HC-Hive

In this episode, we sit down with a new grad turned Netflix data engineer to talk about the leap from grad school to the tech industry. We explore first-year challenges, building confidence, and finding your place on a professional team. From small wins to navigating feedback and collaboration, our guest shares honest insights from their journey. Tune in for practical advice, relatable moments, and tips to help you transition into your first role with confidence.

Stop the "portfolio panic" and get the inside scoop on joining the Hive. In this episode, Mansi, Kernell, and Pooja break down the Georgia Tech MS-HCI application for the 2026 cycle, covering why your design process matters more than "pretty" pixels, how to nail the video essay without a Hollywood budget, and the secret to a Statement of Purpose that actually stands out. Whether you’re a coder, a designer, or a career-switcher, we’re sharing the real-talk advice we wish we had before hitting "submit."

Join us for a cozy Thanksgiving special as we reflect on gratitude, community, and the little joys that keep us going in the MS-HCI program. From favorite holiday foods to end-of-semester hopes, we’re sharing what we’re thankful for and what we’re looking forward to. Perfect for a moment of calm... and a gentle nudge for those thinking about polishing their portfolios over break.

What’s it really like to live in Atlanta as a Georgia Tech grad student? In this episode, Mansi, Kernell, and Pooja break down the essentials — housing, gyms, safety, study spots, and the best places to explore around the city. We also dive into ATL’s music scene, events, and what makes this city such a unique place to study and live.

If you’re moving to Atlanta or just curious about life here, this episode gives you the quick, honest rundown. Tune in! 🐝✨

What’s it really like living in Atlanta as a Georgia Tech grad student? In this episode of HC-Hive, Mansi, Kernell, and Pooja break down the essentials, finding housing, choosing gyms, navigating safety and transportation, and discovering the best study spots, while also diving into the fun side of ATL, from concerts and festivals to markets, parks, cafes, and local events. Whether you're moving here or already settling in, this episode is packed with quick tips, real stories, and everything you need to get a feel for life in the city.

What’s it really like living in Atlanta as a grad student? In this episode, Mansi, Pooja, and Kernell get real about housing, gyms, the concert scene, favorite hangout spots, and everything in between. If you're new to Atlanta, or thinking about making the move, this one's for you.

In this episode, we chat with David Muñoz, Staff UX Researcher at Google, about AI image generation, career growth in tech, and what it means to be a “super IC.” We cover the future of UX, ethical AI, and how research happens at scale. Whether you're in design, research, or just curious about HCI, this one's for you.

🔗 Follow HC-Hive for more real talk on design, tech, and grad school life.

Welcome to the very first episode of HC-Hive, the podcast where Georgia Tech grad students pull back the curtain on what it's really like behind the scenes. In this episode, Kernell, Mansi, and Pooja share their first impressions of grad school, why they chose Georgia Tech, and the projects they're diving into. They get real about the challenges (like managing group work and late-night grind sessions), the learning moments (including some surprise lessons outside the classroom), and of course, life in grad school — the highs, the lows, and the coffee-fueled chaos in between. If you're thinking about grad school, just started, or are curious about life as a Yellow Jacket, this one's for you!

Tune in, follow, and get ready for more honest conversations in future episodes.

New to Atlanta? We've got you covered.
In this episode, current HCI master's students join the Hive to share their real experiences moving to Atlanta for grad school — from navigating the city to defining what success in grad school means to them to building a new community. Whether you're packing your bags or just curious about what’s ahead, tune in for tips, stories, and encouragement! Also, a very hearty welcome to the class of 2027!

Our guests today:

Parnian Vafa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parvaf3830/

Umme Ammara - https://www.linkedin.com/in/umme-ammara/

Hosted by:Manuni Dhruv - https://www.linkedin.com/in/manunidhruv/Rajath Pai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajath-pai-k/

Edited by: Manuni Dhruv

The Hive returns this week with an episode on professional envy. As we wade deeper into job and internship hunting season, we thought it would be curious to delve into the nuances of professional envy - what causes it, how might we process it and is there anything to be gained by being professionally envious? Happy hunting!

Hosts: Rajath Pai, Manuni Dhruv

Editor: Manuni Dhruv

Music by: Allen Cai

Research for the episode was done by: Manuni Dhruv