Kate Frear

What are your greatest memories of OS?

I loved working closely with my cohort during the first two years, being involved in OSSI each May, tackling large-scale research projects with the PALM lab, and building relationships with peers and mentors who are now my colleagues and collaborators.

In reflecting back, what are the top three things you are taking away from the program?

• I can speak, read, and teach multiple disciplinary languages
• I understand and appreciate the various stakeholders affected by organizational phenomena
• I learned that I can both work hard and love what I do

What advice do you have for new students on how to succeed in graduate school?

• Figure out when to satisfice
• Be open minded your first couple of years, and sharpen your focus (on topics and projects) as you near graduation

What job search tips do you have for current students?

Talk to several people who have been through the process! And do not underestimate the power of your academic or professional network—to my surprise, I received several opportunities simply because my mentors called or emailed their colleagues on my behalf.

What about for preparation for going on the job market?

Know the different career paths that are available before applying or interviewing. For example, some students may not know that there are different types of universities, which offer different career paths, in academia (e.g., teaching-oriented vs. research-oriented). The same is true of applied/industry jobs (e.g., internal consulting vs. external consulting).