job? Consider These Strategies for Success,” the conversation focuses on how higher education professionals can prepare for a new role and carry that energy into the early days on the job, from onboarding basics and understanding campus culture to building relationships, staying organized, and setting realistic goals for the first weeks and months. The discussion also references the article "How to Introduce Yourself" by HigherEdJobs contributor Justin Zackal.

In this episode, Mark Need, venture legal analyst in residence at IU Ventures and professor and clinical director at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, joins the podcast to discuss how law degrees translate into careers across higher education. Mark shares guidance for JDs who want to work with students but struggle to break into higher ed without traditional academic experience, including how to position their skills in the hiring process. He also explains how legal training fits naturally into experiential learning programs, law schools, general counsel offices, and broader university administration. The conversation offers insight for legally trained professionals exploring ways to build student-facing careers on campus.

In this episode, HigherEdJobs contributor Joe Brennan's article, “What I Learned From My Worst Interview Ever,” prompts a conversation about power dynamics, red flags, and professionalism in academic hiring. Andy and Kelly unpack how hostile interview behaviors often signal deeper cultural issues, why inappropriate questions matter, and how candidates can protect their confidence while assessing fit. Together, they explore  strategies for navigating difficult interviews and reframing bad experiences as valuable insight into whether an institution is truly worth joining.

In part two of the conversation, Dr. José Antonio Bowen and Dr. Edward Watson continue exploring how higher education can move from uncertainty toward thoughtful use of AI. They reflect on where human relationships still matter most, how AI can support expert thinking, and what responsible experimentation might look like as campuses adapt.

In this episode, Dr. José Antonio Bowen and Dr. Edward Watson join the podcast to discuss how AI is reshaping teaching, learning, and faculty roles in higher education. They reflect on faculty anxiety, grief, and experimentation as campuses adapt to rapid change, and explain how AI is beginning to shift our relationship with knowledge, thinking, and creativity. The conversation also looks into what responsible AI literacy really means, and why campuses may need to move faster and more flexibly than traditional curriculum cycles allow.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR leader Kathleen Hermacinski weighs in on whether it's appropriate to reach out to someone who previously held a role you're considering. She talks through when that outreach can be helpful, how to approach it respectfully, and why asking permission or being mindful of existing relationships matters in higher education's close-knit environment. Kathleen also explains the limits of relying on a former incumbent's perspective, including bias, timing, and legal considerations, and why that insight should be treated as just one piece of the picture. Andy and Kelly add context around implicit bias, professionalism, and how much candidates can realistically learn outside the formal interview process.

This second part of the year-end roundtable continues the conversation with the HigherEdJobs editorial team as they dig into a few more pieces that resonated this year. The group talks about supporting military-affiliated students during major transitions and why awareness across campus matters just as much as policy. They also reflect on emotional intelligence in moments when students question their place in higher education, drawing on advising and classroom experiences. The episode wraps up with a broader conversation about career transitions, belonging, and the importance of showing empathy and grace, both to others and to ourselves.

In this end-of-the-year roundtable episode, members of the HigherEdJobs editorial team reflect on several standout articles and conversations from the past year. They discuss burnout and well-being across higher education, including why self-care looks different depending on role, career stage, and personal responsibilities. The group also explores the idea of the “inner taskmaster,” sharing how unrealistic expectations and productivity guilt show up for many professionals. The conversation closes with a look at supporting military-affiliated students, focusing on how clear policies and campus awareness can make a meaningful difference during major transitions.

In this Ask the Expert episode, Dr. Yi Hao and Dr. Mallory Neil respond to a listener's question about requesting support to attend a professional conference when funding is limited. They discuss how to frame the conversation around shared goals, prepare a clear and realistic proposal, and think through alternatives when travel is not an option. Yi and Mallory also explore options such as presenting, volunteering, virtual attendance, regional events, and external funding. The episode also considers the issue from a supervisor's perspective, including transparency, equity, retention, and the role professional development plays in long-term growth within higher education.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Parson, associate professor of educational and organizational leadership at North Dakota State University, joins the podcast to talk about how empathy can shape daily life in higher education. Dr. Parson explains what it means to understand someone's perspective, how self-awareness influences our reactions, and why timing matters when supporting students and colleagues. She also shares practical moments from campus life, including knowing when to pause, listen, and set a boundary. The conversation offers guidance for higher ed professionals who want to create a more supportive environment for the people they work with and serve.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski joins the show to discuss how candidates can assess an institution's approach to work-life balance without asking the question directly. She shares different ways to inquire about weekly rhythms, busy seasons, team support, and leadership modeling. Kathleen also explains what inconsistencies, vague answers, or “family” language may signal, and why observing the communication style during the search offers important clues.

