The Idealist.org Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Conflict resolution: Part 1, on the degree & its careers Dec 16, 2011

Show notes

In Conflict resolution masters programs, students learn how to analyze conflict and how to uncover the underpinnings of conflict situations. They gain skills to defuse and prevent conflict situations that arise among individuals, groups, and countries.In this Idealist Grad School Podcast series, Amy Potthast chats with admissions staff from two conflict resolution grad programs:

This episode, part one, is an overview of the degree and careers.
Find Part Two, on course work, field work, and certificates at idealist.org/podcast.
Find Part Three on admissions and financial aid advice at idealist.org/podcast.

The Guests:Erin Ogilvie, George Mason University’s School of Conflict Analysis and ResolutionTim Hicks, University of Oregon’s masters program in Conflict ResolutionLearn more:

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the conflict resolution degree, among others.
Find a listing of grad programs in conflict resolution on the website of Salisbury University’s Center for Conflict Resolution

The MPA: Part 3, on admissions and financial aid Dec 16, 2011

Show notes

If you’re on a public service career path, and looking at grad schools, you may have considered a Master of Public Affairs or Administration. What is an MPA, and how is it distinct from nonprofit management, MBA, and other grad degrees?

This episode, Part Three, is on admissions and financial aid.
Find Part One, an overview of the degree and associated careers, here.
Find Part Two on coursework, field work, and certificates, here.

The Guests

Learn more!

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the MPA degree, among others.

The MPA: Part 2, on coursework, field work, and certificates Dec 16, 2011

Show notes

This episode, Part Two, is on coursework, field work, and certificates.
Find Part One, an overview of the degree and associated careers, here.
Find Part Three, on admissions and financial aid, here.

The Guests

Learn more!

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the MPA degree, among others.

The MPA: Part 1, on the degree and careers Dec 15, 2011

Show notes

This episode, part one, is an overview of the degree and associated careers.
Find Part Two on coursework, field work, and certificates, here.
Find Part Three, on admissions and financial aid, here.

The Guests

Learn more!

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the MPA degree, among others.

Student Debt Relief, Part 2: Income-Based Repayment with Heather Jarvis Nov 08, 2011

Show notes

Do you have student loans? Are you thinking about borrowing money for grad school? This episode of the Idealist Grad Schools podcast takes a closer look at two student debt relief programs established by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.

Listen now to Part Two which focuses on Income-Based Repayment, a crucial component of PSLF that is available now and that allows you to make even $0 payments to your loans, if that’s all you can afford. Any qualifying federal student loan holders can access income-based repayment now, even AmeriCorps members and Peace Corps Volunteers who usually don't pay loans during service.
Check out Part One, on Public Service Loan Forgiveness, here.
Read the transcript for this show here.

But the program requirements can be confusing. Idealist’s Amy Potthast chats with Heather Jarvis of AskHeatherJarvis.com about a step-by-step approach to understanding both programs. A former capital defense attorney saddled with $125K of law school debt, Heather Jarvis now dedicates her expertise to helping student loan borrowers make better decisions so that higher education can be a reality for all - not just those who can afford it. She has contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and others in Congress, and spent more than six years advocating for public service loan forgiveness, which allows more recent graduates to dedicate their careers to the greater good. Just as we were editing this show, President Obama announced changes to the way current and future students can repay student loans. Learn more on Heather’s site. Heather's favorite resources for more information — mentioned on the podcast:

Student Loan Borrower Assistance.org Information about repayment options, avoiding and getting out of default, and dealing with collections agencies.
Project on Student Debt State-by-state data, research, and policy analysis.
IBRinfo.org Clear information about Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Check out the groovy animated student debt monster!
FinAid! The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid An online resource for comprehensive information about all aspects of financial aid.
GL Advisor A financial advisory firm designed to help students and young professionals manage their student loan debt. Heather recommends their Free Personalized Student Loan Assessment.

Learn more about financing grad school in the Idealist Grad School Resource Center. Finally, meet schools that will help you make a difference with your career at the Idealist Grad Fairs taking place across the South in early November.

Student Debt Relief, Part 1: Public Service Loan Forgiveness with Heather Jarvis Nov 08, 2011

Show notes

Listen to Part One of the podcast which focuses on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, in which many nonprofit and government workers stand to gain tens of thousands of dollars of student debt relief — after meeting several program requirements.
Check out Part Two, on Income-Based Repayment, here.
Read the transcript for this show here.

Heather's favorite resources for more information — mentioned on the podcast:

Student Loan Borrower Assistance.org Information about repayment options, avoiding and getting out of default, and dealing with collections agencies.
Project on Student Debt State-by-state data, research, and policy analysis.
IBRinfo.org Clear information about Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Check out the groovy animated student debt monster!
FinAid! The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid An online resource for comprehensive information about all aspects of financial aid.
GL Advisor A financial advisory firm designed to help students and young professionals manage their student loan debt. Heather recommends their Free Personalized Student Loan Assessment.

Is Nonprofit Management the right grad degree for you? Part Three: Admissions and Financial Aid Sep 15, 2011

Show notes

With a plethora of graduate disciplines available to you—MBA, MPA, Social Work—you may be wondering, why should I go for a specialized degree in nonprofit management?

