Engineering Pack Pod

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/

Today, Marcy and Dr Kara Peters dive deep into many of the problems that students, researchers, and even faculty face today. Dr. Peters reminds us that even when we struggle, support, communication, and understanding are vital--and that we're all human. Together, they explore what it means to navigate the uncertainty that comes with graduate research: questioning your own abilities, learning when to push forward independently, and recognizing when to speak up. From managing lab dynamics to handling difficult conversations with advisors, this episode offers thoughtful guidance on building resilience and finding your footing in the academic world.

Professional Development for Graduate Students | The College of Engineering at NC State University

https://engr.ncsu.edu/academics/grad/professional-development/

Counselling Center @ NC State:

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

In this episode, Marcy and Dr. Danny Smyl kick off with a 60-second elevator pitch before diving into the future of structural health monitoring. Dr. Smyl reveals how his military background honed a disciplined problem-solving mindset and shares key lessons that bridge research and practice. As an NC State alumnus, he highlights the university’s unique strengths and offers tips for students to maximize their time. They wrap up by discussing how to integrate cutting-edge AI into engineering education while preserving fundamental principles.

Dr. Danny's article: https://www.structuremag.org/article/from-intuition-to-algorithmic-inference/

Counselling Center @ NC State: https://counseling.dasa.ncsu.edu/

Edited by Pankaj Manoharlal Thakur

Join Marcy and Ken Gregory as they explore what it truly means to “leave it better than you found it.” Ken opens up about a major system failure he helped recover from and the resilience lessons it taught him. He reflects on the single piece of mentor advice that’s guided his career and reveals surprising insights he’s gained through reverse mentoring. Ken also walks us through his trusty career-navigation tool and wraps up with practical steps you can take today to make an immediate, positive impact in your team and industry.

Edited by Pankaj Manoharlal Thakur