In this episode, Dr. Yi Hao, director of education and assessment at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Mallory Neal, director of industry and alumni engagement at Clemson University, discuss the “good enough for now” approach and what it means for professionals building careers in higher education. They talk about finding momentum without rushing, recognizing when adaptability turns into overload, and giving yourself room to pause without losing direction. Yi and Mallory also outline ways to identify skills worth developing, draw on campus networks, and use daily work as a source of growth. The conversation highlights practical steps that help early and mid-career professionals move forward with clarity and intention.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR leader Kathleen Hermacinski returns to tackle a question many professionals hesitate to ask out loud: Who supports HR when HR supports everyone else? She talks through how her team uses daily “tailgates” to check in, think through tough situations, and build a stronger department culture. Kathleen also shares how to lean on peers across campus, what to keep in mind legally when talking through sensitive issues, and why outside networks can be a lifeline for HR professionals at small or mid-size institutions. The conversation digs into the difference between venting and real strategy, and how leaders can set the tone by showing that it's okay to seek help.

This Veterans Day episode revisits conversations from the HigherEdJobs Podcast archive to explore how veterans continue their service within higher education. Through clips featuring student affairs leaders, HR professionals, faculty, and campus advocates, the episode highlights the lived experiences of veterans working and studying in higher ed, and the ways institutions can support their growth. Listeners will hear about creating strong peer networks, navigating the transition from military roles into campus leadership, building veteran-to-career pathways, and recognizing the value that military-connected professionals bring to academic communities. The episodes highlight ways institutions can translate appreciation into resources, relationships, and long-term investment, ensuring that veterans are supported not just in transition, but throughout their work and learning in higher education.Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve in our campus communities and beyond.

In this episode, Dr. Jeni Hart, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate studies at the University of Missouri, reflects on what it really means to be a scholar. She discusses how early experiences in her career shaped her understanding of credibility in academic spaces and how assumptions about institutional prestige can influence whose work is taken seriously. Dr. Hart encourages a wider view of scholarship that recognizes collaboration, teaching, mentorship, professional practice, and lived experience alongside traditional research. She also shares practical ways faculty, student affairs professionals, and graduate students can acknowledge their own contributions and support others in doing the same.

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Moore, dean of students at Naropa University, joins the conversation in celebration of Careers in Student Affairs Month. Drawing from nearly two decades in higher education, Dr. Moore discusses how student affairs professionals are adapting to serve post-traditional learners, balance rising care team demands, and use technology like chatbots to build connection at scale. He shares how curiosity, compassion, and innovation help sustain both staff and students -- and why creating meaningful community remains at the core of student affairs work.

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to navigate a job search when a hiring process is suddenly paused. HR expert and longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Christopher Lee returns to explain why searches can stall, what that means for candidates, and when it makes sense to reapply. He shares several ways to follow up respectfully, keep perspective, and stay confident through the ups and downs of the search process.

In this episode, longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Justin Zackal's article, “The One Question That Higher Ed Interviewers Love to Hear,” sparks a conversation between co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin. Together, they explore why the questions candidates ask at the end of an interview can be just as impactful as their answers, offering insight on how thoughtful questioning helps reveal institutional culture, assess fit, and create a genuine, two-way dialogue.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Chris Lee returns to answer a listener's question about managing interview anxiety and improving performance. Drawing on his experience training over 1,000 HR professionals, Chris explains why feeling nervous is completely normal, and even a sign that you care about the opportunity. He shares practical strategies for preparation, mental rehearsal, and emotional control, emphasizing that authenticity often makes a stronger impression than perfection. As Chris reminds listeners, committees don't hire the person who interviews best -- they hire the person best prepared to meet the needs of the position.

In this continuation, executive search expert Gail Freeman shares the interview lessons you don't often hear. She explains why professionalism still matters on Zoom, how a timely thank-you note can influence decisions, and what separates “star” candidates from the rest. Freeman also reflects on resilience in the face of rejection and why clarity and focus bring more meaning to a job search. Her perspective offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how recruiters think -- and how small, genuine choices can shape big outcomes.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski returns to weigh in on a listener's question: how do hiring managers view the “Open to Work” label on LinkedIn? She explains when the tag can make you more visible to recruiters, when it might spark awkward conversations, and how generational perspectives shape how it's perceived. Kathleen also shares examples of candidates who've used the label successfully, tips for job seekers just entering the workforce, and why context and communication matter when signaling you're ready for new opportunities.

In this episode, Paige Swanstein, co-founder of the Student Basic Needs Coalition, shares how her own struggles with food and housing insecurity in college grew into a national movement. She explains how SBNC empowers students, partners with campuses, and tackles stigma while connecting thousands to vital resources. Paige's story highlights why meeting students' basic needs is essential to their success in higher education.

In this episode, Alan Kellogg, associate athletic director at the University of Louisville and retired U.S. Army Colonel, shares how three decades of military leadership prepared him for a second career in college athletics. Kellogg reflects on his transition from commanding troops to supporting student-athletes, offering insight into the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of an athletic department. He highlights the skills veterans bring to higher education, the entry points for those looking to break into athletics, and the small details that make candidates stand out in competitive searches. Whether you're a job seeker exploring careers in athletics or a veteran considering how your service experience translates to higher ed, Kellogg's story offers valuable lessons on leadership, urgency, and paying attention to the little things.

In this episode, executive search expert Gail Freeman reflects on the lessons she's learned from conducting more than 10,000 interviews. Drawing on her firsthand experience, she shares what makes a hiring process meaningful, the qualities she notices in candidates who rise to the top, and the missteps that hold others back. Freeman's perspective offers job seekers a candid look at what recruiters are really watching for -- and how small choices in the search process can make a big difference.

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to step away from a position without disclosing where they're headed next. Kathleen Hermacinski, associate vice president of human resources at Illinois Wesleyan University, returns to share strategies for resigning with grace, setting respectful boundaries, and keeping relationships intact. She discusses how to use simple language, when privacy is appropriate, and why protecting professional bridges is just as important as moving on to your next chapter.

In this episode, Emily Ladau, disability rights activist, writer, and consultant, shares her perspective on navigating the job search and professional life as a person with a disability. She discusses the challenges of disclosure, how authenticity shapes professional identity, and the role of storytelling in shifting workplace culture. Drawing from her personal journey and advocacy work, Ladau encourages professionals to embrace their identities, advocate for accommodations, and view disability as both an asset and a natural part of the human experience.Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how women in higher ed can assert their leadership when they're not always given space to lead -- even when they hold leadership titles. Dr. Gretchen M. Bataille returns to share practical strategies for building influence, speaking with authority, and navigating common gendered challenges in academic workplaces.

In this episode, Matt Trainum discusses interview dynamics and how candidates can navigate processes that feel discouraging or unclear. He explores why perceived red flags -- like disengaged committees or brief postings -- don't always mean the job is out of reach. Trainum shares real-world stories, practical advice for assessing institutional culture, and tips for staying confident during the search process. He encourages candidates to take their shot and stay open to unexpected outcomes, even when the odds feel uncertain.Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks for advice on how women in higher education can break into leadership roles -- especially when they don't meet every qualification listed in a job posting. Expert Dr. Gretchen Bataille shares thoughtful guidance on navigating these transitions, from building transferable skills and choosing the right mentors to knowing when to say yes (and when to say no). She also offers insight into how institutions can create more equitable leadership pathways.Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us, and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Alicia Grandey discusses emotional labor and its impact on professionals working in higher education. She explains how roles that require constant emotional regulation -- like those in student support, faculty leadership, or administration -- can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. Dr. Grandey shares practical frameworks for managing emotional strain, emphasizes the value of emotional awareness, and offers advice on creating healthier boundaries in emotionally charged work environments.Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks for advice on how to become less of a doer and more of a leader, especially with so much work to be done. Dr. Gretchen M. Bataille, a seasoned higher education leader, shares her perspectives and experiences on making this shift.Do you have a career question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Bi Awosika shares her advice for those looking to pursue careers at a medical school or college of medicine. She highlights some key differences in these positions compared to other higher ed departments, the importance of mentorship, and some advice on landing a role. You can learn even more from Dr. Awosika in this Higher Ed Careers interview. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks for advice on how to work with supervisors when your original job description and duties no longer reflect your current position. Expert Dr. Chris Lee shares several key insights on how to professionally navigate these scenarios.  Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this episode, Dr. AnnMarie Caño shares her advice, and lessons learned, when moving from peer to supervisor and maintaining your work relationships while doing so. Dr. Caño is the author of "Leading Toward Liberation: How to Build Cultures of Thriving in Higher Education."Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks about becoming an employee at their alma mater. Higher education expert Matt Trainum shares the pros and cons of working at your alma mater. Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

