And once again, a semester of The Work Seminar comes to an end. We’ll return with Season 4 after the break. 

In the meantime, here’s hoping you’ve learned as much from these conversations as we have. See you back here in 2023. 

Don’t be a stranger in between seasons

Send your questions, thoughts on the show, and guest suggestions to jesse@theworkseminar.com. 

Wanna leave us a tip? Treat us to a virtual coffee on our Ko-fi page. 

Check out our BookShop.org store for the books mentioned in all our episodes.

Check out more from The Work Seminar

Visit theworkseminar.com or find @TheWorkSeminar on social media. 

Sign up for The Work Seminar newsletter.

Zakiya's debut book Dump Your Degree is a practical guide for thinking beyond academic credentials as you pursue a new career. And she’s followed her own advice, transitioning from the professoriate (with a PhD in religious education) to full-time author.

We delve into her methodology through a step-by-step example of:

• considering different work after or during grad school
• reflecting on and discovering your natural interests, unique talents, and in-depth knowledge
• translating these abilities into relevant full-time, freelance, and self-employment roles 
• networking and creating content to highlight your expertise and create your own opportunities

Like many guests have said before, it’s always easier to update your résumé and indiscriminately apply to jobs. But the success rate and job satisfaction of Zakiya’s playbook is much higher, particularly for the liberal arts crowd.    

Where to find Zakiya and her book

Dump Your Degree by Zakiya Akerele 

ZakiyaAkerele.com

Zakiya on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

Check out more from The Work Seminar

Visit theworkseminar.com or find @TheWorkSeminar on social media. 

Sign up for The Work Seminar newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.

Judith finished grad school with a passion for increasing student retention. As she spent more time — and moved up the ladder — in higher ed administration, she became equally committed to expanding access.

And she did, indeed, make retention and access top priorities in positions across student affairs, development, and international education. But what appeared to be a perfect career progression on paper was not in practice. 

That’s when Judith, for the first time, looked beyond the ivory tower for work. Within a few years in finance, she had the opportunity to transfer to investment banking, where she now relishes the quick pace of change and ability to solve complex problems. 

Had she not taken the time to question what she valued in her work, Judith may have never considered if careers outside of higher ed could be a better fit.

Books & other resources mentioned

What Should I Do with My Life? by Po Bronson

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

Life map resources

Check out more from The Work Seminar

Visit theworkseminar.com or find @TheWorkSeminar on social media. 

Sign up for The Work Seminar newsletter to receive updates straight to your inbox.