Learning From Experience

Uncovering your own career path with Paige Madison

A lifelong lover of fossils, Paige is on a mission to make human evolution as culturally interesting as dinosaurs.

In 2020, she received her PhD in history and philosophy of science from the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University.

Hear her insights into becoming a successful science writer — including publishing in National Geographic — and carving her own interdisciplinary career path as a journalist and scientist.

Applying to medical school with Anna Abraham

After graduating with a major in biological sciences and minors in global health and psychology, Anna took a gap year to work as a full-time medical scribe and experience hands-on what it's like to work in medicine.

In preparing her medical school application, she took advantage of several resources at ASU, including Pre-Health Advising, faculty mentors and more.

Hear her advice on writing your personal statement, obtaining letters of recommendation and how to give the best first impression to medical school admissions committees.

Expectations at graduation with Brandon Saunders

When Brandon was about to graduate with a degree in film and media studies, he was working as a Starbucks barista. He wasn’t sure how he would be able to launch his career as a writer and still pay his bills.

After picking up various writing side jobs, he was finally able to land a position as a video game proofreader. That was the beginning of a successful career in video game writing.

Hear Brandon’s advice on setting expectations at graduation, leaning on others and finding your own career path.

Pursuing a PhD with Alyssa Macomber

As a first-generation college student, Alyssa never considered getting an advanced degree until she gained research experience as an undergraduate student at ASU.

After graduating with degrees in psychology and neuroscience in 2019, she practiced patience, persistence and grace to follow her dream of becoming a clinical neuropsychologist. She eventually got accepted to a doctoral program at Northwestern University.

Hear Alyssa's insights on applying to and completing a doctoral program.

The long haul with Jeffrey Ayres

Jeff is a professional basketball player that has played for the NBA and for teams across the world.

His experiences on and off the court have taught him to keep trudging through the mud to find long-term success.

Hear his advice for students and recent grads and how his degree in economics and minor in African and African American studies have informed his life and career.

Your personal brand with Sam Laubach

Sam Laubach is a brand strategist, stand-up comedian, queer advocate and devoted cat dad.

While living in New York City, Sam completed their ASU Online degree in film and media studies, which they describe as "an English degree for people who can’t read."

Hear Sam discuss developing your personal and professional brand identity and answering the infamous interview question "Tell me about yourself."

Investing in your future with Ben Ellis

Ben Ellis started at ASU as a theatre major. Then he switched to communication, a degree that has been integral to his success in real estate.

Having discovered the real estate industry during the Great Recession, Ben founded E + G Real Estate in 2013 from the bedroom of his home.

Hear his tips for "playing it big" and setting yourself up for long-term success.

Transferable skills with Karen Amos

As a junior embryologist, Karen Amos helps patients find out why they may be struggling to get pregnant.

Her work in the fertility industry is informed by an unexpected background: education.

In this episode, Karen discusses the transferable skills of leadership, communication, empathy and adaptability.

Chasing your dream with Luu Nguyen

After receiving degrees in English literature and film and media studies at ASU, Luu Nguyen loaded up her car and moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream of becoming a film editor.

There she built a successful career working for world-renowned companies like Disney, Warner Bros and Dreamworks. But her career success led her to reflect on what was really important in life.

Hear how Luu learned to prioritize her relationships and mental health, and transitioned from "dream job" to "dream life."

Passion projects with Michelle Bailey

When Michelle was a student at ASU, she wanted to be the next Lauren Conrad.

Even before social media and influencer marketing took off, her passion projects included blogging, fashion and photography.

She had no idea that those hobbies would pave the way to her current role as a content manager at Juniper Print Shop, which partners with independent artists to sell designer prints on a budget.