This week on Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD we delve into the transformative power of graduate internships with the insightful Melissa Gismondi.We explored her journey from academia to journalism, discussing the challenges, imposter syndrome, and the importance of seizing opportunities.From running for clarity to connecting with mentors, Melissa shared valuable insights on navigating the transition from graduate school to the professional world.If you're a PhD student or someone pondering a career change, there's much to learn from Melissa's experiences. So, tune in and gain valuable takeaways that could shape your own career journey!Share this episode with others and let's keep the conversation going. Melissa Gismondi is an award-winning writer and radio and podcast producer, whose work has appeared in major media outlets including The New York Times, The Walrus, The Globe & Mail, Literary Review and on the CBC Radio programs IDEAS, Tapestry, The Current and Writers & Company.In 2019, the Writers' Trust of Canada named her one of five 'Rising Stars' and she was the 2020-2021 New Media and Public Humanities Fellow at the Jackman Humanities Institute at the University of Toronto.Melissa holds a PhD in American history from the University of Virginia. What we covered in the interview: Finding Mentorship and Ventures Beyond Traditional Roles - Wafaa N. Aldhafiri's positive experiences with mentorship in academia and yoga training - David Mendes' academic journey and advice on transitioning from master's to PhD - Encouragement for PhD holders to consider non-traditional roles beyond academia and industry - Assessing interest in research before committing to a PhDExploring Versatile Career Opportunities - Leveraging STEM skills in various sectors such as policy, municipal systems, industry, and governmental entities - Shifting mindset from scarcity to recognizing the value of PhD skills in various sectors - Venturing beyond academia or industry and the versatility of PhD holders in various rolesOvercoming Fear and Criticism - Cautious approach to exploring career opportunities outside academia - Addressing fear of not being taken seriously and handling criticism and judgment - Weighing options and building a safety net when pursuing career paths beyond academiaEntrepreneurial Ventures and Career Exploration - Starting the Pharma Weekly Digest to fill a knowledge gap in the pharmaceutical world - Choosing a newsletter format for the digest and the process of compiling and reviewing content - Experimenting with various professional preferences and experiencesThe importance of Mentorship and Networking - Finding supportive mentors in academia, extracurricular activities, and hobbies - Importance of having multiple mentors in various aspects of life - Being open to learning, feedback, and networking opportunitiesPersonal Development and Well-being - Balancing studies, work, and extracurricular activities during a PhD program - The significance of extracurricular activities for developing confidence, time management, soft skills, and networking - Encouragement to focus on personal happiness and well-being  This episode’s resources: Melissa J. Gismondi | Website Thank you, Melissa Gismondi! If you enjoyed this conversation with Melissa, let her know by clicking the links below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:Send Melissa Gismondi a thank you message on Linkedin!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David! Leave a review on Podchaser ! Support the show ! You might also like the following episodes: Sheena Howard – How to Leverage Academic BrandingAmal Abuzeinab – Flourishing in Your PhD and BeyondMerle van den Akker – Debunking PhD MisconceptionsWafaa Aldhafiri –Venturing Beyond Traditional RolesAs always,