Grad School Buddy

Hosted by ebelechukwu monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji

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Aug 2026

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Grad School Buddy provides reliable resources that help grad students worldwide confidently navigate grad school and excel in their careers. We aim to equip and nurture the next generation of thinkers and doers interested in redefining rules and bringing positive change to their communities.

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58 recent

August 29, 20261 hr 2 min

Season 5 Episode 10 - GSB Career Insights on Physiotherapy, Human Resources and Everything In-Between

The skills you build in one career can open the door to another. Ngozi Monye is a healthcare professional with 18 years of experience spanning physiotherapy, leadership, and human resources. In this episode, she shares how a master’s degree contributed to her professional growth, and how her clinical experience and interests beyond physiotherapy eventually led her into HR. Together, we discuss her transition from physiotherapy to human resources and how the transferable skills she had developed made the move possible. Ngozi also shares her thoughts on mentorship, continuous learning, navigating HR relationships, and the importance of staying curious throughout your career. This conversation is for anyone and everyone considering a career transition or figuring out how your current skills can open new opportunities. Listen now to discover the value of transferable skills and gathering experiences that can support your career journey. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji Guest: Ngozi Monye If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

August 8, 2026Episode 955 min

Season 5 Episode 9 - GSB Career Insights On Staying Optimistic as a Development Consultant in 2026 with Gavin Hawkins

As international development evolves, how do you build a career that lasts? In this episode, we're with Gavin Hawkins, an international development consultant whose career has taken him from Capitol Hill to the World Bank and Deloitte's Government & Public Services practice. He shares how his curiosity about solving complex global challenges led him to Georgetown University, why he chose consulting in international development, and how following opportunities that genuinely interested him has shaped his professional journey. Together, we explore what development consulting really looks like, the skills that matter most in the field, and why global collaboration remains essential to solving today's biggest challenges. Gavin also reflects on choosing the right graduate programme and preparing for opportunities before they arrive. If you're considering graduate school or hoping to build a career with global impact, this conversation offers real advice on developing the right skills, and creating opportunities that align with your values. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji Guest: Gavin Hawkins If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

July 4, 2026Episode 855 min

Season 5 Episode 8: GSB Career Insight Series on Human Resource Specialist in the Oil and Gas Sector with Samuel Okonkwo

In this episode, we are with Samuel Okonkwo (ACIPD, ACIPM) , a Senior Human Resources Consultant with over 11 years of experience across Nigeria, South Africa, Norway, and Qatar, to explore the role of HR in large multinational companies. Samuel discusses his unexpected journey into human resources and the defining moment that shaped his early career. We also explore what HR consultants actually do, why people remain at the center of every organization, and how HR influences workplace culture and employee experience. He also shares practical advice for early-career professionals on building skills and staying intentional about career growth. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

June 13, 2026Episode 744 min

Season 5 Episode 7: GSB Career Insights on Pharmacy and Healthcare Management with Dr. Chioma Ogbonna

In this episode, we’re with Dr. Chioma Ogbonna, a pharmacist with over 17 years of experience across Nigeria and Canada, to explore the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare. Her conversation with us traces how pharmacy has shifted from traditional medication dispensing to a more patient-centered, clinical, and systems-focused profession. Dr. Chioma Ogbonna, Pharm D, MSc talks about her career in hospital pharmacy management, occupational health, and leadership, and explains how pharmacists contribute to better healthcare outcomes for patients. We also discuss the growing importance of systems thinking in healthcare, as well as emerging career opportunities in pharmacy. If you are interested in pharmacy careers, healthcare leadership, public health, or healthcare systems in Africa, listen here. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

May 23, 2026Episode 627 min

Season 5 Episode 6: GSB Career Insights on Business Development and Neuroscience with Awwal Abdullahi

Not all healthcare decisions happen in a hospital. In this episode, we’re with Awwal Abdullahi, a Business Development and Strategy professional on the Neuroscience team at Medtronic. His work sits at the intersection of healthcare and business, focused on one goal: improving how patients around the world access essential medical technologies. Awwal shares his journey from electrical engineering, to public health, to advising governments across Africa on health system strengthening, and now into the for-profit healthcare space at a medical device company. He breaks down what business development and strategy actually look like in healthcare, how partnerships drive access to care, and why sustainability matters just as much as innovation. For anyone interested in healthcare careers, strategy, or the business side of global health, this episode offers a grounded look into how care is ultimately delivered to the people who need it most. Co-hosts: ebelechukwu monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

