SHORT Talks: The Official Project SHORT Podcast: Recent Episodes

Project SHORT

SHORT Talks is the official podcast of Project SHORT (Students for Higher-Ed Opportunities and Representation in Training), an organization which provides mentorship and resources to graduate school applicants. Hosted by Sierra Foshe and featuring some of our amazing 800+ mentors, episodes air the 12th of every month and focus on different aspects of PhD applications. Learn more about us at: project-short.com

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PhD applications can be stressful, but there are ways to handle it! In this episode, rising 3rd year PhD student, Charu Sivakumar, talks about how to stay organized during the grad school application cycle.

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On this episode, we discuss aspects of applying to clinical psychology PhD programs with two special guests, Elayne Zhou (2nd year Clinical Psychology PhD student at University of Southern California) and Jessilyn Froelich (3rd year Clinical Psychology PhD student at University of Missouri- St. Louis). This session is moderated by Project SHORT mentor, Sophia Holmqvist (3rd year Clinical Psychology PhD student at Temple University). Check out their websites for more application resources: www.thedailypsych.com and https://linktr.ee/elaynez.

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Project SHORT X EFeMS collaboration: Exciting news! This is a crossover episode with Lessons from a PhD! We spoke with Dr. Anna Olanrewaju, founder of EFeMS, about our journeys to PhDs and the goals of both our organizations dedicated to empowering underrepresented students in STEM & healthcare. Our partnership aims to leverage our unique expertise and networks to provide comprehensive support to our target populations. We hope to share many more of these crossover opportunities for our mentors and mentees in the future!

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People talk about the hidden curriculum of academia. But what about the hidden curriculum of industry jobs and how to get them? In this episode, Project SHORT mentor Ellen Kneeskern talks with Dr. Emma Lazaroff about her career in education research, how to search for jobs, LinkedIn, and why having a PhD is beneficial beyond a university setting.

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On the latest episode of SHORT Talks, we're discussing what to consider when choosing a PhD program. There's a lot of factors to think about, so tune in to hear our advice! Hosted by Project SHORT mentor Rina Kim, and featuring guests Eileen Goodwin and Sarah Maddux.

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What should you do after a grad school interview? This episode, we're discussing post-interview etiquette and how important it may or may not be. Hosted by Project SHORT mentor Rina Kim and featuring Eileen Goodwin and Sarah Maddux. Also check out our previous episodes in this PhD interview series!

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Doing a PhD is a great opportunity to learn, answer all your burning questions about your field, and grow as a person! But what about what comes after your PhD, especially if you decide you don’t want to stay in academia? In this episode, Project SHORT mentor Ellen Kneeskern talks with Science Communicator Paige Miranda about her career in science podcasting post-neuroscience PhD, and how she got there. If you are interested in reaching out to Paige, her email address is pmiranda@wunc.org. Also check out the previous and upcoming episodes in this career mini-series!

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In this episode, Yuchen Tian (@yuchen_rachel) is inviting Tihitina Berkele, Roya Mohammadsadegh (@RoyaMsadegh) and Aliah Zewail, who recently went through their nerve-racking PhD interviews, to chat about their experiences and share tips for you! You will hear about how to prepare for a 1:1 chat with faculty members, how to ask great questions to current graduate students, and, most importantly, how to behave well in the interview-day social events! Here is a mix of international students and domestic students, and half-and-half introvert vs. extrovert. Come to hear what they say!

Time codes of the discussion questions:2:06 What was your most memorable experience in your PhD interview?

04:54 What is a general format of the interview?

08:15 How to prepare for the interview?

11:30 Should I know other faculty other than my future advisor?

19:20 Why will I meet the current grad students? What questions should I ask them?

29:08 Aliah's advice about asking people about their suggestions about first-year experiences

31:00 How to prepare for the interview day mentally? What if I am so anxious?

36:15 How to rock the social events if I am an introvert?

40:55 One tip from each one to your future interview day!

