Shows
Grad School BuddyA Guide to Creating a Niche in Tech Spaces Through Human-Centered StorytellingYou 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...2025-05-1056 min
Grad School BuddySeason 4 Episode 3: Lecturing in My 20s: Chisom Ogamba's Bold Dreams for Academia in NigeriaSome 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 d...2025-04-261h 16
Grad School BuddySeason 4 Episode 2: Creativity Meets Academia - Grad School Through a Designer’s Lens with Chike OnyekweluIn 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...2025-04-0558 minGrad School BuddySeason 4 Episode 1: Mastering Communications in Global Development with Dani ClarkIn 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. Li...2025-03-1540 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 14: Life Outside Academia (with Dr. Ashley Ruba)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...2024-12-2939 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 13: Obinna Nwabueze’s Unwavering Passion for Academia, Football, and LanguagesToday’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...2024-12-1448 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 12: Grad School for Creative Minds (with Xorlali Plange and Ernest Nweke)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.2024-11-161h 00
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 11: Your Guide to Public Policy Careers (with the Policy Career Central)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...2024-10-1248 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 10: Grad School Buddy Catches Up With Old Classmates (with Chukwuma Nwoye, Kosiso Madu and Conrad Omodiagbe)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 stra...2024-09-211h 10
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 9: On Becoming a Strategic Communications Specialist (with David Ebube)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...2024-08-2428 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 8: Empowering Women in Academia: A Guide to Creating and Taking up Space (with Hope Eze)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 immi...2024-08-0337 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 7: Spreading Excellence from UNILAG to SciencesPo (with Vincent Eke)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 o...2024-07-1351 minGrad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 6: Let's Have a Non-Academic PhD ChatToday, 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...2024-06-0130 minGrad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 5: I'm getting a PhD. Here's why you should get one and everything you should knowAre 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 Buddy2024-04-2747 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 4: Securing a Fully-Funded Graduate School Scholarship: Tips and Insights from Payne Fellow, Kyla Denwood.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 e...2024-03-1646 minGrad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 3: Graduate Students Proffer Solutions to Africa’s Agricultural Issues - Insights from the Geneva Challenge 2022 WinnersThere’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 war...2024-02-171h 02
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 2: Breaking Down the Dissertation Writing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Grad StudentsThe 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...2024-01-2740 min
Grad School BuddySeason 3 Episode 1: A High Flier's Guide to Graduate School Success and Empowering One’s CommunityOne 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...2024-01-061h 18
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 13 (Season Finale): Banter with the GSB TeamIt'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...2023-11-1854 min
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 12: Should Tech Bros Get Graduate Degrees? (with Ikechukwu Valentine Oleka)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...2023-07-0855 min
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 11: A Detailed Guide to Finding Internships and Jobs (with Andrea Ocando)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...2023-05-271h 02
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 10: Never Say 'It's Too Late' with Carrie ReilleyHey 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...2023-04-2250 min
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 9: Getting A Masters Degree in a Nigerian University - The Public vs Private School Dilemma (with Chisom Igwilo and Nnamdi Ohachenu)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 accomm...2023-04-011h 10
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 8: Submitting a Successful Chevening Scholarship Application (with Dr. Cyril)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...2023-03-111h 25
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 7: Getting a Graduate Degree and Working in the United Kingdom (with Nwadiaso and Mobi Nwafor-Orizu)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...2023-02-181h 24
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 6: A Kings' College Old Boy Shares His Experience Getting an Online Masters from a Nigerian University (with Chinedu Nmegwah)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 mult...2023-01-281h 08
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 5: Building a Career in International Development Miles Away from Home (with Diksha Ramesh)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 gr...2023-01-071h 15
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 4: Anniversary Episode: Lessons from One Year on the Mic and Community GiftsTo 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...2022-12-3035 minGrad School BuddyS2 E4 The Emotional Rollercoaster That's Leaving Home for Grad School (with Diksha Ramesh)*to be generated*2022-12-171h 15
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 3: What Your Undergrad Lecturer Thinks About Your Japa Plans (with Stephen Aguegboh)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...2022-11-261h 15Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 2: The Queen of Positive Vibes (with Esther Asamudo)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 h...2022-11-0550 min
Grad School BuddySeason 2 Episode 1: From Lagos Banker to Duke Fuqua Business School Alum (with Layo Sotin)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, p...2022-10-1552 minGrad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 10: The Cruise Episode (getting to know the real me)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 Buddy2022-09-0547 minGrad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 9: Finding a STEM course that suits your personality (with Grace Chimezie)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 su...2022-06-201h 01Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 8: Everything You Need to Know About Schooling and Finding Jobs in Germany (with John John Otokwala)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...2022-06-081h 09
Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 7: Commuting Daily from Egbeda to the Island (with Anthony Nwanze)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 S...2022-05-151h 05
Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 6: Grooming My Finance Career Before Applying for Graduate SchoolOne 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 Ama...2022-04-111h 20
Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 5: Finding Accommodation OverseasFinding 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 EyeHubNigeria2022-03-2112 min
Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 4: Becoming a Networking GeniusNetworking 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:...2022-02-2022 min
Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 3: Graduate School Application ChecklistHello listeners!Today, our conversation is about the steps one must take before they successfully submit their graduate school application. We have curated a checklist with items that recur across tens of graduate school websites and simplified these items by providing examples when needed. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy2022-01-1916 minGrad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 2: Cost of Graduate School ApplicationsHow much do you need for the entire grad school application process? In this episode, we talk about a simple graduate school application checklist and how much each item on this list costs. Here is an episode for everyone who wants to understand how much they can expect to spend before, during, and after the application process. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy2022-01-0314 min
Grad School BuddySeason 1 Episode 1: Introducing Your Grad School BuddyIt's that time of the year again where people make new year resolutions. For many, these resolutions might include developing plans for graduate school. Before starting a graduate program in one of the best Public Policy schools in the U.S., there was so much I did not know. I had to ask many questions from people like me who had gone through this path. I realized that something that might have been helpful was having a directory of some sort that answered questions that bothered (prospective) graduate school students.My Grad School Buddy is an intentional...2021-12-1009 min