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.

Host Andrew Hibel talks with Professor Emeritus John Thelin from the University of Kentucky's College of Education.   Professor Thelin's teaching and research interests focus on the history of higher education and public policy. He likes to bring historical writing and research to contemporary discussions about significant, enduring higher education issues. In this conversation, Thelin and Hibel discuss Dr. Thelin's three most important events/trends that have happened in higher education history. Listen in to hear which events make the conversation!  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 the second of three podcast episodes, Andy Hibel talks with Professor Emeritus John Thelin from the University of Kentucky's College of Education.  Professor Thelin's teaching and research interests focus on the history of higher education and public policy. He likes to bring historical writing and research to contemporary discussions about significant, enduring higher education issues. In this conversation, Thelin and Hibel discuss the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and how lesser-known institutions should receive more attention. They also talk about The Morrill Act of 1862 and the Morrow Plots, an experimental agricultural field at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. 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, co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin continue a conversation with Warren Zanes, music adjunct faculty at Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. Zanes is the author of "Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska," which is now being made into a biographical film about singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bruce Springsteen.In this second part of the interview, Zanes discusses his left turn in life that led him to a career in academia, following his time in Warner Bros. Recording act The Del Fuegos. He also talks about the importance of vulnerability in the classroom, letting things break down before rebuilding, and how his sons have embraced higher education.  Read more about his book in an op-ed, "What We Can Learn From Bruce Springsteen's Great Left Turn," he penned for The New York Times in May 2023. Zanes has a doctoral degree in visual and cultural studies from The University of Rochester. He is a New York Times best-selling author, and a Grammy-nominated documentary producer. Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. Cherwin is the director of editorial strategy at HigherEdJobs. 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 the first of three podcast episodes, Andy Hibel talks with Professor Emeritus John Thelin from the University of Kentucky's College of Education.  Professor Thelin's teaching and research interests focus on the history of higher education and public policy. He likes to bring historical writing and research to contemporary discussions about significant, enduring higher education issues. In this conversation, Thelin and Hibel reflect on their careers, share advice for starting a career in academia, and highlight trends and changes in higher education over the past 30 years.   Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. 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, co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin talk with Warren Zanes, music adjunct faculty at Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University.  Zanes is the author of "Deliver Me from Nowhere: The Making of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska," which sets the backdrop for the conversation on taking the road-less-traveled in your career. The book is now being made into a biographical film about singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bruce Springsteen. In this first part of the interview, Zanes discusses the importance of taking risks in life and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, which can lead to the creation of great art. Read more about his book in an op-ed, "What We Can Learn From Bruce Springsteen's Great Left Turn," he penned for The New York Times in May 2023.  Zanes has a doctoral degree in visual and cultural studies from The University of Rochester. He is a New York Times best-selling author, Grammy-nominated documentary producer, and a former member of The Del Fuegos. Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. Cherwin is the director of editorial strategy at HigherEdJobs. 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, Chris Lee responds to a listener's question about when to consider accepting a less-preferred job offer.The listener asks, "What is better for my career development and future prospects: to take an open position in a department outside of my professional interests, even if my time there is short, or to have a gap in my resume while waiting for the right fit"?Lee says choosing between having a gap in employment or taking a less-preferred position is a personal decision made in the context of circumstance and experience. One gap on your resume can be easily explained and may have less impact if your previous roles have been sound. Even if viewed as less-than-optimal, the new role provides income and potentially enriching experiences. Yet, if the employment is short and starkly different than what you've been doing, it may create doubts that warrant extra attention. Be prepared to tell your story favorably. Lee is a managing director with Storbeck Search, which specializes in education-related executive search. He spent nearly 30 years as a chief human resources officer at five public and private institutions, including William & Mary, Bates College, and the Virginia Community College System.