In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Brown, the Director of the Professional Development Office at VCU Graduate School. Dr. Brown will share her expertise on how graduate students can build the skills, networks, and mindsets needed for long-term success—both during and beyond graduate school. From mentoring and networking to the many professional development resources available at VCU, we’ll dive deep into how to maximize your graduate experience and plan for your future career.
Graduate school isn’t just about picking a program, it’s about reimagining your life path and making a commitment to shaping that future. In this episode, we're joined by Nicholas Griffin, a second-year Master's of Public Health student at VCU, who will share his own journey of navigating public health, his path to graduate school, and the decisions that led him to VCU’s School of Public Health. He’ll talk about how his time at VCU has shaped his goals, both personal and professional, and offer advice to those of you thinking about entering this field.
Navigating a new country, culture, and academic system is not an easy thing to do, especially for international students embarking on their graduate education journey. For many, it’s not just about adjusting to a different culture; it’s about understanding a new academic framework, balancing visa regulations, and building meaningful relationships in a completely unfamiliar environment. These challenges, while often overwhelming, can also be transformative.
In this episode, we are joined by Kelly Richard, a Global Learning Specialist at VCU, to explore the struggles that international students face in their journeys, the importance of fostering supportive and inclusive environments, and how universities can provide the resources necessary for these students to thrive. We also dive into what makes international student journeys complex and how VCU, as a community, can create a more welcoming and empowering environment!
This episode features Kelsey Cheshire from VCU Libraries—if you’ve ever felt awkward asking a librarian for help, or you’re curious about what resources the library has to offer, tune in! Or you can read the transcript below, if that’s more your style.
Grad Pod is brought to you by the Graduate School as a means of connecting with graduate students, faculty, and staff. Our goal is to offer insights, resources, and stories from across our VCU community. Whether you're navigating the challenges of grad school, seeking advice on research or career development, or simply interested in hearing from those who support your academic success, you've come to the right place!