What happens when fashion meets the future? Enter the world of the 3D garment/apparel designer. The pros turning pixels into pants and software into style. In this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we follow Lila, a digital designer whose “day at the office” includes sculpting clothes in 3D, stress-testing fabrics in virtual wind tunnels, and making sure a gown drapes flawlessly before a single thread is cut.

It’s fast, it’s sustainable, and it’s transforming how the fashion industry works, from haute couture to your hoodie.

Bonus: You’ll even hear from Mikelle Drew-Pellum, a real 3D apparel designer, about why this career is more than a trend. It’s the future of fashion.

If you’ve ever wondered who designs the clothes you can’t yet touch but already love, this episode is for you.

Mikelle Drew-Pellum

383designstudionyc.com

instagram.com/383design

linkedin.com/in/mikelledrew

tiktok.com/@383design

Show Notes:

3D Garment/Apparel Designer: Fashion Built in Pixels Before Fabric

Dr. W launches season two of “Majors, Minors, and Maybes” by spotlighting the 3D garment/apparel designer, a career blending fashion, code, and sustainability by creating virtual garments that drape, stretch, and move before any physical sample is made. Through a day-in-the-life of Lila, the episode shows digital prototyping, instant global collaboration, stress-testing fit and fabrics, and designing metaverse-only couture for avatars. Dr. W explains how tools like CLO 3D and Browzwear speed timelines, reduce textile waste, and expand fashion into digital wardrobes, and includes insights from 3D designer Mikelle Drew Pellum on patternmaking, virtual sewing, accurate fit, and sustainability gains from fewer physical samples. The episode suggests relevant majors, key skills, work settings, a $60K–$100K+ salary range, and teases next week’s career: Aerospace Behavioral Scientist.

00:00 Season Two Returns

01:44 Meet the 3D Designer

02:02 A Day With Lila

03:59 Office Hours Breakdown

05:13 Pro Explains the Process

05:54 How to Get Started

07:29 Why 3D Changes Fashion

08:41 Sustainability Impact

09:55 Digital Fashion Boom

10:58 Wrap Up and Next Episode

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?

Season 2 of Majors, Minors & Maybes is back! This time, we’re digging even deeper into the careers you didn’t know existed, but suddenly can’t stop thinking about.

We’re talking about the kind of jobs that make you pause mid-scroll and say, “Wait that’s a thing?” The kind of careers your guidance counselor definitely forgot to mention. The kind that sound made up… until they’re not.

This season, we’re opening the door to even more curious and quietly fascinating professions, one story at a time.

So, whether you’ve got a five-year plan, no plan, or a color-coded spreadsheet that’s hanging on by a thread, you’re in the right place.

Because around here, curiosity is the major and everything else? Optional.

Season 2 drops now and you’re going to want to take notes!

Show Notes:

Unexpected Paths: Careers Shaping the Future

The script introduces a season focused on innovative, future-shaping careers that people often stumble upon rather than plan for, highlighting jobs most people aren’t aware exist. It invites listeners who wonder “what else could I be doing?” to follow along as the show traces unexpected paths to uncover emerging roles shaping the future before they’re widely known. Dr. W. positions the season as a guide for those seeking alternatives beyond familiar options and closes by addressing that season two begins now.

00:00 Careers You Stumble Upon

00:11 Digging for Future Jobs

00:20 Hidden World of Work

00:23 Following Unexpected Paths

00:30 Jobs You Haven't Heard Of

00:33 Shaping the Future Early

00:39 What Else Could I Do

00:42 Season Two Starts Now

It's our season finale and we are going out in style with wrinkle-free, perfectly packed layers. In this episode, we meet Jordan, a personal travel gear curator who turns chaotic packing into a luxury experience. Think RFID kits, climate-smart wardrobes, and outfits tailored by region, vibe, and weather app.

But that’s not all, we’re reflecting on our wild ride through the wonderfully weird world of work, and giving you a sneak peek at what’s ahead.

