Grad School Buddy

In this episode of GSB Career Insights, we have a conversation with Dr. Andre Isaacs, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross, to explore his journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming an organic chemist, researcher, and educator transforming how students experience science.Dr. Isaacs shares his story of navigating cultural transitions, academic challenges, and identity in science. He reflects on his undergraduate and PhD journey, the realities of graduate school, and how mentorship played a defining role in his success.Beyond science, this conversation highlights the importance of finding joy in learning, representation in STEM, and staying authentic in spaces that don’t always make room for you.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye & Chukwuebuka AmajiSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

What does it look like to build a career that moves across medicine, public health, and finance?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adanna Chukwuma, Associate Vice President for Economic Growth and Private Sector Engagement at CARE.Dr. Chukwuma shares her journey from studying medicine at the University of Nigeria to working on health system reforms at the World Bank, financial inclusion at Visa, and now leading large-scale development initiatives at CARE. She reflects on how personal experiences on both sides of the healthcare system shaped her perspective and influenced the trajectory of her career.We also discuss her approach to getting into top graduate programs at Oxford and Harvard, including how she navigated missing requirements using strategic preparation and storytelling to strengthen her application.Tune in now to hear her insights on career transitions and helpful tips on getting into competitive graduate programs.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka AmajiIf you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In this episode of the GSB Career Insights Series, we explore the field of ophthalmology and the growing importance of eye health awareness.Our guest, Dr. Henrietta Ifechukwude Monye, is an ophthalmologist and public eye health advocate dedicated to preventing blindness and improving access to eye care. She is also the founder of Eyehub Nigeria, an initiative focused on eye health education, early detection, and community engagement.In this conversation, Dr. Monye shares her journey into ophthalmology, the realities of glaucoma, and why early detection is critical in preventing avoidable blindness. She also discusses the work being done through Eyehub Nigeria to improve awareness and access to eye care services across communities.Tune in for insights into the field of ophthalmology, and how advocacy, research, and clinical practice can come together to improve public health outcomes.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka AmajiIf you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Ever wondered how banks decide who gets a loan, and who doesn’t? In this episode, we sit down with Temitope, a credit risk and financial services professional with an MBA, experienced in advising banks across the UK and international markets.Credit risk management (CRM) determines who banks lend to, how much risk they take, and how they do it responsibly. Temitope explains how CRM balances regulatory compliance, responsible lending, and financial inclusion, and shares why sometimes saying “no” to a loan is the most responsible decision a bank can make.We discuss how Temitope transitioned from a non-finance background into credit risk management, the entry-level opportunities available, essential skills, and the evolving future of the profession.Whether you’re exploring a career in finance or curious about how lending decisions are made, tune in for practical insights and career advice from a credit risk expert.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji  If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more on the GSB Career Insights Series.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Welcome to the premiere episode of  Season Five, themed ‘GSB’s Career Insight Series.’ In this season, we will break down unique career paths, one conversation at a time. This episode serves as a blueprint for what's to come. Join our co-hosts Ebelechukwu, who is a social scientist and researcher in the international development and public policy sector, and Chukwuebuka, who works in Private Equity and Venture Capital, focusing on fintech investment across emerging African markets.In this conversation, we explore two fields you may not have heard of or may only know at a surface level. You’ll discover the less-visible roles within international development and private equity/venture capital spaces that keep these industries running, the skills needed to break into these spaces, and the gaps early-career professionals are well positioned to fill.Tune in now for practical insight into how these industries work.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji  If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more on the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

