Grad About You: A Podcast for Grad Students
"We’re in this together. Together, we can co-achieve."
Hi, I'm Erin Lauderdale with Co-Achieving Success, a platform for current and prospective graduate students. Whether you're thinking about starting a graduate program or you're currently working toward your degree, I encourage you to check out my new podcast, Grad About You. In future episodes, I will cover various topics, from tips and tricks for navigating the daunting graduate admissions process, to motivational and uplifting messages for those of you who are trying to survive grad student life.
Episode 1: My Top 5 Tips for Prospective Graduate Students
In episode 1, I use my current position and experience in the Graduate Admissions Office at Southeastern Louisiana University to inform prospective graduate students about aspects of the selection and admissions process for graduate students. My intended audience is very broad and far-reaching because the topic is geared toward all students across the United States who are considering applying to graduate school. I used an explainer format because I wanted this episode to act as an introductory piece for myself and my brand. I also wanted to provide personal advice based on my experience. For future episodes after gaining a following, I plan to add other formats, including interviews.
Episode I Outline: My Top 5 Tips for Prospective Graduate Students
I. Episode Opening
A. Introduction
1. Erin Lauderdale, creator of Co-Achieving Success
2. Podcast Introduction - Grad About You
a. Current and prospective graduate students
b. Tips and tricks to navigating the graduate admissions process
c. Motivation and inspiration for current graduate students
B. Episode 1 Overview - Top 5 Tips for Prospective Graduate Students
II. Episode 1 - Content (Top 5 List)
1. Choose the right program for the right reasons
a. Ask what is the objective
b. My personal reason for choosing a graduate school
2. Don’t navigate the graduate admissions process blindly or alone; ask for help
a. Don’t waste time and money jumping into the process
b. Connect with graduate admissions and graduate coordinators for your program of interest
3. Be real with yourself and true to who you are when selecting a program
a. What are your strengths, abilities, interests?
b. Choosing the right program (my backstory - MBA program)
c. Choose a program for you that aligns with your interest, skills, and abilities
4. Know the qualifications for programs and take the necessary steps to meet the requirements
a. Be realistic about the program for which you are applying. Are you eligible? Is it possible for your GPA or test scores to meet requirements?
5. Pay attention to deadlines and submission requirements
a. Know what you need to submit, how to submit it, and who it needs to go to
b. Supplemental items required by departments
III. Episode Closing
IV. Podcast Closing
a. Keep following for more tips
b. Tagline - “Until next time, this is Erin Lauderdale with Co-Achieving Success. Remember, we’re in this together. Together, we can co-achieve.”
Other Podcast Production Details:
To record the podcast, I used the voice notes on my iPhone. I used an app called AudioEditor to cut the voice recordings and merge them together. I also added free music to fade in and out in the background. I used Canva to create the podcast artwork, video, and subtitles. I also posted the video/podcast to the Co-Achieving Success Instagram TV and Instagram story:
