Ep. 118: Dr. Morgan Jerald on Self-Esteem in Graduate School and Being Black at a Liberal Arts College vs. an R1 Institution
Ph.D. in Psychology, University of MichiganDr. Morgan Jerald
On today’s episode of the Cohort Sistas Podcast we speak with Dr. Morgan Jerald about her experience studying an interdisciplinary doctorate at the University of Michigan. We start by acknowledging the challenges of the social climate in which Dr. Jerald commenced her studies. Next, Dr. Jerald gives listeners some tips on producing an academic application that will get noticed. She talks about how she knew that Michigan would be the best place to complete her studies, showing listeners what to look out for when choosing an institution. Dr. Jerald goes on to share her hypothesis that negative stereotypes around Black female sexuality have a converse effect, leading many Black women to more conservative views and behaviors. Next, she gives us the inside scoop on applying for jobs after completing a doctorate and provides listeners with some tips on how to speed up the process. We ask Dr. Jerald to share a bit of her social experience as a minority at the larger and smaller institutions she attended and she talks us through the highs and lows. We move on to a conversation about the work that Dr. Jerald does at the Intersectionality and Marginalization Lab, talk about the importance of self-care and get Dr. Jerald to outline her biggest points of pride around her accomplishments. Tune in to hear about Dr. Jerald’s epic journey as a Black academic in Michigan.
Connect with Dr. Morgan Jerald on Twitter at @morgancjerald or on her website.
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Key Points From This Episode:
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Tips on how to establish a competitive application for a doctoral program.
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Why the University of Michigan was the best option for an interdisciplinary doctorate in the fields of psychology, women studies, media and communication.
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How Dr. Jerald saw that the course would be a good place for a woman of color to pursue her studies through diversity in the existing faculty staff.
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What the process of choosing an appropriate advisor entailed and how intersecting interests lead Dr. Jerald to her perfect fit.
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How your funding structure can enhance your academic experience.
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The hypothesis that negative stereotypes around Black female sexuality have pushed Black women to largely conservative views and how this topic still influences Dr. Jerald’s work.
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How tailoring your materials specifically when you are applying for jobs can accelerate the application process.
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The benefits of having Black community groups within universities.
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The differences between smaller and larger institutions and how this impacts the studying experience.
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The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community, sign up to do so here, and if you are looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our partnerships page. Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow The Cohort Sistas Podcast, rate the show, and leave us a quick review.