The year is coming to an end, and we didn't want to sign off without a proper goodbye.For the Season Finale, we kept it in-house, just the four of us looking at 2025 in review. We talked about everything: our favorite podcast guests, the GSB mentees, collaborations, the lessons from the year, and our hopes for next season.We discussed what keeps our team tight and what it really takes to sustain GSB four years in. It's a wholesome, honest look at the journey so far.To everyone who's been with us this year, thank you. Your support means everything to us, and we couldn't have done this without you. Hit play and join us for this special finale episode as we close out the year together.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji  Guests: Chike Onyekwelu, Hairat Olawumi Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In this special episode, we bring you highlights from our live event hosted by Grad School Buddy in collaboration with EduFurther, designed to equip the next generation of graduate students with real-world guidance and mentorship to thrive in grad school and beyond.On the panel, Rokeebat discussed grad school preparation and cleared common misconceptions about pursuing a graduate degree; ebelechukwu reflected on the impact of grad school and how to make the most of the experience; and Chukwuebuka explored building a thriving career without an advanced degree.The discussion was followed by a Q&A and themed breakout sessions, where mentors from Grad School Buddy and EduFurther answered personalized questions from participants, offering actionable advice and mentorship.If you missed the live event, this episode brings all the insights straight to you. Tune in now to discover strategies needed to navigate grad school and beyondFeaturing: Rokeebat Hammed, Ebelechukwu Monye, and Chukwuebuka Amaji, Amatullah Mahmoud, Hairat Olawumi, Goodness Ajamu, Gbenga Idowu Elufisan, Shamim Ibrahim, and Chukwuebuka AmajiIf you enjoyed this episode, turn on notifications so you never miss more stories and resources from Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In this episode, we discuss joining a graduate program with limited professional experience and how friendships and community make the journey easier. Our guest today is Esomchi Agalamanyi, who studied Economics at the University of Nigeria and earned a master’s in Education, Public Policy & Equity at the University of Glasgow. His professional journey has taken him from the UN office in New York to the UNICEF office in Bangkok, and currently, he is at UNICEF Geneva, where he has built expertise in governance, accountability, and knowledge management. We discuss his early days as an economist, what drives him, what his work as a knowledge management specialist entails, why it matters in shaping policy, and the new challenges children face in a rapidly changing digital world.For anyone curious about policy, children’s rights, or knowledge management, this is worth your listen.Co-hosts: ebelechukwu monye and Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Esomchi AgalamanyiIf you enjoyed this episode, hit follow and turn on notifications for more grad school stories and resources.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Dana is a labor market economist whose work in the MENA region spans workforce development, gender reforms, and the future of work.Growing up, Dana's interests ranged from science and sports to languages, but never policy. She eventually studied Government and International Politics at George Mason University, with minors in Middle Eastern Studies and Economics.In this episode, Dana takes us through her grad school journey ir international policy development and reflects on what it really means to apply academic training in the policy world. She shares the lessons she's learned across three major career shifts, and how each one brought her closer to the work that matters most to her: rebuilding her home country, Syria, through effective and impactful policies.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

It’s not really about grad school this time, it’s a bit of everything.In this episode, Ebele and Ebuka reflect on the thought behind Grad School Buddy: to share stories from people of all walks of life who have taken different paths to and through grad school. From those who moved countries to study, to people who took out loans, self-funded or received scholarships, and folks who chose not to pursue grad school at all. The goal is to make sure everyone finds a story they can connect with.They share their own journeys too, Ebuka’s switch from Engineering to Finance, and Ebele’s passion for Economics, her grad school experience, and how her career has evolved since. This conversation offers helpful takeaways for anyone considering grad school, particularly in terms of how it can support long-term career goals.Finally, they talk about the reach and impact of Grad School Buddy, from our growing listener base to our pioneer set of undergraduate ambassadors,  and how we’re helping fuel both their personal and academic growth.This episode is a reminder that there’s no one way to do life or grad school, and we’re glad you’re here.Co-hosts: ebelechukwu monye and Chukwuebuka AmajiIf you enjoyed this episode, turn on notifications so you don’t miss more grad school stories and resources.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Seun and Chinemerem met at the University of East Anglia, where they are earning advanced degrees in Global Development and Finance & Economics, respectively. Their friendship and collaboration have since grown, but their journey into development and impact began long before grad school — through grassroots projects, nonprofit leadership, and bold work in public policy.Seun is the founder of The Development School Africa, an initiative focused on educating African youth about sustainable development. Chinemerem co-founded The GEAC Foundation, which empowers children from low-income families in Nigeria to access quality education.In this episode, they share their inspiring stories, from early career struggles and scholarship rejections to building careers in development, founding impactful initiatives, and navigating life abroad as international students. We explore the highs, the challenges, and their shared vision for empowering young people and shaping policies that truly serve communities.If you’re passionate about development, education, or leading change, this one’s for you. Tune in now and don’t forget to follow us for more grad school stories.Co-Hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye & Chukwuebuka AmajiGuests: Chinemerem Ugwu & Seun OlagunjuSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Meet Odinaka Akpamgbo, a Nigerian scholar who earned first class twice—first from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, then from the Nigerian Law School. He also secured admission to four top UK universities, landing three fully funded scholarships, including one to study the prestigious Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford.In this episode, Odinaka shares how his early encounters with injustice fueled his passion for law, how he navigated Nigeria’s toughest law program, and what life is like as a graduate student at Oxford. He also opens up about the mindset and strategy behind his academic excellence.Don’t miss out, tune in now to experience grad school life through the eyes of a rising star in international law.Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Odinaka AkpamgboEnjoyed this episode? Turn on notifications so you never miss an update from Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

