This time on Commencement, we continue to dive deeper into issues of systemic racism and how they affect students after they graduate and enter the job market. On this episode, you’ll hear from 6 recent black graduates about the barriers non-white graduates face in the hiring process. They also discuss what employers should be mindful of when considering diversity in the workplace and what changes we need to create more equitable job markets and workplace environments.Original music featured on this episode:"This is Why"- Joi Najae (SCAD)

On this episode, you will hear from 7 black recent graduates across the US and UK about their experiences at predominantly white institutions and how higher education institutions may be complicit in systemic racism. They also share what they want non-black students to be more mindful of, common comments and micro-aggressions we should reform, and actions they recommend we take to support the Blacks Lives Matter movement.~Every time you share this episode on any social media platform (or e-mail), up to 1,000 shares, I will donate $1 to the United Negro College Fund (US) https://uncf.org/ and The Black Curriculum (UK) https://www.theblackcurriculum.com/. Please send a screenshot of this share to [email protected] for this to be considered as a donation.~Original music featured on this episode:"This is Why"- Joi Najae (SCAD)"Dyphoria"- Scott Delta (Tufts University)"Orchestral Relaxation" IREMIA Background Music- George Kakas (University of St Andrews)"Where the Grass is Greener"- James Fernando (Berklee College of Music)

On this episode, we honor the diverse experiences and accomplishments of 2020 university and high school graduates across the U.S. and the U.K. Graduates share their reflections on entering into the workforce or starting university in the middle of a pandemic, how to celebrate graduation without in-person ceremonies, and how we can continue to support the graduates in our lives.Original music featured on this episode:"Dysphoria"- Scott Delta (Tufts University)https://open.spotify.com/artist/59LKFEwWKQXIrraLIxIkhF"Waiting with a Smile"- James Fernando (Berklee College of Music)http://www.jamesfernando.com/Video by Mia Goldstein (UT Austin '20): "I Miss the Outside" (Mr. Brightside Parody)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKZMK0aW404

From NYC to Belfast to Barcelona, on this episode, we hear from 11 different recent and soon-to-be graduates around the world how the coronavirus pandemic has affected their personal lives -- from confronting changes in work life and school, to adapting to new forms of dating and socializing. These individuals also reflect on our responsibilities as young people during this crisis, and what hopes they have for a future after lockdown and the threat of coronavirus has passed.Original music featured on this episode:AANI- "I am Not Fighting Myself"https://open.spotify.com/artist/6wBP2QNujCpNuuSD4KTkHHhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1WyvHxsXRkkFm0CDURrwvwGeorge Kakas- IREMIA Background Music channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCtOXUsf7IkikRvydqdjHMwJames Fernando and Mingala- "Waiting with a Smile"http://www.jamesfernando.com/

On the first episode of Commencement, we explore how both higher education systems and societal structures contribute to many of the challenges we face as postgrads-- and if there any concrete solutions to combat many of these issues.To listen to more of James Fernando's music, please subscribe and follow him on these domains:http://www.jamesfernando.com/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/james-fernando/id1088088470https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VofWbvm6WLaH1UhTNqtNyhttps://www.facebook.com/JamesFernandoMusic/

In this promotional trailer, learn about the concept of Commencement and hear from several recent graduates about their experiences in the month they graduated from university.A special thanks to professional jazz pianist and recent graduate James Fernando for his music which was used on this episode. You can follow his music on spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/1VofWbvm6WLaH1UhTNqtNy, or apple music https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/james-fernando/id1088088470.