This week, Dr. Maria Mayorga joins Marcy to share her insights as an NC State professor and operations research expert, focusing on the realities of academia from unexpected PhD challenges to leading impactful work in colorectal cancer screening. After relocating mid-degree to continue her research,, Dr. Mayorga learned to navigate rejection with perspective. She shares how partnership shaped her career, balancing a cross-country move with a newborn and a two-career household, and offers candid advice for students struggling with feedback gaps, emphasizing the importance of asking what you’re doing well, not just what needs improvement. For anyone facing setbacks or transitions, Dr. Mayorga’s story proves that progress thrives on adaptability, support, and the occasional dance break.

In this special solo episode, Marcy kicks off a new mini-series called Courage Corner featuring bite-sized deep dives into essential career skills. Today’s focus: interviews. Whether you’re prepping for industry, academia, or anything in between, Marcy covers everything from crafting a standout elevator pitch and navigating different interview formats, to staying calm under pressure and making a memorable first impression. She also shares insider tips on how NC State resources can give you an edge, how to balance professionalism with authenticity, and her go-to list of thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. If you’ve ever felt nervous before an interview, this episode has the tools to help you walk in with clarity and confidence.

Make the most of the NCSU Clothing Closet here:

https://careers.dasa.ncsu.edu/about/wolfpack-styled-professional-clothing-closet/

This week, Dr. Anita Vila joins Marcy to share her journey from NC State classrooms to leading healthcare innovation at Amazon and McKesson. With 15 years of building patient-focused tech, Dr. Vila gets real about the uncomfortable but necessary parts of growth: leaving academia without a safety net, spotting the difference between "this is hard" and "this is wrong," and the importance of trust in leadership positions. She breaks down the unspoken trade-offs between academia and industry, how she navigated cross-country career moves with a significant other (twice), and why those moments of feeling out of your depth often signal you're expanding into meaningful growth. For PhDs weighing job options or anyone facing a career crossroads, Dr. Vila’s story is a masterclass in turning uncertainty into momentum.

Dr. Shana McDowell joins Marcy again this week to discuss the dreaded job search. Tune in to hear about those next steps after finishing your graduate program, tips and tricks in finding the right job for you, and how to strategize your time to maximize the efficiency in your job search. Learn how applying and preparing for jobs can be a full time job in itself and never forget that you’re not alone in your search. So grab your coffee, block your calendar, and remember this: every application is practice and every rejection is redirection.

Check out Marcy's LinkedIn hack here:

https://zoom.us/clips/share/A2F3MRZhR3pLSldKdVMzMkFTYkM5RTljX3FnAQ

Use this organizational job search tracker here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yneWYDr4IvDbqomjbFwCoLnicT07LREpxL5poyRYxQQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0

This week, Marcy is joined by Dr. Shana McDowell, who recently completed her PhD in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, for a candid conversation about navigating graduate school's challenging middle stages. Dr. McDowell shares insights on overcoming imposterism, celebrating small wins, and why soft skills matter just as much as technical expertise in STEM fields. From her pivot from teaching high school math to studying sweet potatoes with machine learning, she offers practical advice for staying motivated when things don’t go as planned. Whether you're considering a PhD program or currently in the thick of research, this episode offers both reassurance and practical advice for persevering through the process.

Listen to Dr. Meghan Kittle Autry discuss those every important "Soft" Skills here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FcUme7QriC8eEtUvl4y14?si=qCPvMiDYQHeXW1tPelYGUQ

This week, Marcy sits down with engineer, educator, and founder of STEMedia, Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, as he discusses his journey in the field of STEM. From his early days at NASA to building a company that bridges engineering and storytelling, Dr. Mabry shares how embracing both creativity and technical expertise shaped his path. He reflects on pivotal moments such as a national video contest that captured the attention of MTV and why purpose can grow from unexpected detours. For anyone navigating the twists of a STEM career or looking for their own zone of genius, this episode reveals how to turn detours into direction.

Check out our episode with Dr. Kara Peters here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4a07fIjoXm8STZrP8WXmmU?si=7ipaiWuqTYCDot6P0Xe3rA

See Dr.Mabry's Stay With It Contest entry here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDappKOl2fg

On this week’s episode, Marcy is joined by the first female professor of civil engineering at Duke University, Dr. Laura Dalton. Dr. Dalton shares her unconventional journey—from graphic design to groundbreaking research—and how adaptability, perseverance, and clear communication shaped her path. She opens up about balancing intense dedication with self-care, setting boundaries as both a mentor and researcher, and why rest isn’t a luxury but rather what lets you do your best work. Whether you’re navigating a nonlinear career, building advisor relationships, or learning when to step away from the lab, this episode is a refreshing take on thriving in demanding fields without burning out.

This week, Dean Jim Pfaendtner joins Marcy to discuss the human side of academic leadership, from navigating self-doubt to building meaningful mentorship connections. They explore how rejection and setbacks can become growth fuel, why seeking help is a professional strength, and how to cultivate authentic support networks without formal "mentor" labels. Whether you're struggling with advisor relationships, research roadblocks, or career uncertainty, this conversation offers both reassurance and practical strategies to help you move forward. After all, even at the highest levels, everyone is still figuring things out one coffee-fueled day at a time.

Counselling Center @ NC State:

https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/

The Technician Article:

https://www.technicianonline.com/news/meet-jim-pfaendtner-new-dean-of-college-of-engineering/article_4b099dda-8e00-11ee-aa68-73de33216473.html

This week, Dr. Meagan Kittle Autry (Dr. KA) joins Marcy to discuss the soft skills, or rather hard skills, that engineers need to thrive in the landscape of today. Join us as we discuss how communication, presentation, and understanding are fundamental to the work of all disciplines–including engineering. Dr. KA also shares how just a few easy changes can make your writing more clear and understandable, the “whens” and “hows” of using AI in the workplace or classroom, and how to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Tune in to learn how these skills turn technical expertise into real world impact.

Dr. KA's Videos on AI:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR-UWtI0r_GDI8SOgsyTR4rmW_gtprqB6

Join Marcy and Kelly Rownd, Director of Career Readiness at NC State’s Graduate School, as they tackle the realities of preparing to enter the world of industry and how unexpected conversations can reshape your trajectory and broaden your horizons. Learn how NC State’s Accelerate to Industry (A2I) program bridges the gap between academic research and diverse career paths and why networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Along the way, Kelly shares practical strategies for crafting resumes that stand out, acing interviews, and using AI as a preparation tool. Whether you're certain of your path or still exploring, this episode delivers the tools and perspective you need to navigate your transition with confidence.

Accelerate to Industry (A2I):

https://grad.ncsu.edu/professional-development/careers-outside-of-academia/a2i/