You can work in tech without writing a single line of code.In this episode, we are with Barbra Okafor, a media strategist, content creator, and digital leader whose career spans TikTok, BBC, Trace, and now the Isle of Wight Council. With Master's degree in media and communications from the London School of Economics, Barbra has carved a niche at the intersection of tech and storytelling.We talk about her journey from creating documentaries at Trace to leading content strategy at BBC and managing digital storytelling at TikTok. Barbra breaks down what it means to build a meaningful career in tech without coding, the importance of content strategy, and the value of inclusivity and human connection in digital products. She also emphasizes the importance of building in public and growing your network. This conversation gives clarity on defining your niche in tech and growing with intention. Tune in now to learn practical steps to define your niche and thrive in non-technical roles.Host: Ebelechukwu Monye  Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji  Guest: Barbra Okafor  If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more grad school resources.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Some people are born teachers. At just 25, Chisom Paula Ogamba stepped into a classroom at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, as a lecturer in English and Linguistics. In this episode, she walks us through her unique journey, from a curious undergrad who loved simplifying complex topics for her peers to a sociolinguist and PhD researcher passionate about critical narrative analysis.Chisom had no plan to be a lecturer. In fact, she just wanted to finish school and move on. But during her NYSC year, she found herself drawn to teaching, and that changed everything. We discussed her journey to academia, the highs and lows, and the challenges young lecturers face, from poor pay to limited access to resources, and what needs to change to create a thriving academic system in Nigeria.This conversation is honest, insightful, and full of vision, especi ally for those who dare to dream. Tune in now to hear how Chisom is carving out her place in academia and why this episode is nothing short of a linguistics masterclass.Host: Ebelechukwu Monye  Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji  Guest: Chisom Paula Ogamba  Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In this episode, we connect with Chike Ivor Onyekwelu, a seasoned product designer with expertise in Figma illustration and brand identity design. Now pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology with Project Management in the UK, Chike opens up about his first few weeks as an international graduate student. He shares candid reflections on how reality compares to his expectations, the early challenges of adjusting to a new academic system, and how he’s managing to balance coursework with his creative passions.We also dive into his experiences with culture shifts, making new connections, and finding community in a new country. Whether you're a designer curious about graduate school or a prospective student wondering what those first few weeks abroad might look like, this episode is packed with honest insights and relatable takeaways. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on growth, creativity, and navigating change.Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji  Guest: Chike Onyekwelu  Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In the first episode of Season Four, we talk with Dani, a senior external affairs officer specializing in human development, to explore the role of communication in global development. Dani shares her journey from studying history to international relations, her transformative experience at Johns Hopkins, and how storytelling shapes her work in Global Development. She highlights the power of storytelling, the importance of making information accessible, and the fulfillment that comes from mission-driven work. She also offers advice to young professionals, encouraging them to stay curious, work hard, and stay committed to making an impact. Listen to Dani's story and discover how effective communication and storytelling drive global impact. Hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Dani ClarkIf you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more grad school resources.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Ruba, founder of AfterAcademia, shares her journey from a successful career in academia to roles in UX research at companies like Meta and Arthrex. Despite her academic accomplishments, including publishing multiple papers and winning prestigious awards, she realized the traditional academic path wasn't aligned with her expectations.Dr Ruba opens up about the emotional and professional challenges she faced while leaving academia, including redefining her identity outside of the academic world. She emphasizes the importance of networking, exploring options beyond academia, and perseverance in the face of adversity.To support others through similar challenges, she founded AfterAcademia, where she helps academics break free from the constraints of academia and build fulfilling careers.Tune in to hear Dr Ruba's story and learn how to make bold career moves and find fulfillment beyond academia.Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Dr. Ashley RubaSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Today’s conversation features Obinna Nwabueze, a dynamic academic and sports enthusiast whose professional journey blends the worlds of academics, football, and languages.Obinna’s passion for governance and societal issues inspired his decision to study Political Science at the University of Nigeria. At Nsukka, he held several leadership positions and won numerous football trophies for his class and faculty while maintaining a good academic performance. As an undergrad, inspired by his many multilingual mentors and a consistent zeal to learn and improve his life chances, he enrolled in French classes at the Alliance Francaise Enugu. This decision set things in motion for his move to France years later. Tune in to learn about Obinna’s experiences as a teaching assistant in French schools and colleges, how these experiences prepared him for his master's in digital humanities, his emerging interest in social robotics, and his ambitious plans to explore its psychological and political implications as part of his PhD research.If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more graduate school resources from Grad School Buddy.Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Obinna Nwabueze Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Are you considering grad school as the next step for your creative career? Then this episode is for you! We are joined by Xorlali Plange, a Ghanaian fashion and costume designer, and Ernest Nweke, a Nigerian writer and multimedia storyteller.Ernest, who is looking to apply to graduate school, moderates this session as Xorlali, a Master of Fine Arts candidate majoring in costume design at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of Arts, shares his insights about the application and acceptance process, as well as the value of graduate school in advancing careers of creatives.If you enjoyed this episode, turn on notifications to stay updated with more graduate school resources.Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Xorlali Plange Moderator: Ernest NwekeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Have you ever wondered what it takes to carve out a successful career in policy despite its complexities? In today's conversation with Priya Alagarraj and Ruchika Bhatia, co-founders of Policy Career Central (PCC),  we discuss their experience in the public policy profession. Policy Career Central is a community-driven platform that provides valuable resources, opportunities, and practical advice for potential and current policy experts. By addressing the information gap, it aims to make the path smoother for public policy professionals.Creating an initiative like PCC does not happen by chance. Priya and Ruchika shared how the idea was born from the shared struggles of graduate school and the journey that followed. Tune in to learn why this duo is building the PCC community and how initiatives like theirs can help you enhance your career trajectory.Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiGuests: Priya Alagarraj and Ruchika BhatiaSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Conrad, Kosiso, and Chukwuma were classmates from the 2016 Class of the Department of Economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Today, we bring you an engaging conversation between them as they discuss the different directions their lives and careers have taken since graduation.After earning their bachelor’s in economics, each has thrived in diverse career paths shaped by their unique interests and values. While Chuks and Kosy continue to further their careers in academia, with both currently in econ PhD programs, Conrad has chosen a different path, pursuing a master’s degree in public relations and strategic communications. This conversation showcases the power of individuality, demonstrating how people from similar backgrounds can go on to choose their own unique and individual paths in life. Tune in to listen to these classmates reminisce on their past and where life has taken them.Hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji  Guests: Conrad Johnson, Chukwuma Nwoye and Kosiso MaduSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Have you ever wondered what it's like to attend graduate school virtually? In this episode, David Ebube walks us through his routine as he juggles a career as a strategic communications consultant and a master's in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex.David is passionate about advancing Africa's fashion economy. Having transitioned to media and Public relations, he now channels his passion and expertise into the development and public policy sector. Some points in our discussion include insights on the program's comprehensiveness, the pros and cons of an online degree, and the benefits of a flexible program that offers opportunities for global connections.Please tune in to learn how this Great Akokite is achieving his dreams of advancing his career, even with the commitments of his 9-to-5 on his journey to becoming a renowned voice in strategic communications. Host: Ebelechukwu Monye  Co-host: Chukwuebuka Amaji  Guest: David Ebube  If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more grad school resources.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Many people suffer from anxiety when starting something new, especially when in the company of equally good peers. This episode features Hope Eze, a humanities PhD student at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on the literary depiction of food insecurity in Africa, particularly the possibility of achieving food sovereignty through sustainable agriculture.Hope shares her PhD story and how it has shaped her as a whole person. The journey from master’s to PhD wasn’t a piece of cake, as she was faced with multiple challenges, including securing funding for her research, dealing with immigrant loneliness, and dealing with personal struggles. We discussed the obstacles in her journey and how she overcame them.Don’t miss out as Hope shares her personal experiences, victories, and strategies that contributed to her academic success and beyond. Listen to this episode now to experience grad school life from another insightful perspective!Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiGuest: Hope EzeIf you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more grad school resources. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Studying abroad can be challenging, especially when faced with language barriers. In this episode, Vincent Eke shares his remarkable journey from being a zealous undergraduate at Unilag to becoming a graduate student at Science Po in France. The key takeaway from this episode is the significance of preparing for life after undergraduate studies early on. Securing scholarships and funding can be highly competitive, and this episode emphasizes the importance of being intentional about one's goals from the early undergraduate years. He stresses the need to position oneself for opportunities, get involved in activities that make one stand out, and create a unique story that sells. Vincent's journey to studying in France as a non-French speaker was not without obstacles, but he learned to speak a new language and became bilingual. He shares his hurdles in securing a scholarship, including rejections, doubts, and stress. However, he emphasizes that good things can come with perseverance and hard work.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to the second half of our conversation with Dr. Allen and Dr. Lauren, the authors of PhDone and minds behind Dissertation Editors. This engaging conversation features the non-academic aspects of getting a PhD - impostor syndrome, unhealthy competition with one's classmates, work-life balance, lessons from clients who balanced their PhD with parenthood or full-time jobs, etc. Towards the end of the episode, the focus shifts to outcomes and graduate destinations for PhD students. Where can they work outside academia? What are some things they should be mindful of? Listen to learn more.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Are you considering a PhD and wondering if that’s your right trajectory? In this episode, Emeka Nwankwo, an associate lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and a PhD candidate in Digital Politics, sheds light on the various aspects of getting a PhD. He discusses maintaining work-life balance, finding graduate school funding, and tackling dissertation writing. Guest: Emeka NwankwoCo-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka AmajiSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Searching for graduate school scholarships is daunting. There’s the uncertainty of rejection or failure and the hope of the ultimate prize of success. That’s why we have invited Kyla Denwood, who has secured a fully-funded graduate school scholarship with the enviable opportunity of choosing between Harvard, Georgetown, and Johns Hopkins. Kyla is among the roughly four percent of applicants selected for the 2023 Payne Fellowship. In this episode, she discusses discovering the Payne Fellowship, a diversity initiative within the U.S. State Department and USAID. This fellowship gives her a unique opportunity to pursue graduate studies and embark on a career path focused on international development with no financial hassles. She offers valuable tips and advice on meticulous preparation, authentic self-presentation, and creating a supportive network of advisors and friends. Tune in to this episode to learn how you, too, can become a recipient of a fully funded, prestigious scholarship award like Kyla’s. Guest: Kyla DenwoodCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiHost: Ebelechukwu MonyeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

There’s more to being a grad student than lectures and problem sets. Sometimes, an opportunity presents itself where you get to work on practical solutions to world problems. Today, the gist is with Ayanfeoluwa Akinbola, Chimwemwe Chibuye, Chidinma Uka, Eric Atiemo, and Rodrigue Birka (AKA members of Team Africa), who were named as finalists in the 9th edition of the Geneva Challenge 2022. This challenge was created for graduate students to find innovative and practical solutions to alleviate poverty. Their winning project, the “JACCA Agro-Warehouse Integrated Solutions,” addresses agricultural challenges, particularly those smallholder farmers face. From warehouse solutions to financial mobility in the form of loans, the JACCO Agro-Warehouse Integrated Solutions considers every pitfall smallholders face and offers them practical solutions. Listen to this episode to discover what it takes to create a project that wins an international contest or learn more about Team Africa’s project and its role in eradicating agricultural losses in Africa. As always, please share this episode with two people you know can create such a spark in their communities. Guests: Ayanfeoluwa Akinbola, Rodrigue Birka, Chimwemwe Chibuye, Chidinma Uka and Eric Atiemo.Co-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiHost: ebelechukwu monyeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

The worry never seems to end when it comes to graduate school. Yesterday, you were overwhelmed by graduate school applications; after that, you worried about getting a study visa. Now you're here, staring at your laptop screen as you try to decipher what's in a Ph.D. dissertation anyway.If you're in this position or planning for the future, this episode is for you. We're featuring Allen and Lauren, the authors of Ph.Done, a simplified guide on acing your graduate school dissertation. In this episode, we'll explore what it takes to go from ideation to having a finalized and well-defended project. Our guests share lessons from their experiences and the experiences of their vast clientele whose Ph.D. progress they are a part of. The lessons from this episode apply to most long and short forms of academic research. Remember to share this with anyone you know working on a dissertation or trying to make sense of their time in graduate school. Guests: Allen Roda and Lauren Saunders Co-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiHost: Ebelechukwu MonyeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