So before you jet off for the holidays, press play, because your passport isn’t the only thing getting stamped with inspiration.

Show Notes:

Unpacking the Role of a Personal Travel Gear Curator

In the season finale of 'Majors, Minors, and Maybes, Dr. W, a professor and part-time career sleuth, introduces us to the unique and fascinating job of a personal travel gear curator. This professional ensures clients travel efficiently and in style, preparing them with everything from wardrobes to tech gadgets. We meet Jordan, a travel gear curator who shares their experience of organizing perfect travel kits for various climates and needs. The episode not only delves into the logistics and creativity required for the role but also explores the potential career opportunities in travel consulting, luxury concierge services, and fashion logistics. Dr. W. wraps up the season with tips and insights, encouraging listeners to look into their quirks for potential career paths and teasing the upcoming second season.

00:00 Introduction to the Personal Travel Gear Curator

00:54 Meet Jordan: The Personal Travel Gear Curator

01:26 The Art and Science of Packing

01:46 Season Finale Reflections

02:19 Final Office Hours: Holiday Edition

02:40 Career Advice for Travel Enthusiasts

03:09 High-End Travel Curation

03:28 Season Wrap-Up and Future Plans

03:57 Holiday Wishes and Farewell

What do you get when you cross a researcher with a storyteller? A hybrid writing scientific consultant. These are the folks who make complex science not just readable, but unforgettable. In this episode, we follow Milo from grant proposals to blog posts, decoding breakthroughs in genetics one minute, and drafting policy briefs the next.

Whether it’s helping doctors understand the latest studies or turning lab results into public health campaigns, Milo's job is where precision meets prose.

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at a career that blends curiosity, communication, and just the right amount of caffeine. If you've ever asked, “But who translates the science?” This one is for you.

Show Notes:

The Hybrid Writing Science Consultant: Bridging the Gap Between Data and Storytelling

In this episode of Majors, Minors, and Maybes, Dr. W. dives into the unique and fascinating career of a hybrid writing science consultant. Meet Milo, a professional who translates complex scientific ideas into clear and engaging narratives for various audiences, including research teams and the general public. Learn what it takes to succeed in this role that demands both precision and creativity. Dr. W. discusses the skills required, potential career paths, and the significant impact this career has on bridging the gap between science and society. Ideal for those with a background in science and a passion for storytelling, this episode unveils how such professionals make scientific information accessible and impactful.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:27 Meet Milo: The Science Whisperer

00:52 A Day in the Life of a Science Consultant

01:50 Is This Career for You?

02:24 The Dual Role: Researcher and Writer

02:56 Building a Career in Science Consulting

03:48 Where Science Consultants Work

04:10 Skills and Salary Insights

04:51 The Impact of Science Writers

05:22 Conclusion and Next Steps

What do medical manikins, high-stakes drama, and behind-the-scenes brilliance have in common? Meet the Clinical Simulation Specialist. These are the folks who builds immersive healthcare training scenarios where the stakes feel real, but the patients are not. From heart attacks on cue to VR surgical rehearsals, Taylor here you will how a blend of tech, theatre, and medicine prepares our future healthcare heroes. It’s part ER, part Hollywood, and 100% real-world impact.

Get ready for a career that’s got adrenaline, innovation, and just a dash of stage fright.

Show Notes:

Behind the Scenes of Medical Training: The Role of a Clinical Simulation Specialist

In this episode of Majors, Minors, and Maybes, Dr. W. delves into the fascinating world of clinical simulation specialists. This unique profession blends technology, healthcare, and theater to create lifelike medical emergencies for training purposes. From programming high-fidelity mannequins to handling VR simulations, these specialists ensure healthcare providers are well-prepared for real-world emergencies. The episode covers job responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and potential career paths in this innovative field. Next, the show teases a look into the role of science writers who turn complex data into accessible information.

00:00 Introduction to Clinical Simulation

00:44 Meet the Clinical Simulation Specialist

01:03 A Day in the Life of a Simulation Specialist

02:14 The Impact and Scope of the Role

02:50 Is This Career for You?

04:01 Pathways to Becoming a Simulation Specialist

05:20 Fun Facts and Advanced Simulations

06:27 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

This Halloween bonus episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes takes us into the shadows of the courtroom with a career you’ve probably never heard of, the medical-legal illustrator. Think of them as detectives with a pencil translating X-rays, medical jargon, and surgical notes into visuals so clear they can sway a jury.

In this bite-sized, slightly spooky side quest, we peel back the curtain on a day in their life, explore how art and anatomy collide in the pursuit of justice, and even hear directly from a real medical-legal illustrator! Expect a touch of gore, a dash of whimsy, and plenty of curiosity as we sketch out a job that proves truth really can be illustrated.

Perfect for Halloween week, or anytime you like your careers with a little extra edge.

Show Notes:

Unveiling Medical-Legal Illustration: The Art of Courtroom Clarity

In this special Halloween edition of 'Majors, Minors, and Maybes,' listeners are introduced to the intriguing world of medical-legal illustration. The host explores a career that bridges the gap between medicine and law, transforming complex medical evidence into clear, visual stories for the courtroom. Featuring insights from professional medical-legal illustrator Annie Gaugh, the episode delves into the unique responsibilities and impactful work of these illustrators in cases of catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. From sketching detailed anatomical drawings to working closely with radiologists and testifying doctors, medical-legal illustrators play a crucial role in justice. With only about 2,000 medical illustrators globally and a mere 20% specializing in the legal field, this niche career offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, science, and law.

00:00 Introduction to the Halloween Special

00:18 What is a Medical Legal Illustrator?

02:10 A Day in the Life of a Courtroom Artist

02:50 Balancing Gore and Clarity

03:36 The Role of Medical Legal Illustrators in Court

05:13 The Niche Field of Medical Legal Illustration

07:12 Conclusion and Halloween Sign-Off

Meet Annie Gough:

https://injuryillustrated.com/about-annie-gough/

Don't forget to check out her book: Injury Illustrated: How Medical Images Win Legal Cases by R. Annie Gough, MS, CMI

Bugs, bytes, and a changing climate? Yes, it’s a thing! In this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we meet the climate entomology informatics specialist. It’s a mouthful of a job title that basically means they track insects using data to understand how climate change is shaking up ecosystems.

From digital fieldwork to predictive models, this is a career that blends biology, tech, and environmental sleuthing. Tune in as we decode how tiny creatures are giving us big clues about the planet’s future and why bug-loving data nerds just might save the world.

Get ready for a career story full of algorithms, antennae, and aha moments.

Show Notes:

Beetles, Data, and Climate: The Role of a Climate Entomology Informatics Specialist

In this episode of Majors, Minors, and Maybes, hosted by Dr. W., we explore the fascinating and niche career of a Climate Entomology Informatics Specialist. Through a mix of storytelling and expert insights, we learn how professionals like Alex use big data, environmental models, and coding to study how insects respond to climate change. The episode covers everything from the educational path to skill requirements and the exciting real-world impact of this role. We also delve into the blend of fieldwork and data science that characterizes the job, offering a detailed breakdown for anyone intrigued by the intersection of ecology, technology, and environmental conservation. Dr. W. wraps up by teasing the next episode, which will delve into the world of Clinical Simulation Specialists.

00:00 Introduction to Climate Entomology Informatics

00:46 Meet Alex: A Day in the Life

01:53 Office Hours: Bug Data and Biodiversity

03:59 Career Path: Becoming a Climate Data Detective

05:47 Curious Career Facts of the Week

06:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

What if your clothes could think? In this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we thread the needle between fashion and tech with a career that is as futuristic as it is fabulous. We are plunging into the 3D textile designer. From temperature-sensitive fabrics to garments that light up and charge your phone, these fabric wizards are blending engineering, design, and a touch of sci-fi magic to change the way we dress and live.