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, co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin continue a conversation with Professor Claire Kamp Dush from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She has dual appointments in the Minnesota Population Center and the Department of Sociology and studies topics at the intersection of psychology, sociology, and public health.Kamp Dush discusses the job search process for graduate students and offers tips that apply to job seekers looking for their next role in academia. In this second part of the interview, she talks about dealing with rejection, doing homework before the on-campus interview, and what to include in your cover letters. Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and its chief operating officer. Cherwin is the director of editorial strategy. 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, co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin talk with Professor Claire Kamp Dush from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She has dual appointments in the Minnesota Population Center and the Department of Sociology and studies topics at the intersection of psychology, sociology, and public health. Kamp Dush, a first-generation college student, teaches a Ph.D. Job Market course and provides advice on the job search process for graduate students seeking their next role in academia. In this first part of the interview, she talks about the importance of promoting your work and accomplishments, authenticity and not letting rejection get the best of you during a job search. Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. Cherwin is the director of editorial strategy at HigherEdJobs. 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, Chris Lee responds to a listener's question about options for the timing of an interview. The listener asks, "When you are offered a variety of days and times by a search committee for an interview, which should I pick -- the earliest day and time that works for me? Or should I try to aim for the last available time they offer? In other words, does the timing of my interview have an effect on me being top of mind in the mix of candidates?" Lee says his response is based on anecdotal evidence, research and tracking interviews in previous higher ed roles. He said job seekers should keep in mind how they perform in interviews and the competition they're facing for the position. Lee is a managing director with Storbeck Search, which specializes in education-related executive search. He spent nearly 30 years serving as a chief human resources officer at five different public and private institutions, including William & Mary, Bates College, and the Virginia Community College System. If you'd like to read more on this topic, see Justin Zackal's "Is it Better to Interview First or Last?" on HigherEdJobs from May 2015. Have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send your question to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In the second episode of a two-part conversation, co-host Andy Hibel talks with Greg White, a nurse practitioner and associate professor at The College of St. Scholastica. In this conversation, White describes his recent experience as a subject matter expert working with Norwegian counterparts to train Ukrainian soldiers to be medics in the current war against Russia. He said that taking part in this mission is one of the few times in the last decade when he felt he had made a dent in something much bigger than any other work or training he's done. Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. 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, co-host Andy Hibel talks with Greg White, associate professor at The College of St. Scholastica, where he serves as director of the Traditional Undergraduate Nursing Program.White enlisted in the Air National Guard in 2007 and has been deployed on missions worldwide, working as a medic or, at times, an administrator. He oversaw COVID testing and coordinated findings with the Mayo Clinic during the civil unrest in Minneapolis in spring 2020 following the death of George Floyd. White is a nurse practitioner who trains medics and nurses to ensure they are ready to deploy when the time comes. In this conversation, White discusses his current role and work in academia as well as the training he leads through the Air National Guard on how to respond to a mass casualty event involving chemical or biological weapons. He also describes his recent experience as a subject matter expert working with Norwegian counterparts to train Ukrainian soldiers to be medics in the current war against Russia.White was recognized with the Duluth News Tribune's 2020 Florence Award for strength in empathy, innovation, and mission in nursing.Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer. 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, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski and Matt Trainum, vice president with the Council of Independent Colleges, respond to listeners' questions about salary negotiations during the job search process.Our listeners asked how to calculate your worth and how and when to mention salary during the interview process.  Hermacinski suggests tapping into the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which offers a look at salaries for various positions in higher education. Trainum says higher education associations, including CUPA-HR, offer salary data, too. Our experts say that you must consider the location geographically of the institution, the size of the school, and even the strength of the university's endowment.  Hermacinski is the associate vice president for Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator at lllinois Wesleyan University.  Trainum is the vice president for networks and strategic partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges. Have a question you want to hear answered on Ask the Expert? Send us your question and we may discuss it on a future episode.