One day, you’re sitting in one of the best law firms in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, living up to your dreams of contributing to cases that spark your heart. The next minute, the spark seems to start diminishing, there’s a global pandemic that literally has everyone at a standstill. Today, we are catching up with Imade Iyamu, an MBA candidate at Columbia Business School. In 2019, Imade worked as an associate at Banwo & Ighodalo Legal, a leading law firm in Lagos. Between handling the demands of being a Lagos lawyer and assuaging her conscience that wanted her to be more and do more, she found herself attending info sessions that grad programs had organized in Lagos.Listen to this episode to see what it takes to create a high-flyer profile and position yourself for your grad school experience while impacting communities you care about. Guest: Imade IyamuCo-host: Chukwuebuka AmajiHost: Ebelechukwu MonyeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

It's the perfect moment to give you a sneak peek into the inner workings and the people shaping Grad School Buddy. A team that is tirelessly working to provide everything you need to navigate graduate school.Exciting things are coming in season three; we can't wait to share them with you! So, stay tuned for the content heading your way.Click the link in my bio to experience the real essence of this season's final episode.Stay Giddy,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Have you ever wondered if experienced software engineers should take a break from their careers to pursue a Master’s degree? Valentine Oleka, who has been in the tech industry for almost a decade, offers insights on his decision to do just that by enrolling in a Master’s program in Intelligence Systems and Robotics.His love for computers and the internet began during his childhood days in Enugu, Nigeria. He has pursued this passion by starting businesses and collaborating on projects with colleagues from Lagos to Germany to the US. Together, they have developed top-notch software and significantly contributed to the tech world.Discover what has shaped Val’s success as a software engineer and how he has maintained his expertise. Learn about the factors that influenced his decision to pursue graduate school and how this experience has impacted him. Tune in to this episode for answers to these questions and more.If you enjoy this, don’t forget to share and subscribe. Thanks!Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Younger Andrea, from Caracas, Venezuela, would be proud of who today’s guest grew up to become. Hers is a story of consistency, strategy, and holding on to a childhood dream nurtured by months spent role-playing at the Model United Nations.She takes us back to high school to explore what this experience meant and how it influenced her college and grad school decisions and led to her current dream job. Our conversation simplifies strategies for navigating the world of finding globally placed, impactful internships and jobs.Before saying goodbye, she generously provides us with a database of over 1800 global impact firms and helpful tips on using it effectively. Finally, she leaves us with some powerful words on vulnerability - ‘once you find the people that give you that safe space, you never know what will come from it (being vulnerable).Please listen, share, and subscribe. Thank you!All my love, Your Grad School Buddy....Background music credit: Early Avril, “Unicorn Heads.”Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Hey guys, here’s the “Never Say it’s Too Late” to go to graduate school episode you’ve been asking for. Today, Grad School Buddy meets up with Carrie, a detective in New York who decided to go to grad school almost two decades after getting an undergrad.In this episode of the podcast, she talks about moving from New York to Washington, DC, getting a work-based scholarship to fund her education, and how a ‘leap of faith’ helped her reach her goals.Carrie has a Master of Arts in Public Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Production and Management from the state university college in Buffalo. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone who feels like it’s too late to pursue their dreams.Listen to this episode if you need light-hearted cheer from an older soul to get you through the many challenges of grad school, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. All my love,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Today’s episode sheds light on going to grad school in Nigeria. The conversation with both Nnamdi Ohachenu and Chisom Igwilo who are currently studying for a master’s degree in Economics posed a thrilling reveal of how contrasting their experience in grad school is. Nnamdi who studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (a public school in Nigeria) recounts his day-to-day school life structure, the challenges he faces, and how difficult it was to navigate public school lifestyle after going to private school for his undergrad. On the other hand, Chisom talks about how well-structured and accommodating her school is due to the hybrid setting. She studies at a private university in Abuja and she addresses the positive ambience she felt in comparison to her experience as an undergrad in a public university. Throughout the episode, it is interesting to observe both of them experience cultural shock as opposed to their backgrounds as undergrads. It highlighted just how relatable and different the day-to-day school life structure is for the average Nigerian student.Honestly, you have to listen to this episode for the full gist! And share with everyone going through the grad school process.Cheers!Grad School BuddySend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Have you ever wondered how to acquire the highly acclaimed Chevening scholarship? Our guest, Dr. Cyril, an Ophthalmologist and Surgeon, a Chevening scholar, provides insight in today's episode.Cyril explains in detail his motivations for applying to the scholarship and his program of choice; he cites planning, time management, and research as the core of his application process and imminent success in his pursuits. He firmly believes that while studying hard, there will always be time to have fun as he lets us in on his skydiving and bungee jumping adventures.Please don't forget to like, share and subscribe if you have enjoyed this episode of Grad School Buddy's podcast.With love,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Today's episode takes us to the UK for a conversation on what life is like for Nigerians schooling and working in the UK. Our guests are Mobi, and Didi Nwafor-Orizu, who have both pivoted from undergrads in law to International Economics and Psychology, respectively.This episode also features advice on dealing with crazy landlords, handling job rejections, and finding one's community in the UK. Suppose you're a fan of old Nollywood movies. In that case, you might also enjoy the periodic switches to Igbo, where both sisters and our host, ebelechukwu, connect to their inner Nnewi and Ubulu-Uku selves every time the gist gets hotter. Finally, thanks for spending some time with us today. If you enjoyed this, please don't forget to like, share and subscribe if you have enjoyed this episode of Grad School Buddy's podcast.With love,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In today's episode, we talk to Chinedu Nmegwah (AKA Chinez) about how he manages a 9–6, an online master's degree from Ahmadu Bello University Nigeria, and organizing Pop Culture Africa Award (PCAA), an annual award celebrating event organizers in Nigeria. As a Kings College Old Boy, one of the things he has learned is how to make lemonades out of lemons. In his cheerful demeanor, he details his admission process (including the cost of attendance), the mode of attendance, and some of his best and worst moments. Some people may not know that they can gain multicultural learning experiences by schooling online at Nigerian universities. In Chinez's experience, enrolling in this program has exposed him to peers and professors worldwide. Listen to this episode if you're curious about how to get your master's degree as a young professional from a Nigerian university.Please don't forget to like, share and subscribe if you have enjoyed this episode of Grad School Buddy's podcast.Thank you,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Today, we connect with Diksha Ramesh, who left home (Chennai, India) to pursue a career in International Development in Washington, DC. She currently consults for the World Bank.Our conversations cut across various topics, including academia, where we consider what qualifications have brought her so far, and real-life hustle, where she shares how international students can navigate the housing market abroad. Diksha says her family and community were some of the best parts of this experience. So naturally, we spend minutes chatting excitedly about the different ways our communities showed up for us. Are you considering graduate school but don't know where to start? Listen to this episode for your first exposure to the real-life experiences of people who have worked this path before you. If this content resonates with you, please share it with your audience. Thanks!Cheers,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

To celebrate our first year in these streets, we share everything we've learned on this journey and gift some cash to members of our community. To learn more, please listen to this holiday episode. We also share some extra resources that show :Some best practices that have helped us stay steady on this course towards building the Grad School Buddy ecosystem.How you can leverage your community and vice versa in providing quality content. How to prepare and recover from failing when you set out to try new things.It's been a great year and an excellent run, friends! Thanks for being co-sojourners on this trip. Meet you same place next year, where we will share more perspectives from prospective, current, and past graduate school students in institutions around the world. Cheers and have a happy holiday!Your Grad School Buddy. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

We've heard what applicants think about the graduate school application process, but what does your lecturer think about you and your application? We interviewed Mr. Stephen Aguegboh, a lecturer at the University of Nigeria and a multidisciplinary scholar and current Ph.D. candidate at Auburn University, United States.Listen to this episode if you want to find out:What your lecturers wished you'd do as you apply to graduate school.Understanding and developing a sense of purpose for graduate schoolLearning if graduate school is really for you.How much mathematics do you need in a graduate economics degree?Deciding whether you can concurrently run a Ph.D. and master's program.Tips on finding a graduate scholarship abroad.If you enjoyed this, please share it with everyone going through the graduate school journey. Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and IG so you'll be the first to know when we have new episodes of our newsletter or podcast.With love, Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Are you unsure WHERE to go for grad school? Our conversation with Esther Asamudo, a Research Fellow in Pharmacology, might help you decide. Esther's adventurous academic exploits have taken her to four continents as she schooled in Africa, Europe, and Australia and now lives and works in the US. Esther's experiences give listeners a sneak peek into what similarities and differences exist in grad school experiences worldwide and hopefully help us choose our demons wisely. Outside Pharmacology, she loves photography and sees herself as the queen of positive vibes. Her optimism and positive outlook on life have helped her navigate the education, healthcare, professional and social sectors in places she's lived.If you enjoyed this, please share it with your friends and family who are going through the graduate school journey. Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and IG so you'll be the first to know when we have new episodes of our newsletter or podcast.With love, Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