May 2, 2026Episode 543 min

Season 5 Episode 5: GSB Career Insights on Organic Chemistry with Dr. Andre Isaacs

In this episode of GSB Career Insights, we have a conversation with Dr. Andre Isaacs, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross, to explore his journey from Kingston, Jamaica, to becoming an organic chemist, researcher, and educator transforming how students experience science. Dr. Isaacs shares his story of navigating cultural transitions, academic challenges, and identity in science. He reflects on his undergraduate and PhD journey, the realities of graduate school, and how mentorship played a defining role in his success. Beyond science, this conversation highlights the importance of finding joy in learning, representation in STEM, and staying authentic in spaces that don’t always make room for you. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye & Chukwuebuka Amaji Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

April 11, 2026Episode 444 min

Season 5 Episode 4: GSB Career Insights on Public Health Systems and Financial Inclusion with Dr. Adanna Chukwuma

What does it look like to build a career that moves across medicine, public health, and finance? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Adanna Chukwuma, Associate Vice President for Economic Growth and Private Sector Engagement at CARE. Dr. Chukwuma shares her journey from studying medicine at the University of Nigeria to working on health system reforms at the World Bank, financial inclusion at Visa, and now leading large-scale development initiatives at CARE. She reflects on how personal experiences on both sides of the healthcare system shaped her perspective and influenced the trajectory of her career. We also discuss her approach to getting into top graduate programs at Oxford and Harvard, including how she navigated missing requirements using strategic preparation and storytelling to strengthen her application. Tune in now to hear her insights on career transitions and helpful tips on getting into competitive graduate programs. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

March 21, 2026Episode 339 min

Season 5 Episode 3: GSB Career Insights on Ophthalmology with Dr. Henrietta Ifechukwude (World Glaucoma Day 2026)

In this episode of the GSB Career Insights Series, we explore the field of ophthalmology and the growing importance of eye health awareness. Our guest, Dr. Henrietta Ifechukwude Monye, is an ophthalmologist and public eye health advocate dedicated to preventing blindness and improving access to eye care. She is also the founder of Eyehub Nigeria, an initiative focused on eye health education, early detection, and community engagement. In this conversation, Dr. Monye shares her journey into ophthalmology, the realities of glaucoma, and why early detection is critical in preventing avoidable blindness. She also discusses the work being done through Eyehub Nigeria to improve awareness and access to eye care services across communities. Tune in for insights into the field of ophthalmology, and how advocacy, research, and clinical practice can come together to improve public health outcomes. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more from the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

February 28, 2026Episode 232 min

Season 5 Episode 2: GSB's Career Insights on Credit Risk Management with Temitope Kazeem

Ever wondered how banks decide who gets a loan, and who doesn’t? In this episode, we sit down with Temitope, a credit risk and financial services professional with an MBA, experienced in advising banks across the UK and international markets. Credit risk management (CRM) determines who banks lend to, how much risk they take, and how they do it responsibly. Temitope explains how CRM balances regulatory compliance, responsible lending, and financial inclusion, and shares why sometimes saying “no” to a loan is the most responsible decision a bank can make. We discuss how Temitope transitioned from a non-finance background into credit risk management, the entry-level opportunities available, essential skills, and the evolving future of the profession. Whether you’re exploring a career in finance or curious about how lending decisions are made, tune in for practical insights and career advice from a credit risk expert. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more on the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy

February 7, 2026Episode 126 min

Season 5 Episode 1: What to Expect From GSB's Career Insights Series (with Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji)

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season Five, themed ‘GSB’s Career Insight Series.’ In this season, we will break down unique career paths, one conversation at a time. This episode serves as a blueprint for what's to come. Join our co-hosts Ebelechukwu, who is a social scientist and researcher in the international development and public policy sector, and Chukwuebuka, who works in Private Equity and Venture Capital, focusing on fintech investment across emerging African markets. In this conversation, we explore two fields you may not have heard of or may only know at a surface level. You’ll discover the less-visible roles within international development and private equity/venture capital spaces that keep these industries running, the skills needed to break into these spaces, and the gaps early-career professionals are well positioned to fill. Tune in now for practical insight into how these industries work. Co-hosts: Ebelechukwu Monye and Chukwuebuka Amaji If you enjoyed this episode, please turn on your notifications for more on the GSB Career Insights Series. Send a message or comment to Grad School Buddy