In this episode, LeNaya Hezel, chief programs officer at the Warrior-Scholar Project, talks with co-hosts Andy Hibel and Monika Sziron about her career path as a military spouse and her work and research in higher education. In her current role, she helps develop educational experiences accessible to any enlisted veteran pursuing higher education.  Hezel talks about why higher education is a great career option for veterans and military-affiliated students. She also discusses results from her doctoral research studying how universities structure veteran and military-affiliated student resources on campus.Hezel previously served as director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Warrior-Scholar Project and was the inaugural Veterans Office director at Georgetown University. Hezel was a nominee for HigherEdMilitary's Spotlight Award in 2024, a 2021 Veterans Leadership Program scholar with the George W. Bush Institute, and a Pat Tillman Foundation scholar. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

On HigherEdJobs, there are almost 86,000 open positions at 2,200 institutions nationwide. The possibilities are endless if you're willing to relocate for a job. But what if you want to relocate to a specific region or state?In this Ask the Expert episode, Chris Lee responds to a listener who would like to move to Colorado. The listener wrote, "Should I use LinkedIn and professional associations or reach out directly to HR or other departments at universities where I might be a good fit?"  Lee said that job seekers must do their research, uncover resources, and network effectively to find a position in a chosen location. Lining up an informational interview can help you connect with the right people and seek their knowledge and advice.Lee is a managing director with Storbeck Search, which specializes in education-related executive search.Have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send your question to us and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

Courtney Swoboda, who received the 2024 HigherEdMilitary Spotlight Award, describes her career path as "random." But during a recent interview with HigherEdJobs podcast co-hosts Andy Hibel and Monika Sziron, we saw that she is a determined and forward-thinking leader making strides in veteran education. As the director of Military and Veteran Services at the University of Central Missouri, Swoboda and her team spend their days processing educational benefits for students through the U.S. Department of Veterans. They also oversee state and federal military tuition assistance and process military transcripts.   Swoboda launched a statewide organization, MOVES (Missouri Organization of Veteran Education Specialists) to help fellow educators solve common issues and learn from each other. In this episode, Swoboda described the group's role in shaping legislation to boost educational assistance for Missouri National Guard members. In addition to her academic career, Swoboda has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for more than 11 years. She is currently an education and training manager and was previously an aircraft armament specialist.  Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your ideas, and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

Have you ever helped your kids move to college? What emotions did you feel, and how did things go? In this episode, HigherEdJobs podcast hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin each describe their recent experiences of dropping off a child at college, from their personal and professional perspectives.Andy and his wife dropped off their youngest, and he said it was an idyllic experience. Their oldest child had previously set off for college in fall 2020 during the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalled the family waving at her through the front window of their house as she drove away by herself. Kelly and her husband dropped off their oldest son, the first to leave the proverbial nest. She found solace in talking with other parents who have gone through the first-time “drop-off” experience and in the university newsletter which provided tips for parents on what to expect. She said one of the best questions she came across about the process was: Can you prepare for this big event? "I don't know if you are ever ready or can truly prepare," Kelly said. One of the newsletter's tips was to prepare for a variety of emotions. As my husband and I drove away, "there were tears," she added. "It was different from what I was trying to mentally prepare for, what it was going to be." Andy and Kelly want to express appreciation and thanks to all the staff, students, and leaders on campuses in the U.S. who helped make the move-in experience tremendous and smooth for students and parents. They make a huge difference for families going through major life transitions.Do you have an experience or advice that you'd like to share regarding dropping off or sending a child to college? Email us at podcast@higheredjobs.com If you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast, send us your idea, and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski and Matt Trainum, vice president with the Council of Independent Colleges, respond to questions from listeners about the use of recruiting for roles in higher education.The questions they explore include how in-house and outside recruiting firms work at colleges and universities. Hermacinski said that outside firms search on behalf of the institution. Based on her experience as the head of human resources at Eureka College, she said they typically only use search firms for C-suite leadership positions, including president. Trainum said candidates must jump through a few hoops with the outside firm before talking with a decision-maker. That means they must create quick takeaways and concise pitches that can be easily relayed to on-campus contacts, he said.  Hermacinski is the head of human resources at Eureka College. She recently took part in CUPA-HR's Ignite program, which is sponsored in part by HigherEdJobs. The program connects a select group of early-career higher ed HR professionals with CUPA-HR, and key leaders in the association and the higher education human resources profession.Trainum is the vice president for networks and strategic partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges. Have a question you want to hear answered on Ask the Expert? Send us your question and we may discuss it on a future episode.

In this episode, Mary Guiden added "Firework" by Katy Perry to the HigherEdJobs Playlist for your higher ed job search. She found the lyrics inspiring while experiencing the ups and downs of a job search: "If you only knew what the future holds / After a hurricane comes a rainbow / Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed / So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road."  Guiden is the associate director of editorial strategy, special projects at HigherEdJobs. 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. 

Have you struggled to fit in when you landed a job on a college campus? In this Ask the Expert episode, Matt Trainum, vice president with the Council of Independent Colleges, responds to a listener who left the busy corporate world due to burnout and made a move into higher education. This person is having a difficult time adjusting to the "laissez-faire" attitudes of some department colleagues at a time when there are many external environmental challenges and opportunities. "Am I a bad cultural fit for my institution, department, or academia?" they asked. "After several years, I'm still previewing everything I'm about to say to avoid sounding like the 'private sector guy.' Will this self-censorship ever go away? Would I be a better fit in a business school?"Trainum said first, he appreciates when people state their truth, even during challenging times. He suggested that our listener "find his crowd." Others on campus likely feel the same way and are having similar conversations. Trainum also said the listener should pick their battles. It's easy to critique the environment you're in when you're not happy or feel like you're not in sync with others on your team. Figure out how to address the issues you want with your "crowd" and focus on what really matters to you.  Trainum is the vice president for networks and strategic partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges.Have a question you want to hear answered on Ask the Expert? Send us your question and we may discuss it on a future episode.

How do you define facilities management at a university or college? Winnie Kwofie, who has overseen facilities management teams in public and private higher education institutions, describes the field as integrating people and processes in one place. She is passionate about increasing awareness about the diverse and interesting roles in facilities management. Currently, on HigherEdJobs, there are 4,300 open positions listed. Kwofie helped launch "Women in Facilities in the Cal State U" system while serving as associate vice president of facilities development and operations at California State University East Bay. Women are underrepresented in the field of facilities management leadership, she said. The U.S. Department of Labor describes the field as "non-traditional," which could dissuade some women from applying for these roles. Through her research, Kwofie has seen first-hand how a lack of awareness about these roles contributes to unfilled positions and job seekers still searching for that perfect role. Read her tips on how to recruit and retain Black women in facilities management. Kwofie is a licensed civil engineer in the state of California and she recently successfully defended her doctoral dissertation, with an emphasis on educational leadership for social justice. She has held national, regional, and local leadership roles with APPA (formerly known as the Association of Physical Plant Administrators). Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your idea and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

In this episode, Matt Trainum with the Council of Independent Colleges responds to a question from a "seasoned" employee in their 50s. Our listener said they would like to get back into college recruiting but given their years of experience, they feel they are being passed up for roles that would be a good fit. "What positions should a 'seasoned' employee like me be applying for in higher education?" they asked.Trainum said that candidates should apply for jobs they're interested in, ones in which they can be successful. It's also important for job seekers to make the pitch and promote themselves to the hiring manager. In terms of the listener's question, he said he perceives that they're applying for roles that younger people typically might occupy. Trainum said this job seeker may feel that "the folks I see in this position don't necessarily resemble me." This can be painful for a job seeker, and it could lead to a sense of not feeling valued in a space in which they know they can contribute. "It's because of a factor that shouldn't be important," he said. Trainum is the vice president for networks and strategic partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges.For more on this topic, listen to "Job Searching After 40," one of our most popular podcast episodes from June 2023.Have a question you want to hear answered on Ask the Expert? Send us your question and we may discuss it on a future episode.

What if feeling like an imposter was not a negative thing? In this episode, RJ Jenkins, director of education at the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration, talks about imposter syndrome or what he prefers to describe as imposter feelings or a phenomenon. Typically, imposter syndrome is described as self-doubt among high-achieving individuals who overlook their accomplishments. It's common in academia, with some estimates showing that nearly 70% of academic professionals will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.When he's experienced impostor feelings, Jenkins said he was pushing himself outside his comfort zone, trying something new, taking a risk, and growing. “And that has been the hallmark of my experience with imposter phenomenon, even today,” he said. In this episode, Jenkins described feeling like an imposter on day one as a first-year student at Columbia University in New York City. He shares his advice for higher ed professionals so they can better support their students and staff and feel better about themselves.Learn more in “How To Be An Imposter,” a TEDx talk from Jenkins from 2023. He was also the recipient of the 2023 HigherEdMilitary Spotlight Award. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your idea and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

How do you manage working while experiencing hard times in life?In this episode, the HigherEdJobs editorial team talks with hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin about managing an illness, supporting a family member, and caring for children and teenagers while working, among other topics. We were inspired to discuss this topic after reading "How to be Emotionally Present at Work When You Have Real Stuff Going on at Home," by HEJ contributor Eileen Hoenigman Meyer. As Meyer said, managing these situations or even weathering a crisis is an emotional and logistical undertaking.Her tips include to: lean into your routine, get clarity around what you need, and protect yourself.The editorial team featured in this episode includes:Mary Guiden, Associate Director of Editorial Strategy, Special ProjectsLeah Jackson, Assistant Director of Editorial Strategy and Writer, andMonika Sziron, Assistant Director of Editorial Strategy, Research and Coordination at HigherEdJobs and HigherEdMilitary. Cherwin leads the editorial team and is the director of editorial strategy. Have a topic that you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Send us your idea and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

Matt Trainum offers his advice on how to translate the skills you've acquired in higher education into a job in a new realm. At the highest level, you have to believe that you can do whatever job you're applying to during your job search, he said. As you look to make that move, conduct smart research and prepare yourself well for each stage you'll encounter. Self-reflection is also a great place to start if you're imagining exiting  higher ed and going into another industry. Translate is a key word, Trainum said. You've got to translate every word and every experience when you're presenting what you've done. Department chairs are similar to department managers in a highly-decentralized organization. But it's up to you to help the team you're interviewing with see that connection. Trainum is currently the vice president for Networks and Strategic Partnerships with the Council of Independent Colleges. Have a question you want to hear answered on Ask the Expert? Send us your question and we may discuss it on a future episode.

Did you know that in some fields of study, as many as 70% of doctoral students don't finish the program?In this Ask the Expert episode, Chris Lee discusses the complex question of what type of doctoral degree to pursue to advance your career. In terms of demand for candidates with an Ed.D. or Ph.D., Lee said the job market varies by field, region and the type of institution.  Pursing a doctoral degree can be costly. Will it open the right doors for you? Interrogate yourself about the reasons why you want to pursue the degree. You must also examine the non-monetary costs. He is a managing director with Storbeck Search, which specializes in education-related executive search.Read more in a recent article on this topic on HigherEdJobs.Have a burning question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send us your question and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

How do you define well-being? Amy Hoch, a psychologist and associate director of the Wellness Center at Rowan University, said that well-being is how people create a life worth living. It's a way to help people -- including students, staff and faculty -- move in the direction of their highest potential.  Leaders at Rowan University have moved away from a Western medicine approach in well-being to help their students optimize their lives. This includes making social connections and acquiring a feeling of belonging to make life a little easier. In this episode, Hoch describes how Rowan University has made its well-being programs a pillar at the institution. Her tips include to:Identify influencers on campusApproach the issue with prevention being top of mindSeek student and employee inputCreate programs and resources outside of the Wellness Center. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, Chris Lee discusses open-ended applicant pools. These positions may be listed as "open until filled" or they could be pooled positions that stay open for a long period of time. Lee suggests re-applying to a position after you've gained new knowledge, experience, skills or certifications. He is a managing director with Storbeck Search, which specializes in education-related executive search.Read more in a recent article on this topic on HigherEdJobs.Have a burning question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send us your question and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.

Want the perfect checklist to prepare for your next interview? HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski shares tips and advice on the job search process, including in-person interviews on campus. Research the institution before your first interview. The biggest red flag is not asking questions in an interview. Respond to recruiters and the hiring manager in a timely manner. Hermacinski is the head of human resources at Eureka College. She recently took part in CUPA-HR's Ignite program, which is sponsored in part by HigherEdJobs. The program connects a select group of early-career higher ed HR professionals with CUPA-HR, and key leaders in the association and the higher education human resources profession. 

In this Ask the Expert episode, Chris Lee responds to a question about the length of time you should stay in a leadership role if an opportunity to make a lateral move arises within your institution. He said this question addresses commonly-discussed job search topics, including career growth, change and finding the right role. Sometimes making a lateral move is a good idea. How do you feel about the move? Change creates lots of dynamics, and you might lose that supportive supervisor or kind coworkers.  Listen to the episode and learn more from Lee, a managing director with Storbeck Search.Have a burning question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send us your question and you might hear it discussed on the HigherEdJobs podcast.