Students Share Challenges & Triumphs

Posted January 26, 2024January 27, 2025 in Computational & Integrative Biology, PhD Students, Psychological Sciences, Public Administration MPA & EMPA, Public Affairs/Community Development, Recording Rutgers Podcast, Students

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Graduate education is a journey of enrichment and intellectual growth, but it is not without its challenges. Loneliness, imposter syndrome, and fatigue are common hurdles along the way. Yet, you are not alone. Explore the inspiring stories, practical strategies, and collective wisdom of students and alumni who have faced these challenges and emerged stronger.

In this Recording Rutgers Podcast episode, the following graduate students share their unique journeys:

Brian Everett, alum of the Public Administration MPA program and now a PhD candidate in Public Affairs/Community Development
Jahmal Ennis, PhD candidate in the Computational and Integrative Biology program
Jazmyne McNeese, PhD candidate in Public Affairs/Community Development
Polina Poliakova, MA student in the Psychological Sciences program

They offer valuable insights into navigating graduate school, touching on critical topics such as time management, participating in school events, collaborating on faculty-led research, mental health awareness, and achieving a balance between academic pursuits and work life.

Related to this Story:

Bridging Disciplines: The Center for Computational and Integrative Biology

The Center for Computational and Integrative Biology (CCIB) at Rutgers–Camden combines experimental and computational methods to address complex biological questions. CCIB offers graduate programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, emphasizing a holistic understanding of biological systems from molecular to population levels. The curriculum equips students like Basirat with the skills to conduct innovative research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics.

Advance Your Public Service Career with Rutgers–Camden’s M.P.A. and Executive M.P.A. Programs

Rutgers University–Camden offers comprehensive Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and Executive M.P.A. (E.M.P.A.) programs designed to equip students with essential skills in data analytics, financial management, leadership, and information technology. These programs prepare graduates for impactful careers in public service, providing flexible course delivery options—including in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats—to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Graduates find opportunities across various sectors, including municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, making significant contributions to their communities.

Understanding the Mind: The Psychological Sciences Program

The Psychological Sciences program at Rutgers–Camden offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for advanced research and practice in various psychological disciplines. The program provides a foundation in research design and data analysis, with opportunities for individually supervised research apprenticeships. Students can choose between a thesis track, ideal for those aiming for doctoral studies, and a content track, suited for careers in non-academic research settings. The curriculum emphasizes scientific research methods applicable to real-world problems, equipping graduates with critical thinking and analytical skills essential for diverse career paths in psychology.

Transform Communities with Rutgers–Camden’s Public Affairs Graduate Programs

Rutgers University–Camden offers M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Public Affairs/Community Development, focusing on public policy, urban affairs, and political economy. The curriculum addresses community power, urban sustainability, and social justice, providing advanced research skills through courses like Statistical Inquiry and Geospatial Analysis. Students can engage in practical experiences via research centers such as the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs and the Center for Urban Research and Education. The program offers flexible pathways, including a 30-credit M.S. degree suitable for part-time students, a 2+3 model combining M.S. and Ph.D. studies, and a 66-credit Ph.D. program. Notably, Rutgers–Camden’s Public Affairs program is recognized among the top public affairs schools by U.S. News & World Report.