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It can be daunting to weigh the options of applying to a PhD program senior year of undergrad vs. working in a lab tech of post-bacc position after your undergraduate career before potentially pursuing a PhD. In this episode, we discuss our own experiences of getting a lab tech or post-bacc position and our paths to a PhD during this time. Featuring Project SHORT mentor Sophia Holmqvist, a clinical psychology PhD student and special guest, Tatum Bernat, an ecology PhD student.

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Dr. Sofia Georgiadou and a panel of 7 accomplished PhD students discuss the topic “On Doing a Master's before a PhD.” If you’re aspiring to pursue graduate education in health and medical fields, this is a must-listen for valuable insights. Featuring Project SHORT mentors Hillary Hecht, Taylor Miller-Ensminger, Spatika Jayaram, Clara Stein, Lydia Rader. Emily Feldman, and Maria Diaz.

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SHORT Talks is back with new hosts and new episodes every month! We’re approaching the start of graduate school applications, and an important part of an application are the recommendation letters. Tune in this month as Charu Sivakumar discusses the best ways to get a strong letter.

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From moving to a new city to connecting with your cohort, there's a lot to think about as you prepare to start your PhD. This episode we reflect on our own experiences as incoming first years and offer advice for the upcoming semester. Featuring Project SHORT mentors Natasha Tonge, PhD and Christine Faunce. Best of luck to all new PhD students! 

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After putting so much time and energy into PhD applications, getting rejected can be really disappointing. But don't worry, you're not alone! This month we're discussing our own experiences with applying a second time, and advice for next steps.  Featuring Project SHORT mentor Erica Szkody, PhD.

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We're approaching the end of another application cycle! If you have one or more offers you're considering, 1) congrats!! and 2) check out this episode, where we're discussing factors to consider as you make your final decision. Featuring Project SHORT mentors Samantha Soto and Chloe Lau, PhD. 

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PhD applications are becoming more and more competitive, so knowing how to prepare is extremely important. This episode, we're reflecting on what early steps you can take to strengthen your CV and application. Featuring Project SHORT mentors Steven Zhou and Esther Park.

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Earning an interview invite is a great achievement, but it can be stressful not knowing what to expect or how to prepare. This month, we're discussing our experiences and advice for grad school interviews. Best of luck to all interviewees this cycle! Featuring Project SHORT mentors Elayne Zhou and Nate Laughner. 

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After submitting your applications, what's there to do while you wait to hear back? Well you can start by listening to the latest episode of SHORT Talks! This month we're talking about how to take your mind off interviews/admissions and manage stress during the application process. Featuring Project SHORT mentors Rachel Rivera and Ann Folker.

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SHORT Talks has listeners from over a dozen countries around the world! In this episode, current PhD students, Glancis Luzeena Raja and Ananya Dash, share their experiences applying internationally and moving to the US for grad school.

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What is the admissions committee looking for in a PhD application? How competitive is the process? Randall Eck, a Project SHORT mentor with experience as a student rep on the committee, breaks down how applications are reviewed and what to keep in mind while applying. 

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What can you do with a PhD? In our first bonus episode, Adriana Bankston, PhD talks about her career path in science policy and shares advice for PhD students and applicants. This interview represents the speaker's personal views and not the views of their employer. 

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As the PhD application season begins, it's helpful to be aware of common pitfalls and how to avoid them. In this episode we reflect on things we wish we had done differently when applying, as well as common mistakes we see in applications as mentors. Featuring Danh Truong, PhD and Adam Omary, MS. 

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Choosing the right PhD advisor is important, but it can be hard to assess "fit" as an applicant. Project SHORT mentors offer advice for learning more about programs and PIs of interest, including cold emails and reaching out to current students.

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In our very first episode of SHORT Talks, guests Pushkala Jayaraman and Michele Myong, PhD discuss applying to grad school: Why apply? How do you know you're ready? What are the pros and cons? As the application season approaches, visit the Project SHORT website to be matched with one of our mentors and receive school selection advice, personal statement feedback, and interview prep! 

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Introducing SHORT Talks: The Official Project SHORT Podcast! Hosted by Sierra Foshe and featuring Project SHORT mentors, new episodes air on the 12th of every month. Have a topic about PhD applications that you want us to cover? Let us know!