Brain It Out Podcast

What’s the difference between a student who gets hired at Adobe and one who doesn't? According to Shelly Ruff, it’s all about the "So What?" factor.Shelly joins the show to share her insider perspective on how Adobe is shaping the future of work through digital literacy. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your class projects into a high-value portfolio, this episode is your masterclass.Key Takeaways:✅ Why "Impact" is the most important word on your resume.✅ How to use Adobe’s tools to signal adaptability to hiring managers.✅ The "Evidence-Based" framework for landing your dream internship.✅ Overcoming the "Entry-Level" paradox with a digital brand.Connect with Shelly Ruff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellyruff/Connect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/

Why do so many brilliant scientists struggle to land high-paying corporate roles? The truth is, academia and industry speak two different languages. Today, I’m joined by Victoria Vicari, founder of The Career Scientist, to learn the exact "translation" required to move from the lab to a six-figure industry career.In this episode, we discuss:- The Resume Overhaul: Why your academic CV is killing your chances in biotech and pharma.- Buzzwords vs. Value: How to translate daily lab tasks (like pipetting and data entry) into "Project Management" and "Operational Efficiency."- Negotiating the Bag: Overcoming the "academic mindset" to ask for the salary you actually deserve.- Upskilling for AI Proficiencyand much more!Connect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Victoria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laetitia-vicari/Visit The Career Scientist: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-career-scientist/posts/?feedView=all#biotech #podcast #genz #youthempowerment #careeradvice #scientist #career #pharma #industrysecrets #corporate

How do you land a role at a tech giant when you aren't attending a "target" Ivy League school? Catori Griffin joins the show to discuss the "messy middle" between having big ambitions and having limited access. As a former Google intern and LinkedIn creator, Catori has mastered the art of building a brand that demands attention from recruiters.In this episode, we discuss:- The non-target school strategy for landing Big Tech internships- Landing the Google internship- Navigating major industry events like the Grace Hopper Celebration- How to overcome imposter syndrome and own your space as a LinkedIn creator- Tailoring your resume and booking 1:1 coffee chatsConnect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Catori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catori-griffin/#youthempowerment #internship #podcast #careerguidance #ambition #goals #students #collegelife #college #networking #linkedin #coffeechat #resumetips

Breaking into Big Tech as a student can feel like a black box. Today, I’m joined by Skyler Basco, the founder of Student to Big Tech, to deconstruct the exact path from the classroom to the world’s most influential tech companies.In this episode, we discuss:- Focus on building quality projects that demonstrate impact- How to build a professional network as a student- Navigating the ins and outs of landing a high-paying internship in BIG TECH- Tailoring your resume- Cold outreach messaging and in-person networking- The reality of the tech recruitment cycle and how to stay ahead- Turning a side project into a career-defining assetConnect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Skyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylerbasco/#youthempowerment #changemakers #bigtech #internship #students #podcast #coding #networking #coldoutreach #recruiter #linkedin

What does it take to build a space association while studying astrophysics at one of the world's top universities? Nouran Alyousif joins the show to discuss her journey from Berkeley to founding the Saudi Youth Space Association.In this episode, we discuss:- The intersection of astrophysics and global leadership- Building a non-profit association through high school- Cold outreach and networking with professors- Promoting space science literacy for the next generation- Navigating college apps during CovidConnect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Nouran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nouran-alyousif-ba9abb191/#space #podcast #youthempowerment #changemakers #spaceeducation #astrology #astronomy #tedxtalk #nonprofit #leadership

What happens after the degree? Salma Ahmed takes us inside her world as an Earth and Planetary Science PhD researcher at Berkeley, shedding light on the "messy middle" of high-level academia.In this episode, we discuss:- The reality of PhD research in the planetary sciences- Pivoting into a new field- Advice for undergraduates interested in the research track- Salma's personal research interestsConnect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Salma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salma-ahmed7/

Engineering is a grueling major, but it doesn't mean you have to stop creating. Jouri Rayan Hindi, a Bioengineering student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, joins the show to discuss the intersection of technical studies and digital content creation.In this episode, we discuss:- The reality of the college application process- How Jouri navigated her journey to UIUC and what she’s learned so far- The role of her mentor in selecting her future school- Jouri's advice to the next generationConnect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Jouri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jouri-rayan-hindi-46a58b27a/

Can ballet be the key to solving the literacy gap? Bridget Bendezu and Natalie Clyburn, undergrads at UNC, share how they founded a local chapter of Ballet & Books to combine the arts with academic support.In this episode, we discuss:- Advice for students looking to make a local impact- How Natalie and Bridget began the local Ballet & Books chapter- Collaborating with the Chapel Hill Public Library- The importance of ballet in reducing the literacy gap in childrenConnect with Juman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juman-alyousif-68b4161bb/Connect with Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-clyburn-56b92a235/Connect with Bridget: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetbendezu/

Can you contribute to high-level scientific research before you even set foot on a college campus? In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Wang, a biochem researcher at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Caroline is proof that age isn't a barrier to scientific contribution if you have the right strategy for getting into the lab.In this episode, we discuss:- STEM education, youth mentorship, citizen science, and local community impact- Caroline's personal journey- Encouragement, mentorship, and community involvement in shaping future leaders in STEM - Caroline's dedication to biochemistry and youth serviceConnect with Caroline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinewang100/#stemeducation #podcast #youthempowerment #community #biochemistry #research

Advocacy isn't just something you do; it’s something you live. Vianna Fornville is a junior at Chapel Hill High School, an award-winning poet, and a dedicated civil rights activist. In this powerful conversation, we discuss her journey from participating in Black Lives Matter protests to being selected for the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy '25.In this episode, we discuss:- The power of mentorship in finding your voice as a young activist.- Using poetry as a medium for social change and personal expression.- Vianna’s experience with the Disney Dreamers Academy and how it shaped her vision.- Advice for students who want to turn their passion for justice into actionable community leadership.Follow Vianna’s Work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vianna-fornville-373517310/