When you enroll in a nonprofit management grad program, you gain the skills and knowledge specific to and necessary for leadership in this growing and dynamic sector.
Furthermore, your classmates will be very likely to share your interest in and knowledge of mission-based social and environmental work. Your studies will emphasize nonprofit concerns, case studies, leadership, and examples as a default.

In this episode of the grad schools podcast, Amy Potthast speaks with admissions officers Edward Grice, Chris Nicholson, and Rebecca Zirm on the advantages of a degree in nonprofit management.

In the third segment of the show, we discuss admissions and financial aid.

The Guests

Edward Grice is the Associate Dean of the MBA program in nonprofit management at the American Jewish University.
Chris Nicholson is the Director of Graduate Admissions at North Park University in Chicago, home of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management.
And Rebecca Zirm is the Director of Recruitment at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organization and Case Western Reserve University.

Learn more!

Idealist Grad Fairs feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the nonprofit management degree, among others. The Nonprofit Academic Centers Council is the accrediting body for nonprofit management degree programs across the country and a resource for people seeking the degree.
Seton Hall’s Nonprofit Management resources include a great overview of nonprofit education and a listing of grad programs.

Is Nonprofit Management the right grad degree for you? Part Two: Careers, coursework, certification Sep 12, 2011

Show notes

This week the Idealist Grad Fairs launch in New York City and Washington, DC. What will you study in grad school?

With a plethora of graduate disciplines available to you—MBA, MPA, Social Work—you may be wondering, why should I go for a specialized degree in nonprofit management?

When you enroll in a nonprofit management grad program, you gain the skills and knowledge specific to and necessary for leadership in this growing and dynamic sector.
Furthermore, your classmates will be very likely to share your interest in and knowledge of mission-based social and environmental work. Your studies will emphasize nonprofit concerns, case studies, leadership, and examples as a default.

In this episode of the grad schools podcast, Amy Potthast speaks with admissions officers Edward Grice, Chris Nicholson, and Rebecca Zirm on the advantages of a degree in nonprofit management.

In the second segment of the show, we discuss the typical coursework students go through, as well as the option of a certificate program.

The Guests

Edward Grice is the Associate Dean of the MBA program in nonprofit management at the American Jewish University.
Chris Nicholson is the Director of Graduate Admissions at North Park University in Chicago, home of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management.
And Rebecca Zirm is the Director of Recruitment at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organization and Case Western Reserve University.

Learn more!

Idealist Grad Fairs feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the nonprofit management degree, among others. The Nonprofit Academic Centers Council is the accrediting body for nonprofit management degree programs across the country and a resource for people seeking the degree.
Seton Hall’s Nonprofit Management resources include a great overview of nonprofit education and a listing of grad programs.

Is Nonprofit Management the right grad degree for you? Part One: What makes it distinct? Sep 12, 2011

Show notes

This week the Idealist Grad Fairs launch in New York City and Washington, DC. What will you study in grad school?

With a plethora of graduate disciplines available to you—MBA, MPA, Social Work—you may be wondering, why should I go for a specialized degree in nonprofit management?

When you enroll in a nonprofit management grad program, you gain the skills and knowledge specific to and necessary for leadership in this growing and dynamic sector.
Furthermore, your classmates will be very likely to share your interest in and knowledge of mission-based social and environmental work. Your studies will emphasize nonprofit concerns, case studies, leadership, and examples as a default.

In this episode of the grad schools podcast, Amy Potthast speaks with admissions officers Edward Grice, Chris Nicholson, and Rebecca Zirm on the advantages of a degree in nonprofit management.

In the first segment of the show, Idealist’s Amy Potthast learn what makes a degree in nonprofit management distinct. It is a very narrowly focused degree, mostly geared towards professionals already in the sector or career changers, and it prepares students for senior leadership positions in the sector.

Edward Grice is the Associate Dean of the MBA program in nonprofit management at the American Jewish University. Chris Nicholson is the Director of Graduate Admissions at North Park University in Chicago, home of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. And Rebecca Zirm is the Director of Recruitment at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organization and Case Western Reserve University.

Learn more!

Idealist Grad Fairs feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Idealist Grad School Resource Center features an overview of the nonprofit management degree, among others.
Seton Hall’s Nonprofit Management resources include a great overview of nonprofit education and a listing of grad programs.

Net Impact's Corporate Careers that Make a Difference Aug 16, 2011

Show notes

Can you make the world more sustainable by working for a corporation?

According to Net Impact and its free, downloadable career guide Corporate Careers that Make a Difference, you can.

Everyday, business leaders make a positive environmental and social impact in their companies — both in dedicated green jobs, as well as in more conventional job functions.

On this episode of the Idealist Careers Podcast, Idealist’s Amy Potthast chats with Abby Davisson from Net Impact, a national nonprofit dedicated to engaging business in making the world sustainable, and Yonnie Leung, Principal of Environmental Sustainability for Shared Services at Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California — and who is profiled in the Net Impact career guide.

During the conversation, they also briefly mention Net Impact's Business as UNusual Guide to MBA programs that have a focus on corporate citizenship. The 2011 Guide launches this week and is available at netimpact.org.

You can meet many of the schools mentioned in Business as Unusual at the Idealist Grad Fairs taking place across the country, gradfairs.idealist.org.

Finally, for a look at a range of businesses working for the public good, please check out Chinook Book, our Portland Grad Fair media sponsor.