University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs

I recently had the pleasure of having Dr. Cynthia McCurren, Dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan-Flint, join us on the Victors in Grad School podcast. Dr. McCurren shared her incredible journey in the field of nursing, offering insights that are not just inspiring but also immensely practical for anyone considering graduate education.

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that you won't want to miss:

🔹 Intrinsic Motivation is Key: Dr. McCurren emphasized the importance of having a deep-seated, intrinsic motivation for pursuing advanced education. It's not just about the credentials; it's about the passion for learning and improving oneself.

🔹 Plan Intentionally: Whether it's managing costs, work, or family obligations, intentional planning is crucial. Dr. McCurren shared her own experiences of balancing these elements and how being intentional helped her navigate through the challenges.

🔹 Seek Guidance and Mentorship: The value of consulting with career coaches, mentors, and even your colleagues can't be overstated. Whether it's for getting insights into what to expect or finding financial support, talking to those who’ve been there can make a world of difference.

Catch the full episode to hear more about Dr. McCurren’s journey, her tips for aspiring nurses, and how she's contributing to shaping the nursing programs at UM-Flint for a better future!

LISTEN HERE: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/09/09/from-nurse-to-dean-dr-cynthia-mccurrens-successful-graduate-school-path/

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I recently had the pleasure of hosting Elias Fanous, Esq. on the Victors in Grad School podcast, and our conversation was nothing short of inspiring! Elias, a successful attorney and community leader, shared invaluable insights from his journey through undergraduate and law school, ultimately leading to his thriving career.

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

Commitment to Education:

Elias emphasized how crucial it is to research and choose the right school for your goals. He shared the importance of understanding what you want to get out of your education and making informed decisions.

Balancing Academics and Leadership:

Being a student body president at Cooley Law School, Elias showcased how involvement in student organizations can greatly enrich your academic journey. He cautioned, however, to ensure your grades are solid before taking on additional responsibilities.

Building and Nurturing Relationships:

From professors to peers, cultivating strong relationships was pivotal for Elias. These connections provided support and opened doors to professional opportunities, underscoring the importance of networking.

For anyone contemplating graduate school or currently navigating it, Elias's journey is a testament to what dedication, strategic planning, and community involvement can achieve.

Tune in to the latest episode for a deep dive into Elias's story and more practical tips to help you succeed in your academic and professional journey!

LISTEN HERE: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/09/02/from-convenience-stores-to-courtrooms-how-elias-fanous-conquered-law-school/

I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Robb King, an inspiring professional who shared his journey of returning to graduate school after spending years in the workforce. His experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone considering furthering their education. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

🔑 Embrace Continuous Learning: Robb highlighted the importance of continuous education, even after entering the workforce. Upgrading your skills and knowledge can open doors to new opportunities and elevate your career.

🔑 Transitioning Back to Education: Adjusting from a professional to a student mindset can be challenging, but it's crucial. Robb shared strategies like setting aside dedicated study time, leveraging professional experiences, and staying focused on long-term goals.

🔑 Balancing Life and Education: Robb discussed the challenges of balancing work, family, and graduate studies. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing commitments, seeking support from employers and family, and keeping an eye on the ultimate prize - personal and professional growth.

Catch the full episode to learn more about Robb's inspiring journey and get motivated to take that next step in your education and career! 🎧 https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/08/26/the-impact-of-graduate-degrees-on-professional-growth-with-robb-king/

Discover the future of healthcare with our graduate programs! Whether you're looking to advance your career or start a new journey, this is your chance to explore all that we offer.

📅 Date: September 17th
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: William S. White Building, Flint

Don’t miss this opportunity to meet faculty, tour our facilities, and get all your questions answered. See you there!

Register now: go.umflint.edu/gradhealth2024
(link also available on our Link.tree)

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

🙌 Excited to share some key insights from our latest episode on "Dads with Daughters" featuring Brenna Dressler, MPH!

In this insightful conversation, Brenna opens up about her journey in graduate school and offers invaluable advice for those considering further education. We delved into her experiences, many takeaways can help you navigate your own graduate school journey.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Do your research!

Brenna highlights the importance of creating an organized plan, considering factors like cost, scholarship opportunities, and program specifics to find the best fit for your grad school journey.

