Ep. 122: Help Them, Help You: Self-Advocacy and Showing Up in Grad School

Blk + In Grad School

Most grad students are at home so how do you practice self-advocacy in academia?

We can talk about what to do when shit goes sideways of course, but how do you stand out as a graduate student? How do you stay top of mind for opportunities?

That was the conversation this week with return guest, Irnande of First Gen Rise.

Irnande shares her experiences on how she fosters strong connections, asks for help and landed prestigious internships. Even though her experiences were in person, we tackle the ways to make these connections whether you're meeting on Zoom or RTing someone on #AcademicTwitter. This episode is chock-full of goodies for making a lasting impression, take what you need, leave what you don’t.

Spoiler Alert: Irnande is a great example of exhausting one's resources, from career services, faculty and beyond.

About Irnande: Irnande is the Policy Director of Special Populations at the Mental Health Association of Maryland. Prior to, she served as the Chief of Staff for Maryland State Senator Kathy Klausmeier. Irnande practiced civil litigation as an associate with the Law Office of Derek Challenger. She is admitted to both the Maryland State Bar and Maryland Federal Bar. She founded FirstGenRise to create a platform for first-generation law students, graduates, and attorneys navigating the legal profession. Also,Irnande is the author of “The Rise of a First Gen”which journeys the struggles and successes of a first-generation American determined to rise.

Listen to Irnande's first episode, blkingradschool.com/podcast/50 all about her graduate journey.

Connect with Irnande on IG and Twitter.