Graduate Students' Den

Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode of  Graduate Students’ Den , we sit down with Eliza Dickey from BGSU’s Graduate College to talk about everything prospective students need to know — from writing a strong personal statement and building a standout CV, to understanding standardized tests, funding opportunities, fee waivers, and eve...

In this episode of  Graduate Students’ Den , we sit down with Dr. Divya S, a new Assistant Professor in BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey from graduate student to faculty member, what it’s been like starting in academia, and her advice for graduate students considering similar paths. Join us for an honest conversation about challenges, lessons learned, and the excite...

The  Graduate Students Den  is back for Season 2! In this first episode, we catch up on what we did over the summer—work, rest, travel, and everything in between—and share what we’re looking forward to (and maybe dreading) this semester. Join us for a fun and honest conversation about graduate school life, balancing work with personal growth, and the goals we’re setting for the Fall. Whether you’r...

Grad school is more than coursework and research; it’s also about mastering the unspoken rules that set successful students apart. In this episode, we unpack the hidden curriculum of graduate education. From how to navigate office hours effectively, to the unexpected power of leadership roles, and the importance of reading beyond the syllabu,s we explore the subtle skills that no one formally teac...

In this episode, we’re joined by three amazing guests—Dr. Xiaofeng Jia, Erin Main, and Victoria Main—to unpack what life  really  looks like after grad school. From landing a tenure-track job to juggling adjunct gigs and starting a PhD after years in the service industry, our guests share honest insights, hard truths, and a little hope for the road ahead. Whether you're nearing the finish line...

This week on  Graduate Students Den , John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook get real about the ups and downs of advisor relationships and the sometimes messy world of department politics. We’re talking awkward emails, navigating power dynamics, finding supportive mentors, and knowing when to speak up (or stay quiet). If you’ve ever wondered how other grad students are surviving...

Grad school is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s not always financially glamorous. In this Graduate Students’ Den episode, we break down the essentials of surviving and thriving on a grad school budget. Our panel dives into funding basics—from stipends to TA/RA positions. We get real about the search for funding and student loans. Whether you're a fully funded student or figuring it out as y...

In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we tackle the all-too-familiar struggle of impostor syndrome—those nagging feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that many grad students experience. Our panelists, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, and Anaclate, open up about their own battles with feeling like they do not belong, the academic and social pressures that trigger these thoughts, a...

Grad school can be overwhelming, and burnout is a real struggle for many students. In this episode, our panelists—John, Halima, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Anaclate, and Osama—dive into the challenges of balancing academic demands, personal well-being, and social life. We discuss the stigma around mental health in academia, share personal experiences with burnout, and explore strategies for man...

In this episode of Graduate Students Den, our panelists—John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook—break down grad school's harsh truths and surprises. From managing coursework, research, and deadlines to juggling finances, mental health, and social life, we dive deep into what we thought grad school would be like versus what it is. Is work-life balance even possible? Are stipen...

In this first episode of Graduate Students Den, we (John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, Anaclate, and Osama) introduce ourselves and dive into the big question—why did we choose grad school? We share our backgrounds, what led us to pursue an advanced degree, and whether we’d make the same choice again. Is grad school worth it? Would we recommend it to others? We get real about the highs,...