Leverage mentorship and networking

Build strong connections with professors and advisors. These relationships can provide academic guidance, professional recommendations, and career opportunities.

Stay disciplined and organized

From balancing coursework, work, and personal life, to engaging actively in student groups and research projects, discipline and organization are crucial to maintaining success throughout your program.

Listen to the full episode to gain more insights from Brenna's experience and learn how to prepare for your own graduate school success. 🎧

LISTEN HERE: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/08/19/public-health-and-the-path-to-graduate-school-success-with-brenna-dressler/

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

Excited to share the latest episode of the University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs Victors on Grad School podcast, where I had an inspiring conversation with Tess Muhammad! Tess is a dedicated nursing student in the BSN to DNP program at the University of Michigan Flint. Her journey from being a chemist to transitioning into nursing, and now venturing into graduate school, is truly remarkable. Here are three key takeaways from our discussion that can be invaluable to anyone considering or currently in graduate school:

🔑 **Prioritize Your Health First**: Tess emphasizes the importance of balancing physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether it's going for a morning walk, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in a hobby, keeping yourself centered can significantly impact your overall success in graduate school.

🔑 **Adapt and Adjust Expectations**: Transitioning through different phases of education and career can be challenging. Tess shares her experience of modifying her expectations and priorities, ensuring that she maintains a healthy balance between work, life, and education.

🔑 **Leverage Support Systems**: In times of stress or significant life changes, reaching out to faculty and programs for support is crucial. Tess’s experience highlights that communication and seeking help can help navigate tough times without compromising on your educational goals.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more about Tess's incredible journey and the wisdom she imparts to fellow graduate students!

🎧 Listen now: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/08/05/navigating-career-transitions-from-chemist-to-behavioral-health-nurse-with-tess-muhammad/

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

🌟 Excited to share insights from the latest episode of the University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs Victors in Grad School podcast! 🌟 This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Paula Nas, Director of Economic Development at the University of Michigan-Flint. Paula's incredible journey through graduate school and her professional career offers valuable lessons for anyone considering or currently navigating graduate education.

🎓 Key Takeaways from Paula's Journey:

- **Diverse Educational Backgrounds Can Be Powerful**: Paula highlighted how pursuing degrees in different fields (Economics and Law) provided her with a versatile skill set that she leverages in her career today.

- **Find Your Support System**: Success in graduate school often requires a solid support network. Paula emphasized the importance of building valuable relationships with peers, family, and faculty to help you along the way.

- **Embrace the Journey and Be Open to Change**: Paula’s career path wasn’t linear. She pivoted from pursuing a PhD in Economics to obtaining a law degree and eventually following her passion for teaching and outreach. Being adaptable and seeing the big picture can open new, unexpected doors.

Tune in to the full episode to hear more about Paula's experiences and tips for thriving in graduate school. 🚀

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/07/29/finding-your-path-economics-to-law-with-paula-nas/

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

Congratulations to Taylor Carter, a new Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia student, who has been awarded the Greater Flint Community Leadership Scholarship. The graduate-level award, which covers up to $7500 per term for up to two full years, requires nomination by the applicant's employer, in this case Hurley Medical Center where Carter works in the Intensive Care Unit. To learn more about UM-Flint’s DNAP program, visit https://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/anesthesia-dnap/

Excited to share insights from my recent conversation with Dr. Shanna Haver on the latest episode of "Victors in Grad School"! 🎧

Dr. Haver's journey from social work to earning her doctorate in occupational therapy at the University of Michigan-Flint is truly inspiring.

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion that might benefit anyone considering graduate education or a career pivot:

🔑 **Diversify Your Experience**: Dr. Haver's eclectic background from social work to sailing has equipped her with a broad skill set. Drawing from varied life experiences can make you adaptable and resourceful in your new career path.

🔑 **Find Your Learning Style**: Transitioning to a graduate program, especially during a pandemic, was challenging. Identify your learning style, be it hands-on, visual, or interactive, and create a study routine that caters to it.

🔑 **Leverage Your Network**: The importance of networking can't be overstated. Dr. Haver emphasized reaching out to mentors and peers, whether for guidance on specific diagnoses or general support. Your network can be a powerful tool in both your educational and professional journey.

No journey is without its challenges, but as Dr. Haver reminded us, "Don't forget why you started. Everything you're going through is preparing you for what you asked for."

🚀 Take that leap, stay persistent, and keep moving forward. You never know where your journey might take you!

LISTEN TO THE WHOLE EPISODE - https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/07/22/embracing-the-journey-dr-shanna-havers-path-from-social-work-to-occupational-therapy/

Our recent episode of the University of Michigan-Flint University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs Victors in Grad School we featured an insightful conversation with Justin Grimes, PhD, an accomplished author and educator. Tune in as we delve into his incredible journey through graduate school and discuss his new book, "20 Questions They Answer Before You Apply to Graduate School." Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

- **Self-Awareness and Goal Setting**: Dr. Grimes emphasizes the importance of understanding your career goals and how a graduate degree fits into that trajectory. His journey from a bachelor's degree at the University of Arkansas to a PhD at the The University of Georgia showcases the necessity of aligning educational pursuits with long-term objectives.

- **Prepare for the Financial Commitment**: One of the significant challenges Dr. Grimes faced was managing the financial aspects of graduate education. He advises prospective students to create a detailed budget, understand loan terms, and make informed decisions about funding their education.

- **Build a Strong Support System**: Graduate school can be rigorous and challenging. Dr. Grimes highlights the importance of having a robust support system both inside and outside the academic environment. This network is crucial for navigating difficult moments and celebrating milestones along the journey.

💡 For anyone considering graduate school, this episode is a must-listen! Dr. Grimes has provided invaluable insights and tips that can guide you toward making informed and successful decisions in your educational journey.

📘 Interested in learning more? LISTEN TO THE WHOLE EPISODE HERE: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/07/15/achieving-success-and-navigating-challenges-in-graduate-school-with-dr-justin-grimes/

Check out Dr. Grimes' book at http://applytograduateschool.com for a comprehensive guide to navigating the graduate school application process.

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

🌟 Excited to share my recent conversation with Kimberly Snodgrass on the University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs Victors in Grad School ! 🌟

Kim, a current Master of Public Health student at the University of Michigan-Flint, dives deep into her inspiring journey back to grad school after 20 years and the impactful work she’s doing in community public health.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/07/08/from-nutrition-to-public-health-kim-snodgrass-inspirational-path-to-a-masters-degree/

**Key Takeaways:**

**Follow Your Passion:** Kim took her time to find out what truly resonated with her before committing to a master’s degree. Identifying her passion for community health enabled her to make a more informed and fulfilling education choice.

**Leverage Available Resources:** Kim’s proactive approach in utilizing university support services like the writing center, IT help, and faculty tutoring underscores the importance of seeking help and using available resources to succeed.

**Build a Support Network:** The value of building connections with peers, professors, and mentors cannot be overstated. Kim’s story highlights how crucial it is to develop a strong support system to navigate challenges and achieve success.

Thank you, Kim, for sharing your story and offering such valuable insights!

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

🎓 Excited to have Sasha Wakefield on this week's University of Michigan-Flint Graduate Programs Victors in Grad School where she discussed her journey through graduate education and being a finalist for the Michigan Teacher of the Year Award! 🌟

🔍 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Follow Your Passion: Discover what truly makes you happy and pursue it wholeheartedly in your graduate education and career.

2️⃣ Dive Deep into Learning: Embrace each assignment and opportunity to learn, finding the excitement in gaining new knowledge and skills.

3️⃣ Strive for Excellence: Give your all in everything you do, whether it's in pursuing your degree or applying for prestigious awards, knowing that the effort you put in is worth it.

If you are in or thinking about , this is an episode you will not want to miss!

LISTEN TO THE WHOLE EPISODE: https://blogs.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/2024/06/17/from-teacher-to-learner-sasha-wakefields-path-to-continuing-education/

Check out this week's webinars! You can check the full list of events at: https://events.umflint.edu/gp

Wishing all dads an amazing Fathers Day this weekend. We celebrate all fathers who work hard to be the best dads they can be while balancing school, work and life!