GradNews

Summer is a great time for graduate students to catch their breath, make progress on goals, and tap into campus resources that support their academic and personal growth. Whether you’re planning your housing situation, prepping to teach for the first time, or getting involved in inclusive communities, there’s a lot happening this summer to support your journey.

For those of us in the humanities, the world of entrepreneurship can seem entirely foreign. The very mention of hustling sets our teeth on edge, and if you bring up revenue streams and project rates, we're just about ready to run out the door. Erica Machulak's new book, Hustles for Humanists, seeks to dispel that discomfort and prove to us that entrepreneurship is not only a viable potential career alternative, but one that many of us are doing already. I sat down with Dr. Machulak to ask her advice for taking the first steps into freelancing, balancing entrepreneurship and graduate work, and setting expectations with clients. Our conversation has been edited for concision and clarity. 

Summer is often seen as a season of endless possibilities, offering a chance for graduate students to make progress on their research, catch up on tasks, and enjoy a break. At the same time, it can also be a time of uncertainty and anxiety, especially when it comes to the pressure to be productive without the usual structure of the academic year. Balancing the opportunities and challenges of summer can be a delicate task, but with some careful planning and thoughtful strategies, you can make the most of your break. 

For many graduate students, the hiring process for their first post-graduate job can be daunting and unfamiliar. Interviews, a key component of the hiring process, can be particularly stressful—especially for those who have never had to formally interview for a position. Successful interviews require substantial practice and preparation, and it is important to begin preparing well before you are offered your first interview. Luckily, there are valuable resources and support available to graduate students as they navigate interview preparation.