There’s always one crazy tale or the other about Lagos Bankers. So, naturally, we wanted to verify whether these claims were valid. To put our curiosity to rest, we met with Layo, a former Lagos Investment Banker and an alum of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.  This episode is for the everyday person with a regular job and extraordinary dreams. Layo’s versatility allows us to explore how to finance business school degrees (with zero family fortunes), buy a car abroad, develop mindsets for graduate school success, and find love.If you enjoy this, please share it with your friends and family who might be going through the graduate school journey. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and IG so you’ll be the first to know when we have new episodes of our newsletter or podcast.With love, Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

To end this season, the host opens up about herself by going through a question-and-answer thread developed by 'Alimosho Agbani Darego (@Mzrhemmy on Twitter).' Listen to this relaxing, laid-back, humor-filled episode and share your answers with us! We'll respond to every message we get. All my love,Your Grad School Buddy.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

When many people hear the word 'STEM,' their hearts might skip a bit because they expect a course in the core sciences. However, today's guest provides insights on how to find STEM courses that might not fit into the usual stereotype. Our guest is Grace Chimezie, a Research and Evaluation Officer at IREX. Outside work, Grace is the founder of Gafa Sandals and is a fashion blogger. She shares with us what her life as a lecturer in Nigeria was like before she moved to the US, how she has managed to run a successful business from miles away from home, and how the US job search experience feels. Finally, this one is for everyone curious about what to expect in their first conference or how to find love as an international student. Please listen, subscribe, and share with anyone who might find this helpful. Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeGuest: Grace ChimezieProducer: Ebelechukwu MonyeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

In today's episode, we talk to John John, whose passion lies at the intersection of engineering and medicine. He talks to us about every step he took in finding a perfect school in Germany. His perspective is important, especially with the growing number of people who promise online that the cost of relocating to Germany for education is free. John has provided very detailed advice on everything you need to know and all the questions that might plague you on the journey ahead. Listen to this episode to find out how much you truly need, where to find language resources before your trip, and how to find internships and jobs while studying. Please remember to comment, like, and share!Host: Ebelechukwu MonyeGuest: John John OtokwalaEyeHubNigeria sponsors this episode.Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Today's episode is from a Lagosian to Lagosians. We catch up with Anthony, a Product Manager in Nigeria's busiest city - Lagos. We want to know how he combines spending six hours a day in traffic with the hectic demands of his job and grad school applications. He takes us through a day in his life, shares some tips he has learned from facing rejections, and helps us understand how to restrategize when things don't seem to work as we'd like. Please listen, share and subscribe. Thank you!Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

One of the things we want our listeners to have as they navigate this journey is information. In this episode, we converse with Chukwuebuka Amaji, a finance professional who has put off grad school for a few years to gain practical experience. We discuss what led to his decision, coping with the stress of working in Lagos and applying for grad school, and skills that have helped him thrive in the competitive finance industry despite having a Bachelor's in Engineering from the University of Ibadan. Host and editor: Ebelechukwu MonyeGuest: Chukwuebuka AmajiPodcast song: @benzy_wahalaSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Finding housing can be an absolute vibe killer, even when it’s the city you’ve lived in for years. However, moving to grad school often means dealing with this, especially if your school does not have housing arrangements for graduate students. So how can you find a house without contacts in your study location and a credit score? Listen to this episode to share some tips that helped me find my first place in DC while still living in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.Host and editor: Ebelechukwu MonyePodcast song: @benzy_wahalaEpisode sponsored by EyeHubNigeriaSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

Networking can seem intimidating, especially when someone is in a new environment. However, most international students might need to network before getting into programs or during the job search phase. Regardless of what stage of the process you're in, our host Ebele takes us through the loops of fueling informational sessions through a mindset of curiosity. This episode takes you from rolling your eyes and feeling anxious every time you think about meeting people to becoming a networking god. Production and editing: Ebelechukwu MonyeSoundtrack: Benzy WahalaArtwork: Ebelechukwu MonyeSend a message or comment to Grad School Buddy