HigherEdJobs Podcast

In this Ask the Expert episode, Dr. Yi Hao and Dr. Mallory Neil respond to a listener’s question about requesting support to attend a professional conference when funding is limited. They discuss how to frame the conversation around shared goals, prepare a clear and realistic proposal, and think through alternatives when travel is not an option. Yi and Mallory also explore options such as presenti...

In this episode, Dr. Laura Parson, associate professor of educational and organizational leadership at North Dakota State University, joins the podcast to talk about how empathy can shape daily life in higher education. Dr. Parson explains what it means to understand someone’s perspective, how self-awareness influences our reactions, and why timing matters when supporting students and colleagues....

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski joins the show to discuss how candidates can assess an institution’s approach to work-life balance without asking the question directly. She shares different ways to inquire about weekly rhythms, busy seasons, team support, and leadership modeling. Kathleen also explains what inconsistencies, vague answers, or “family” language may sig...

In this episode, Dr. Yi Hao, director of education and assessment at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Mallory Neal, director of industry and alumni engagement at Clemson University, discuss the “good enough for now” approach and what it means for professionals building careers in higher education. They talk about finding momentum without rushing, recognizing when ad...

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR leader Kathleen Hermacinski returns to tackle a question many professionals hesitate to ask out loud: Who supports HR when HR supports everyone else? She talks through how her team uses daily “tailgates” to check in, think through tough situations, and build a stronger department culture. Kathleen also shares how to lean on peers across campus, what to keep in mi...

This Veterans Day episode revisits conversations from the HigherEdJobs Podcast archive to explore how veterans continue their service within higher education. Through clips featuring student affairs leaders, HR professionals, faculty, and campus advocates, the episode highlights the lived experiences of veterans working and studying in higher ed, and the ways institutions can support their growth....

In this episode, Dr. Jeni Hart, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate studies at the University of Missouri, reflects on what it really means to be a scholar. She discusses how early experiences in her career shaped her understanding of credibility in academic spaces and how assumptions about institutional prestige can influence whose work is taken seriously. Dr. Hart encourage...

In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Moore, dean of students at Naropa University, joins the conversation in celebration of Careers in Student Affairs Month. Drawing from nearly two decades in higher education, Dr. Moore discusses how student affairs professionals are adapting to serve post-traditional learners, balance rising care team demands, and use technology like chatbots to build connection at scale...

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to navigate a job search when a hiring process is suddenly paused. HR expert and longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Christopher Lee returns to explain why searches can stall, what that means for candidates, and when it makes sense to reapply. He shares several ways to follow up respectfully, keep perspective, and stay confident through the ups and...

In this episode, longtime HigherEdJobs contributor Justin Zackal’s article, “The One Question That Higher Ed Interviewers Love to Hear,” sparks a conversation between co-hosts Andy Hibel and Kelly Cherwin. Together, they explore why the questions candidates ask at the end of an interview can be just as impactful as their answers, offering insight on how thoughtful questioning helps reveal institut...

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Chris Lee returns to answer a listener’s question about managing interview anxiety and improving performance. Drawing on his experience training over 1,000 HR professionals, Chris explains why feeling nervous is completely normal, and even a sign that you care about the opportunity. He shares practical strategies for preparation, mental rehearsal, and emot...

In this continuation, executive search expert Gail Freeman shares the interview lessons you don’t often hear. She explains why professionalism still matters on Zoom, how a timely thank-you note can influence decisions, and what separates “star” candidates from the rest. Freeman also reflects on resilience in the face of rejection and why clarity and focus bring more meaning to a job search. Her pe...

In this Ask the Expert episode, HR expert Kathleen Hermacinski returns to weigh in on a listener’s question: how do hiring managers view the “Open to Work” label on LinkedIn? She explains when the tag can make you more visible to recruiters, when it might spark awkward conversations, and how generational perspectives shape how it’s perceived. Kathleen also shares examples of candidates who’ve used...

In this episode, Paige Swanstein, co-founder of the Student Basic Needs Coalition, shares how her own struggles with food and housing insecurity in college grew into a national movement. She explains how SBNC empowers students, partners with campuses, and tackles stigma while connecting thousands to vital resources. Paige’s story highlights why meeting students’ basic needs is essential to their s...

In this episode, Alan Kellogg, associate athletic director at the University of Louisville and retired U.S. Army Colonel, shares how three decades of military leadership prepared him for a second career in college athletics. Kellogg reflects on his transition from commanding troops to supporting student-athletes, offering insight into the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of an athletic departme...

In this episode, executive search expert Gail Freeman reflects on the lessons she’s learned from conducting more than 10,000 interviews. Drawing on her firsthand experience, she shares what makes a hiring process meaningful, the qualities she notices in candidates who rise to the top, and the missteps that hold others back. Freeman’s perspective offers job seekers a candid look at what recruiters...

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how to step away from a position without disclosing where they’re headed next. Kathleen Hermacinski, associate vice president of human resources at Illinois Wesleyan University, returns to share strategies for resigning with grace, setting respectful boundaries, and keeping relationships intact. She discusses how to use simple language, when privacy...

In this episode, Emily Ladau, disability rights activist, writer, and consultant, shares her perspective on navigating the job search and professional life as a person with a disability. She discusses the challenges of disclosure, how authenticity shapes professional identity, and the role of storytelling in shifting workplace culture. Drawing from her personal journey and advocacy work, Ladau enc...

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks how women in higher ed can assert their leadership when they're not always given space to lead -- even when they hold leadership titles. Dr. Gretchen M. Bataille returns to share practical strategies for building influence, speaking with authority, and navigating common gendered challenges in academic workplaces.

In this episode, Matt Trainum discusses interview dynamics and how candidates can navigate processes that feel discouraging or unclear. He explores why perceived red flags -- like disengaged committees or brief postings -- don’t always mean the job is out of reach. Trainum shares real-world stories, practical advice for assessing institutional culture, and tips for staying confident during the sea...

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks for advice on how women in higher education can break into leadership roles -- especially when they don’t meet every qualification listed in a job posting. Expert Dr. Gretchen Bataille shares thoughtful guidance on navigating these transitions, from building transferable skills and choosing the right mentors to knowing when to say yes (and when to sa...

In this episode, Dr. Alicia Grandey discusses emotional labor and its impact on professionals working in higher education. She explains how roles that require constant emotional regulation -- like those in student support, faculty leadership, or administration -- can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. Dr. Grandey shares practical frameworks for managing emotional strain, emphasizes the value...

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks for advice on how to become less of a doer and more of a leader, especially with so much work to be done. Dr. Gretchen M. Bataille, a seasoned higher education leader, shares her perspectives and experiences on making this shift. Do you have a career question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us and you might hear it discuss...

In this episode, Dr. Bi Awosika shares her advice for those looking to pursue careers at a medical school or college of medicine. She highlights some key differences in these positions compared to other higher ed departments, the importance of mentorship, and some advice on landing a role. You can learn even more from Dr. Awosika in this Higher Ed Careers interview . Do you have a topic you would...

In this Ask the Expert episode, a listener asks for advice on how to work with supervisors when your original job description and duties no longer reflect your current position. Expert Dr. Chris Lee shares several key insights on how to professionally navigate these scenarios.  Do you have a job search question that you would like to submit to Ask the Expert? Send it to us , and you might hear it...