Join Dr. W. as she talks wearable tech, digital looms, and what it really takes to craft clothes that can code. Whether you’re a DIY tinkerer, a fashion lover, or just into smart threads, this episode is stitched just for you.

Show Notes:

The Future of Fashion: Exploring 3D Textile Design

Join Dr. W as she dives into the world of 3D textile design, where fashion meets technology. Discover how designers create fabrics that stretch, shimmer, and compute, and meet Jamie, a 3D textile designer who turns innovative concepts into reality. Learn about the career path, essential skills, and earning potential in this cutting-edge field. Plus, get inspired with real-world examples and a preview of the next episode on climate informatics.

00:00 Introduction to Futuristic Fabrics

00:38 What is 3D Textile Design?

01:20 Meet Jamie: The 3D Textile Designer

01:42 A Day in the Life of a 3D Textile Designer

02:33 The Future and Opportunities in 3D Textile Design

02:59 Office Hours: Is 3D Textile Design for You?

03:19 Career Path and Industry Insights

04:14 Innovations and Fun Facts

04:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Think all the action happens above ground? Think again! In this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we dig deep (no pun intended) into the wild world of microbial ecology. Meet Leo, a fungi-loving field scientist decoding underground fungal networks, glowing bacteria, and the secret lives of microbes that just might save our forests and our future.

From mushroom-powered climate tech to DNA in volcanic soil, this episode is a spore-spangled adventure that blends science, storytelling, and the tiniest heroes of the natural world. Get ready for dirt, data, and a whole lot of discovery; because saving the planet sometimes starts with a fungus!

Show Notes:

Unearthing Microbial Ecology: The Hidden World Beneath Our Feet

Join Dr. W as she explores the fascinating world of microbial ecology. Discover how fungi communicate underground, how microbial ecologists are pioneering research that could help save our planet, and learn about the broad career opportunities in this quirky and impactful field. From hiking in the woods to coding in the lab, microbial ecology combines technology, biology, and innovation. This episode not only delves into how microbes shape our environment, health, and agriculture but also provides a snapshot of what it takes to become a microbial ecologist. Whether you're into biology, tech, or just curious about the unseen world, this episode has something for you.

00:00 Introduction to the Secret World of Fungi

01:33 Meet Leo the Microbial Ecologist

02:58 The Fascinating Work of Microbial Ecologists

04:42 Career Path and Opportunities in Microbial Ecology

05:55 Fun Facts and Final Thoughts

06:52 Sneak Peek into the Next Episode

Do you think that therapy is just couches and clipboards? Think again. On this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we are stepping into the pixelated world of virtual reality therapy. Where high-tech headsets help people conquer fears, rewire habits, and build confidence one simulation at a time.

Together with Dr. W., you will explore the virtual reality therapist who trades in traditional talk for immersive experiences. From calming public speaking jitters to helping clients face phobias in digital safe zones, these healthcare providers blend psychology, storytelling, and tech into one powerfully human job.

It’s part science, part sci-fi, and all about healing!

Show Notes:

Pixels to Healing: Exploring the World of Virtual Reality Therapists

Join Dr. W in this episode of Majors, Minors, and Maybes as she delves into the futuristic realm of virtual reality therapy. Discover how VR therapists like Jordan are transforming mental health care by helping clients confront their fears and anxieties through immersive technology. This episode breaks down the career path, necessary skills, and unique innovations making VR therapy a cutting-edge field. From public speaking anxieties to chronic pain management, learn how this blend of psychology, tech, and creativity is opening new doors for healing.

00:00 Introduction to Virtual Reality Therapy

00:59 Meet Jordan: The VR Therapist

02:43 How VR Therapy Works

04:40 Becoming a VR Therapist

06:08 The Future of VR Therapy

07:58 Curious Career Fact of the Week

09:14 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser