Graduate school is often viewed as a labyrinth that requires significant introspection and preparation. On the latest episode of the *Victors in Grad School* podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis explores this intricate path with Paula Nas, an accomplished academic and professional at the University of Michigan Flint. Paula's unique journey through both a Master's degree in Economics and a Law degree provides invaluable insights for anyone considering or currently navigating graduate education.

Embracing Challenges and Making Decisions

Paula's academic journey started at the University of Michigan Flint, where she completed her bachelor's degree in Economics. Initially torn between law and teaching, she discovered that Economics not only piqued her interest but also provided a solid foundation for law school. This excitement led her to pursue a PhD in Economics at Michigan State University, a decision influenced by the enticing offer of an assistantship.

However, the PhD program's heavy emphasis on research over teaching compelled her to pivot back to her initial goal of law school. She ultimately attended Wayne State University, a choice driven by reputation and practical considerations like commuting.

Key Takeaways:

• Being open to new and challenging fields can lead to unexpected passion and opportunities.
• Career goals might evolve, and flexibility is essential in navigating these changes.
• Practical considerations like location and support systems can significantly influence educational decisions.

Preparation and Skill Building for Graduate School

Transitioning between different graduate programs required Paula to develop effective strategies for success. The similarity between undergraduate and PhD programs made the initial shift smoother as compared to adjusting to law school, which demanded a different approach due to its larger class sizes and different educational structure.

Finding a supportive group of peers was crucial for her success in both settings. The support, encouragement, and collaborative study habits formed within these groups made significant contributions to her academic achievements.

Paula emphasizes the following:

• Patience: Adjusting to the demands of graduate school requires time.
• Support System: Whether through family, friends, or classmates, having a reliable network is indispensable.
• Practical Application: Engaging with the material beyond textbooks through community involvement and real-world applications enhances understanding and retention.

Versatility of Graduate Degrees

Paula's career showcases the versatility of a graduate education. Her diverse academic background in economics and law equipped her with a wide array of skills applicable in various professional roles. As a lecturer and now in her role at the Office of Economic Development, these degrees have been fundamental.

Applications of Graduate Degrees:

• Critical Thinking: Both fields foster analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Teaching and Public Service: The broad educational experience has been pivotal in her municipal service and public policy decisions.
• Economic Development: Using economic principles and legal frameworks to facilitate community and business growth.

Drawing from her extensive experience, Paula offers several tips for those considering or currently in graduate school:

1. Patience is Key: Allow time for adjustment and avoid getting disheartened by initial challenges.
2. Build a Support Network: The journey is more manageable and enjoyable with reliable support from peers, family, and mentors.
3. Look at the Big Picture: Focus not just on immediate academic requirements but on how the acquired skills will benefit future career aspirations.
4. Enjoy the Journey: Despite the pressures, savor the learning experience and personal growth that comes with graduate education.

Paula Nas’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability, continual learning, and the practical application of diverse skills. Her story is a beacon for current and prospective graduate students, illustrating that success is not only about the destination but also about appreciating and utilizing the experiences gained along the way.

For individuals thinking about furthering their education, the University of Michigan Flint offers comprehensive programs tailored to meet both online and in-person learning preferences. For more information, prospective students can visit: UM-Flint Graduate Programs.

TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01 ]:
Welcome to the victors in grad school, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:11 ]:
Welcome back to the Victors in Grad School podcast. I'm your host, doctor Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan, Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week, you and I are on a journey together. We have this opportunity every week to talk through this journey that you're either already on or that you're looking at and trying to decide for yourself, is this the right step for me? And the conversations that we have every week are an opportunity for you to add tools to your own toolbox to help you on this journey. This podcast is all about helping you find success in the journey. And I say journey because it is a journey. It is not something that's going to happen immediately.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:56 ]:
Usually, you're going to take some time to mull this over, to figure this out, to try to figure out what is the right direction for myself, what is the right institution for myself. And as you go through that process, that journey, you're going to learn a lot about yourself, but you're also going to learn a lot about what you're looking for. And this podcast is here to help you as a resource along that path. Every week, I love being able to bring on different guests, different people that have had different experiences that can share those experiences with you to help you to again add tools to your toolbox. So this week we got another great guest with us today. Paula Nas is with us today, And Paula is the director of the office of University Outreach for the University of Michigan Flint. And she's been at the University of Michigan Flint for quite a few years doing a number of different things along the years. But along that journey, she has gotten a number of different degrees.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:56 ]:
She got her bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan, Flint, then went on and got a master's degree in economics from Michigan State University and then a law degree from Wayne State University. So we're going to talk about her own journey and be able to learn from her. Paula, thanks so much for being here today.

Paula Nas [00:02:12 ]:
Thanks so much for the invitation, Chris. I appreciate it.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:15 ]:
It is my pleasure. I love being able to have you here today and for you to share this journey. As I said, you went on a journey yourself. You went from that bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Michigan Flint, and at some point, at some point in that journey when you were getting that degree from the University of Michigan Flint, you made a decision whether it was right at the same time or a little bit after, that you wanted to continue, wanted to continue on to get the master's degree in economics. Let's first talk about that jump and what made you decide that you wanted to continue on to get that master's degree?

Paula Nas [00:02:52 ]:
That's a great question. You know, I was in the honors program at U of M Flint studying economics. Initially, though, when I entered U of M Flint as an undergraduate, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. Growing up, I always thought I'd either wanna be a lawyer or I'd wanna be a teacher. Early on, as I was kind of pursuing that path towards a law degree, somebody had mentioned to me that, you know, economics is one of the best majors that you can have to get into law school. So I said, well, I hadn't really heard much about economics. You know, growing up, it never really was a word or a class we used at the time. But I said, if that's my way to get to law school, that's what I'm going to do.

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