GradChats: Inspiration for the Journey, Not Just the Degree.

Where the Real Learning Happens: The Power of Getting Involved

What happens outside the classroom can shape everything that comes after—and we’re closing the season with a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss. For our final episode, we’re joined by Alex Ruiz, Senior Manager of Educational Partnerships at Dallas College and former EDGE Center Coordinator at UTA. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Alex shares insights on involvement beyond graduate school—professional organizations, networking, leadership, and the opportunities that can define your path. As a first-generation college graduate, Alex brings both personal and professional perspective rooted in access, and student success. From hosting GradChats to leading initiatives that supported graduate student belonging, his journey comes full circle in this conversation. 📌 Connect With Us * Follow the EDGE Center on Instagram: @uta.edgecenter * Have ideas for guests or topics? Email us at EDGECenter@uta.edu 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-flow

Navigating the Learning Curve: Lessons from the Real World

He's guided by experience and driven to inspire ☀️ In this episode of GradChats, we sit down with Martín Vásquez, Business Intelligence Analyst at GM Financial, to talk about what the transition from graduate school to the professional world really looks like. From navigating the learning curve to applying technical skills in real business environments, Martín shares insights from his journey in business intelligence, automation, and AI. If you're a graduate student thinking about your next step after graduation, this conversation is for you. 📌 Connect With Us * Follow the EDGE Center on Instagram: @uta.edgecenter * Have ideas for guests or topics? Email us at EDGECenter@uta.edu 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-flow

Between the Course and the Classroom: Balancing Grad School and Game Day

🎓✨ She’s leveling up her game — on the green and in the classroom. This month, we’re diving into what it really looks like to navigate grad school as a student‑athlete — and we’re joined by someone who knows that balance better than anyone: Salomé Arango, Division I golfer with the UTA Women's Golf team. She’s been playing golf since she was four, earned her bachelor’s in General Business, and is now competing in her fifth year of collegiate golf while pursuing her master’s in Business Analytics. Talk about dedication! 🙌📚 📌 Connect With Us * Follow the EDGE Center on Instagram: @uta.edgecenter * Have ideas for guests or topics? Email us at EDGECenter@uta.edu 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-flow

Start, Elevate, Maintain: A Guide to Launching Your Career

Your career journey starts long before graduation—and it’s built one intentional step at a time. 🪜 In this episode of GradChats, we sit down with Catalina Molina, Career Development Specialist at UTA’s EDGE Center, to unpack three essential strategies for launching and sustaining your professional success: * 📂 How to Start: Keeping your resume, CV, and portfolio ready * 🤝 How to Elevate: Building and maintaining authentic networks * 🌟 How to Maintain: Staying visible and credible in your professional community From practical tips on organizing your materials to insights on networking without the awkwardness, Catalina shares actionable advice to help you thrive beyond the degree. Whether you’re preparing for graduation, navigating the job market, or simply looking to strengthen your professional presence, this conversation offers clarity, confidence, and inspiration for the road ahead. 📌 Connect With Us * Follow the EDGE Center on Instagram: @uta.edgecenter * Have ideas for guests or topics? Email us at EDGECenter@uta.edu 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-flow

The Career Breakthrough: A Graduate's Roadmap to Professional Success

Graduation isn’t the finish line — it’s the starting point. 🎓✨ In this episode of GradChats, we sit down with Johnathan Hampton, UTA Master of Landscape Architecture alum and former EDGE Scholar, to talk about what life really looks like after grad school. From navigating first-job realities and interdisciplinary teamwork to unexpected lessons on taxes, benefits, and rest — yes, REST — Johnathan reminds us that growth doesn’t stop when the tassel turns. Together, we explore: 🌱 The mindset shift from graduate student to full-time professional 🏢 What it’s like working in an interdisciplinary design firm 🧭 Why rest, reflection, and community matter during transitions 💸 The financial realities nobody prepares you for 🌿 Paying it forward — and embracing servant leadership Whether you're preparing to graduate, entering the workforce, or trying to find balance on your own academic journey, this conversation offers grounded wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration for choosing growth over burnout — and remembering you're not meant to do it alone. 📌 Connect With Us * Follow the EDGE Center on Instagram: @uta.edgecenter * Have ideas for guests or topics? Email us at EDGECenter@uta.edu 🎵 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-flow [https://uppbeat.io/t/night-drift/the-flow]