The Work Seminar

Job “ins” come in mysterious ways. For Mathew, it was teaching English in Shenzhen between his master’s and doctorate in history. 

Seven years later, that teaching abroad stint qualified him for a contract role writing ESL tests. And then, as Mathew puts it, the stars aligned. 

A full-time test developer in the history department left the company. Within three weeks of that colleague’s departure, Mathew landed a full-time test development role in his academic discipline.

Of course, the ESL experience is a fraction of the story.

If it weren’t for networking and stating his intentions to work outside of academia, Mathew never would have received the tip about the ESL test development gig. And it’s anyone’s guess how things would have panned out had he not been willing to relocate when his partner, now husband, landed a new job.

A circuitous route can, indeed, be the path to enjoyable work. 

Books & other resources mentioned

Alison Green’s Ask a Manager blog

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For Jen Crichlow, art and technology are inseparable.

Her involvement at arts festivals of all stripes revealed the digital divide that affects everything from event management to the preservation of culture. 

So she enrolled in grad school to explore how tech inequity disproportionately affects underrepresented and marginalized arts communities and movements. 

Now as an executive at SAVVI AI, she’s making machine learning accessible to companies and nonprofits that don’t have legions of data scientists and software developers at their disposal. 

And Jen gets to work with artists every day as she and her SAVVI colleagues are building something that doesn't exist. While she might have debated that classification ten years ago, her answer today is unequivocal: “Yes, it’s art. It's absolutely novel. It's creative.”

Resources mentioned

Ask a Manager 

The Nap Ministry 

Where to find Jen and SAVVI AI

Jen on LinkedIn

SAVVIAI.com

SAVVI on LinkedIn and Twitter

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All good things must come to … a short break.

After a little R&R (rest and recordings), we’ll return with our sophomore season. 

In the meantime, here’s hoping you’ve learned as much from these conversations as we have. See you back here this spring!

Don’t be a stranger in between seasons

Sign up for The Work Seminar newsletter to find out first when Season Two drops.

Check out our BookShop.org store for all the books mentioned during Season One.

Send your questions, thoughts on the show, and guest suggestions to [email protected]. 

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Paul is an executive and career coach, licensed psychologist, former human resources leader, and friend of the podcast who’s generously agreed to guide us through his steps for making a career change. 

Paul shares his approach for:

• Finding your values and interests beyond your academic discipline through self-discovery questions he poses to clients
• Crafting your “work story” and framing how your skills and talents can apply outside your academic and work experience
• Building and tapping into your network (and yes, you have to network, but it's not as bad as it sounds) 
• Navigating interviewers who question a lack of “relevant work experience” 
• Learning the skills a new job demands 

Yes, it’s infinitely easier to update your resume and indiscriminately apply to jobs. But slow, steady, and strategic is the better bet according to the experts, our guest included.   

Books & other resources mentioned

The 20-Minute Networking Meeting by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan Perez

Unique Ability by Catherine Nomura, Julia Waller, Shannon Waller

Free career aptitude and personality assessments guide

A primer on learning agility

Where to find Paul and Global Talent Strategies

GlobalTalentStrategies.com 

Paul on LinkedIn

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This (inaugural!) bonus episode features certified financial planner David Fortosis, owner of ClearCounsel Advisors, walking us through all things money after grad school. 

Specifically, David dives into the current economy’s likely effect on student loan interest rates, personal budgeting, weighing employment options with varying student debt obligations, income-based repayment plans, public service loan forgiveness, earning extra cash on the side—you name it, we cover it. 

Whatever your financial literacy level or money situation, we hope you’ll find Dave’s words of wisdom applicable.

***And now, the standard disclaimer: Nothing in this episode should be taken as personalized financial advice. Please consult a certified financial planner or other trusted advisor for such guidance.***

Books & other resources mentioned

So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport

David’s monthly budget planner (Excel file)

SmartAsset.com's paycheck calculator

US Dept. of Education’s Student Aid Information

StudentLoanHero.com

“Graduate Programs Have Become a Cash Cow for Struggling Colleges. What Does That Mean for Students?” by Jon Marcus (PBS.org)

Where to find Dave and ClearCounsel Advisors

ClearCounselAdvisors.com

Email: David @ ClearCounselAdvisors.com

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It all started with a six-month break from her doctoral program. Elizabeth planned to earn a little money at the first viable job she landed. That extended into a full year of employment. 

And that begat a nine-year stint in pharma and her exit from academia. 

Since then, Elizabeth’s been an IT executive across varied industries. Nearly everywhere she’s worked, she’s acted as the go-to person for translating complex issues into clear plans—and assembling teams that make things happen. 

The connection between philosophy and IT may seem opaque. But from Elizabeth’s vantage point, her business acumen ties back to the teaching, writing, and critical thinking she engaged in at grad school. 

And who would have guessed all that Wittgenstein would help her view people and work through a refreshingly pragmatic lens? 

*Please excuse a few minor background audio blips and outdoors sounds in this episode. What Elizabeth has to say is well worth enduring the occasional bird chirping or snap, crackle, and pop.*

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Holly dreamt of working in journalism and attending grad school since grade school. And live that dream she did.

After earning her master’s in journalism from Columbia, she started in trade pubs, moved to reporting for her hometown The Tennessean, and then founded BirdDog. 

During that time, Holly’s field changed. Legacy journalism slowly and steadily abandoned deep investigation, exhaustive data analysis, and the stories readers needed to know. 

That’s when she made the leap to in-house communications and media strategy. 

It wasn’t a seamless transition. But she realized audiences still craved expert knowledge and insights. Now Holly’s able to disseminate vital healthcare news in a manner she never would have considered during grad school.

Books & other resources mentioned

No Time to Spare by Ursula Le Guin

Clay Christensen’s works

Ben Thompson’s “Stratechery” newsletter

A sample of Holly’s work

Vanderbilt Health DNA: Discoveries in Action podcast

BirdDog

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Caitlin followed the script for landing a tenure-track position to a tee. Conference attendance and panels, publication, university service—you name it, she did it. And excelled at it. 

But after four years of her search yielding no viable offers, she shelved teaching and explored the non-academic job market. 

And in the process, she considered her values and strengths through a lens she’d neglected: one independent of the academy.

Now she’s discovered a new passion for leadership and higher ed management, working as an associate manager in the advising department. And Caitlin’s found a professional home that supports her in ways she never thought possible.

Resources mentioned

CliftonStrengths (Gallup Strengthfinders)

VIA Values Assessments

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Dan underwent a “seismic shift” in perspective during the throes of finishing his MM in orchestral performance. After graduation, he stowed away his trumpet…and plans for a performance career.

But after a few years, the musical itch resurfaced. 

He started playing and teaching private lessons again for fun. For work, he landed a general manager position at a small symphony.

And so Dan’s shift to the fundraising and development side of the fine arts began. 

Since then, he’s worked for several major musical institutions, including the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony. 

Making these leaps required constant learning, acting on tough feedback, and sacrifice. Luckily for us, Dan shares his tips for picking up the skills and mindset shifts to make big changes and reach the executive level. 

And he doesn’t shy away from discussing his struggles with work’s and music’s role in his life.

Books & other resources mentioned

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Brene Brown’s podcasts

DISC, Myers Briggs, or Birkrman work/personality assessments

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

Lyrics to Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” 

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The connection between lobbying and helping organizations develop their board members and DEI programs can be easy to miss. But for Nikki, it’s a clear link. 

After gaining lobbying experience in grad school, at the state of Michigan under Governor (now US Secretary of Energy) Granholm, and in the nonprofit space, Nikki struck out on her own. But she soon learned that potential clients weren’t considering her services because many boards of directors failed to realize they could engage with legislation. 

Nikki saw the opportunity to help boards understand their opportunities—and their responsibilities. And that included impressing the need to build cultures and practices supporting historically marginalized groups. 

At one point, the legislation she devoted her grad school and early working years to seemed relegated to her past. But now she finds it, and the other skills she picked up in grad school, resurfacing in the most unexpected ways.

Listen in to a fascinating story with practical (and priceless) advice for pushing employers—and your own business—to better support DEI.

Where to find Nikki and McCord Consulting Group

@McCordConsult on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook

McConsultGroup.com 

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