The Summit Ahead: A Podcast for Future Graduate Students

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Welcome to The Summit Ahead, a podcast for future graduate students sponsored by the West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions! Join our host, Erin Fields (Program Coordinator in the Office of Graduate Admissions and WVU alumna (MS 2021)), as

West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions, Erin Fields


    • Apr 30, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 22 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Summit Ahead: A Podcast for Future Graduate Students

    How This Master's Degree Prepared Me for Med School | ft. Casey King | Episode 19

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2024 18:52


    On our nineteenth episode, Erin welcomes Casey King, a Masters of Health Sciences graduate student at WVU, to chat about how this graduate program helped prepare her for Medical School. Key topics for this episode include: 1)  Why Casey chose WVU's MS in Health Sciences program, 2) Casey's interest in Medicine growing up in southern West Virginia, 3) How this graduate program prepared Casey for Medical School. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitter (X)InstagramLinkedIn

    Making a Difference in Engineering and Medicine | ft. Anastasia Lucci | Episode 18

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 14:27


    On our eighteenth episode, Erin welcomes Anastasia Lucci, a graduate of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources Mechanical Engineering Program, to chat about her research focusing on flexible 3D printing materials. Key topics for this episode include: 1) Anastasia's research, 2) Anastasia's experience transferring to WVU, 3) Finding her passion in engineering. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitter (X)InstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    Finding Your Purpose in Graduate Education | ft. Whitney Godwin | Episode 17

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 25:16


    On our seventeenth episode, Erin welcomes Whitney Godwin, Project Manager at WVU's Purpose Center, to chat about how graduate students can find their passions and purpose to make the most out of their graduate school experience. Key topics for this episode include: 1) what the WVU Purpose Center is, 2) how to be proactive about combatting imposter syndrome as a graduate student, and 3) how WVU students, faculty, and staff have utilized the WVU Purpose Center to best succeed. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitter (X)InstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    BONUS EPISODE: Why You Should Attend WVU's Virtual Graduate Open House in November | ft. Shelly Quance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 14:56


    In this bonus episode, Erin welcomes Shelly Quance, Director of Graduate Admissions at West Virginia University, to chat about our Graduate Discover WVU Virtual Open House held on November 10! Bring your questions, aspirations, and sense of adventure. This is your chance to explore WVU (virtually)! You can the registration page for Graduate Discover WVU Day here!If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitter (X)InstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    Going Bananas for Athletic Training! | ft. Hunter Robinson | Episode 16

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 21:28


    On our sixteenth episode, Erin welcomes Hunter Robinson, an alumnus of WVU School of Medicine's Masters in Athletic Trainer program and athletic trainer for the Savannah Bananas, Ghost Pirates and Clovers, to chat about his experience at  WVU and in his career! Key topics for this episode include: 1) Hunter's inspiration to pursue athletic training, 2) the most rewarding parts of being an athletic trainer, and 3) the benefits of the WVU School of Medicine/Athletic Training program alumni network. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitter (X)InstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    A Passion to Give Back to Appalachia | ft. Brenna Lansden | Episode 15

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 22:27


    Welcome back from summer break! On our fifteenth episode, Erin welcomes Brenna Lansden, an alumna of WVU School of Nursing's Certificate program, to chat about her experience as a Family Nurse practitioner! Key topics for this episode include: 1) Brenna's journey from Public Relations to Nursing, 2) how her roots inspired her passion for serving Appalachia, and 3) being a Mom while going to graduate school. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitter (X)InstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    Student Stories: Earning my WVU Graduate Degree from ANYWHERE! | ft. Akiel Baker | Episode 14

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2023 22:12


    On our fourteenth episode, Erin welcomes Akiel Baker, Graduate Student in the online MSW program, to talk about his WVU experience  while earning his graduate degree in another state! Key topics for this episode include: 1) how Akiel was inspired to start a career in Social Work, 2) Akiel's first experience with a WVU Admissions Counselor during the application process, 3) how an MSW is helping Akiel achieve his goals, and 4) the most rewarding part of Akiel's career. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    Student Stories: From Forensics to Business | ft. Ryan Robinson | Episode 13

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 27:16


    On our thirteenth episode, Erin welcomes Ryan Robinson, Graduate Student in the MBA program, to talk about his WVU experience. Key topics for this episode include: 1) why Ryan made a switch from Forensics to Business 2) how Ryan is graduating with 2 graduate degrees in 2 years (WOW!), 3) what the Morgantown/WVU community has taught Ryan, and 4) Ryan's first WVU memory. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagramYou can register for either of our campus visit experiences here!

    Take Me Home, Country Roads...TWICE! | ft. Dustin Donner | Episode 12

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 25:44


    On our eighth episode, Erin welcomes Dustin Donner, Graduate Student in the MA Counseling program and Graduate Service Assistant in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, to talk about his WVU experience. Key topics for this episode include: 1) how Dustin found WVU for undergrad and why he stayed at WVU for graduate school, 2) his interest in Counseling as a whole/WVU's MA in Counseling program, 3) describing the WVU community in ONLY 3 words, and 4) Dustin's favorite WVU traditions. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    4 NEED-TO-KNOW Tips for How to Apply to Graduate School in 2023 | ft. Erin Fields | Episode 11

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2022 11:31


    On our eleventh episode, Erin sits down to talk about a few tips if you are considering applying to graduate school in 2023. Key topics for this episode include: Key topics for this episode include: 1) owning the graduate admissions process, 2) developing a plan/timeline, 3) talking to an admissions professional or program representative, and 4) reviewing all parts of your application before submitting. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:LinkedInTwitterInstagram

    Program Spotlight: Integrated Marketing Communications | ft. Ryan Wagner | Episode 10

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2022 23:08


    On our tenth episode, Erin welcomes Ryan Wagner, Alumnus/Current Professor in the WVU Integrated Marketing Communications program and the Manager of Customer Narrative at John Deere, to talk about his experiences as both a student and professor in the program and how pursuing a graduate degree helped advance his career. Key topics for this episode include: 1) joining the first-ever DINFOS and West Virginia University cohort, 2) the most rewarding part of pursuing a graduate degree, and 3) how to manage your time wisely in graduate school. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Department Spotlight: Art and Design | ft. Joseph Lupo | Episode 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 27:19


    On our ninth episode, Erin welcomes Joseph Lupo, Associate Director & Graduate Advisor in the School of Art and Design at West Virginia University, to talk about his career and his experience advising/teaching graduate students. Key topics for this episode include: 1) the importance of networking in graduate school, 2) graduate programs in the WVU School of Art and Design, 3) careers with a degree in a creative/artistic field, and 4) why you SHOULD reach out to your graduate program department before applying. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Student Stories: My WVU Experience | ft. Brycen Kuenzel | Episode 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 25:04


    On our eighth episode, Erin welcomes Brycen Kuenzel, Graduate Student and Graduate Service Assistant at West Virginia University, to talk about his WVU experience. Key topics for this episode include: 1) why Brycen decided to stay at WVU for his graduate degree, 2) the experience of being a Graduate Assistant in University Relations, 3) the benefits of networking in graduate school, and 4) the ability to continuously learn and find your community in college. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Program Spotlight: MS in Health Sciences | ft. Dr. Stephanie Rellick | Episode 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2022 13:59


    On our seventh episode, Erin welcomes Dr. Stephanie Rellick, Director of the Master of Science in Health Sciences program at West Virginia University, to talk about the program and her research experiences during her PhD (Cancer Cell Biology). Key topics for this episode include:: 1) summary of the master's program, 2) Dr. Rellick's experience as a researcher, and 3) faculty/student research project examples students in the program have worked on previously. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagramThe application deadline for Fall 2022 has now been changed to a rolling admissions basis. Students can continue to submit applications for review until all open spots have been filled. To view all application requirements, please visit www.hsc.wvu.edu or www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu.

    Student Stories: Being a Graduate Teaching Assistant | ft. Isa Sakaguchi | Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 23:39


    On our sixth episode, Erin welcomes Isa Sakaguchi, Graduate Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant at West Virginia University, to talk about her WVU experience. Key topics for this episode include: 1) why Isa chose WVU for graduate school, 2) talent VS passion in your career, 3) the benefits of being a Graduate Assistant (professional development, finances, etc.), and 4) the importance of getting involved on campus as a graduate student. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Earning a Graduate Degree Online? Let's Go! | ft. Julie Thalman | Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 26:31


    On our fifth episode, Erin welcomes Julie Thalman, Assistant Provost for Online and Continuing Professional Education at West Virginia University, to talk about earning a graduate degree online. Key topics for this episode include: 1) misconceptions about online graduate school, 2) the pros and cons of enrolling in an online program, and 3) how online programs differ from on-campus programs. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    What Does Research Have To Do With It? ft. Dr. Fred King | Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 22:10


    On our fourth episode, Erin welcomes Dr. Fred King, Vice President for Research at West Virginia University, to talk about different types of research going at WVU and the importance of the University's R1 classification. Key topics for this episode include: 1) what it means that WVU is an R1 institution, 2) various types of research being explored at WVU, and 3) how a collaborative research environment benefits your academics. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN for WVU's Aspiring Doctoral Scholars Research Colloquium!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 7:20


    On this bonus episode, Erin welcomes Shelly Quance, Director of Graduate Admissions at West Virginia University, to announce an exciting, new initiative for future minority graduate students at the university! During West Virginia University's Aspiring Doctoral Scholars Research Colloquium, you will have the opportunity to come to the campus of West Virginia University for eight weeks of summer undergraduate research. Participants receive a $4,000 stipend for participating, and room and board are provided. Along with the research, those attending the summer program participate in developmental workshops focused on preparing students to apply for doctoral study. Apply now by going to our website! Applications close on March 16, 2022.If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Let's Talk About Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships ft. Dr. Jessica Queener | Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 26:42


    On our third episode, Erin welcomes Dr. Jessica Queener, Assistant Provost for Graduate Education Policy at West Virginia University, to talk about different opportunities to fund your graduate education, specifically focusing on Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships. Key topics for this episode include: 1) the process of applying for a Graduate Assistantship, 2) when to start looking for funding opportunities/filling out the FAFSA, and 3) the difference between Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships (and how to apply for them!). If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    The Art of Applying to Graduate School (Part 2) ft. Shelly Quance | Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 21:14


    On our second episode, Erin welcomes back Shelly Quance, Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment at West Virginia University, to talk about more ways of navigating through the graduate admissions process. Key topics for this episode include: 1) what the graduate admissions process looks like, 2) the importance of writing skills on your application, and 3) choosing the best recommenders for your application. If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    The Art of Applying to Graduate School (Part 1) ft. Shelly Quance | Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 25:20


    On our first episode, Erin welcomes Shelly Quance, Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment at West Virginia University, to talk about navigating through the graduate admissions process. Key topics for this episode include: 1) how to combat feeling overwhelmed when filling out the graduate application, 2) the weight of academics and standardized test score results in the graduate admissions process, and 3) knowing when the right time to go to graduate school is.If you are interested in graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog or download one of our online resource guides for more information about the GRE, specific career industries, tips on how to submit your strongest graduate application and more!If you enjoyed or found value in this podcast, please leave a review on your favorite listening platform or follow us on the following social media networks:FacebookTwitterInstagram

    Trailer: A Preview of The Summit Ahead Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2022 0:51


    Welcome to The Summit Ahead, a podcast for future graduate students sponsored by the West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions! Join our host, Erin Fields (Program Coordinator in the Office of Graduate Admissions and WVU alumna (MS 2021)), as she sits down with different higher education professionals and faculty members from across WVU campuses in order to bring you the most valuable information needed when applying for graduate school.

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