1:1 Graduate School Strategy Session
Considering graduate school to reach your career goals?
Not sure when to go back (or how to even apply)?
You’ve considered the idea of going back to graduate school.
You enthusiastically start Googling next steps - but get overwhelmed figuring out how the vague career advice actually applies to you.
You close the window and decide to figure it out later… but when is it too late?
Do any of these sound familiar?
✔ You're frequently saying you’ll go back to graduate school when the time is right (but aren’t sure if or when that will be)
✔ You're always daydreaming of a better-paying opportunity (but may need a graduate degree to get there)
✔ You feel like you’re alone on an island trying to figure out a game plan without the rules
✔ You're constantly thinking there has to be someone who knows how this graduate school process actually works
Imagine what it would feel like if you knew exactly when you should consider going back to graduate school to best fit your career and life goals.
(And understood how the application process actually works when it’s time).
What if I told you that you could...
✔ Have clarity on what to do next on your journey back to graduate school (whether it’s soon or years from now)
✔ Build confidence in your game plan to reach your career goals through a graduate degree
✔ Create a sense of direction on the right next steps for your education and career
✔ Feel supported by someone who knows what goes on behind the curtain of admissions
(Get excited for your)
1:1 Graduate School Strategy Session
With a 1:1 Graduate School Strategy Session, you can:
1. Get clarity
Figure out how graduate school actually fits into your career goals and what kind of experiences will make you the strongest candidate when you’re ready to apply.
2. Make a plan
Decide on the best time to go back to graduate school so you can leverage the experience for your career progression.
3. Move forward
Whether it’s time to start applying, pursue experiences that will strengthen future applications, or doing more reflection on what will truly light you up in your career, post-session action items will guide your next steps.
What people are saying:
“Before I met with Dr. Jena, graduate school felt like a requirement for my career that was both intriguing and intimidating. I did not know the first thing about graduate school or how it worked. Meeting with her was not only validating, but also uplifting in that it gave me confidence in my path forward.
Dr. Jena was reassuring and shared some great insights on why someone may choose to go to graduate school, how they can do it, and what timeline could work for me. She did not make me feel like it was the only option, but rather helped explore my passions and experiences and find what seemed like a comfortable next step for me.
In the midst of feeling pressured, confused, and directionless, meeting with Dr. Jena gave me a clarity and peace about graduate school that I needed.”
— Mia M.
Your life before our Strategy Session:
Confusion about when or whether to go back to graduate school
Directionless and lost on what to study even if you are ready to start researching programs
Imposter syndrome about whether you’re good enough to go back to graduate school
Pressure to make a decision before it’s “too late” in your career to get a graduate degree
Your life after our Strategy Session:
Clarity on whether graduate school makes sense for your career plan
Certainty about the types of programs to explore when you’re ready to apply
Validation and belief that you are worthy to pursue and achieve your education and career goals
Peace with the decision to apply soon, wait a year or two, or revisit the idea in several years
Hi! I’m Dr. Jena
Whatever you’re struggling with on the journey back to graduate school, I’m totally here for it.
After 12 years at The Ohio State University where I helped 1,300+ students strategize their academic and career goals, I now help working professionals do the same as you consider graduate school as a next step.
I understand the mental gymnastics of working full-time and deciding if or when it’s worth going back to school to reach exciting but currently out-of-reach career goals. After countless self pep talks, I took the leap and pursued a doctorate while also working full time. (Employee education benefits made life easier).
As an objective expert, I’ll ask you the big questions you’ve been thinking about. What makes me different is that I truly care and want to help you make the best decision for yourself whether or not it includes another degree.
Going back to school is a major decision that’s ultimately up to you. I’m here to provide insider knowledge from over a decade of experience to help get you where you want to go in your education and career.
So what IS a graduate school strategy session?
At its heart: a relaxed conversation about a big life decision.
We’ll discuss your current or intended job, your future career goals, and the root of your interest in going back to graduate school to achieve them.
It’s a chance for you to focus solely on getting clarity on whether it makes sense to pursue graduate school soon, in 1-2 years, or later on after you find a career path that lights your fire.
If you’re ready to apply soon, we can create an application strategy and I’ll share insider knowledge on the process (after reading thousands of applications for 10 years, I have a few tips!).
Here’s what you get:
1. Individualized attention before your session
By filling out your pre-session form (delivered via email upon scheduling), I will prepare individualized questions and resources prior to our call to ensure you get the most out of our time together.
2. A 45-minute strategy session
Our session will start with a chance to learn about each other, followed by delving into your career interests and plans for the future. I’ll be candid in asking clarifying questions, offer options for next steps and a potential timeline (whether or not that includes going back to school right away).
3. Post-session recap
After we meet, I’ll send a detailed follow up of the high points of our conversation. It will cover your interests, recommendations for next steps, resources to help you navigate them, and possibly new connections to make with questions about your intended career.
$125 USD
Complete pre-session form to receive individualized support during our call
45 min Strategy Session on Zoom
Post-session recap with resources and next steps via email
Now scheduling future graduate school applicants and those curious about that next degree.
Here's what happens when you sign up:
Step 1.
Click below to start the process. Your confirmation will include a Zoom Scheduler link - choose a time that works best for you (or reach out if you need another option).
Step 2.
You’ll receive a link to a short pre-meeting form to complete at least 24 hours before we meet. I’ll use this to prep individualized questions and resources for you.
Step 3.
We’ll meet for an honest, relaxed discussion about your goals, your interests in graduate school, and your best options moving forward.
Step 4.
You’ll receive a follow-up email outlining the strategy we discussed, recommended next steps, and any additional resources or new connections to check out.
How I’ve helped people just like you
These stories may sound familiar.
Mia
Before
Mia’s a young professional considering her 5-year plan and resulting career trajectory. She’s debating between graduate school or her next job opportunity that may give her an idea of how she’d like to pursue international relations as a career.
After
Mia decided she’s interested in considering graduate school in the future once she gains more experience. She left our session with a list of people to contact for informational interviews as she explores next steps.
Cam
Before
Cam’s completing college and on the fence about whether to go right into graduate school since a number of his friends are applying. During our Strategy Session, he shared his current professional experience and future interests in pursuing an MBA to open doors professionally.
After
Cam maximized his senior year by getting a marketing internship to test out his interest in the field - which will also be excellent experience on his resume for a future MBA application when the time is right.
FAQs
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After purchase, your confirmation email will include a Zoom Scheduler link for you to schedule a time to meet. If you need a different time, email hello@drjenapugh.com with the subject line “Strategy Session Time Request” to coordinate a time to meet.
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Our call will be held on Zoom.
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Absolutely! Our strategy session can focus on creating a plan for the upcoming admissions cycle. I also offer Personal Statement Reviews if you need help with those, too.
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$125 for our 45 minute call and personalized meeting preparation based on your pre-meeting form.