Check out which songs have been added to the HigherEdJobs Playlist for your higher ed job search!  Guests Aditya Johri and Ayanna McConnell share which songs keep them inspired. Do you have songs you want to add to the playlist? Email us at podcast@higheredjobs.com with your suggestions and why you think they belong on the playlist! 

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to leverage their age and experience in their job search. Higher education expert Dr. Chris Lee answers and offers his tips for success. Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

Join the HigherEdJobs Podcast crew in a conversation with military-affiliated students. In part II, hear how their institution has created a sense of belonging for military-affiliated students, their advice for institutions, and questions from the live audience. This episode was recorded at the 2025 NASPA Symposium on Military-Connected Students. The panel welcomes four current military-affiliated students at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and consists of a Navy veteran, a military widow, an immigrant Army veteran, and an Air Force veteran.Check out more military-affiliated higher ed content at HigherEdMilitary.Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

Join the HigherEdJobs Podcast crew in a conversation with military-affiliated students. In part I, get to know their stories, intersectional identities, and varying student support needs. This episode was recorded at the 2025 NASPA Symposium on Military-Connected Students. The panel welcomes four current military-affiliated students at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and consists of a Navy veteran, a military widow, an immigrant Army veteran, and an Air Force veteran.  Check out more military-affiliated higher ed content at HigherEdMilitary. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

Finding a new job or leaving a current one can be stressful, time consuming, and, at times, disheartening. Is there any room for joy in the job search process? Listen in to hear Kelly and Andy talk about the HigherEdJobs article How to Find Joy in Your Job Search and how to apply some coping strategies to your job search. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

Check out which songs have been added to the HigherEdJobs Playlist for your higher ed job search!  Guest Kathleen Hermacinski and a podcast listener share which songs keep them inspired. Do you have songs you want to add to the playlist? Email us at podcast@higheredjobs.com with your suggestions and why you think they belong on the playlist! 

In this episode Kelly and Andy welcome Dr. Laurie Schreiner to the show to discuss what it means for higher education staff to thrive. Dr. Schreiner walks us through how we can work towards being meaningfully engaged in our work lives and how to find a university cultural fit that will keep us motivated.  Resource mentioned in this episode: What Does It Take for University Staff to Thrive?Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

In this episode, Kelly and Andy have a cordial debate over whether a resume/CV or LinkedIn profile is more important during your job search. What do you think? Listen in to hear their take! Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast. 

Recruitment and career expert, Mac Prichard, joins the HigherEdJobs Podcast to talk about dream jobs and how to embrace an effective job search at any career stage to find the right fit.   Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to spot red flags from an employer during your job search, interview, or your recruitment process. Higher education HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski answers and offers her tips for success.Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this episode Kelly and Andrew have a conversation about using artificial intelligence (AI) in our careers and job search. Guest Evan Walsh, a higher ed career advisor, shares how AI impacts advising students for their future careers and how job seekers can effectively and ethically use artificial intelligence (AI) in their higher ed job search.The resource from this episode is available here. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this Ask the Expert episode, a newly hired human resources professional in higher ed asks how to get off on the right foot and for some do's and don'ts in their early career. Higher education HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski answers and offers her tips for success.  Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this episode Marjorie Hass, president of the Council of Independent Colleges, joins the HigherEdJobs Podcast to discuss 2025 outlooks on higher education and why job seekers, faculty, staff, admin, and all employees of an institution need to care about the business model, mission, and culture of their institution. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear them discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.