20 episodes
Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast Pioneer Academics Alumni
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For ambitious young people, university life presents remarkable opportunities and challenges - the most fundamental of which is how to carve out their own path. Welcome to “Uncharted”, a podcast where Pioneer alumni share how they have navigated making some of the most important decisions every university student faces.
Uncharted is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program for high school students.
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Pioneer alumnus Isaac shares his professional insights on the finance industry, career preparation, and global opportunities
“I found the most effective way to build relationships, instead of saying I don't understand question 4 on problem set 5, was to have something interesting to say; go to office hours, and discuss [ideas] broadly.” — Pioneer alumnus Isaac
This episode of Uncharted features Mariam, who conducted research in biophysics at Pioneer in 2021, interviewing Isaac, who conducted research in chemistry at Pioneer in 2016. Isaac studied applied mathematics and economics at Columbia University, and has built a career in finance, currently working as a private equity associate.
In this episode of Uncharted, Isaac shares his unique experience adapting to Columbia University, insights on developing relationships with professors, and international perspectives about career objectives. Having been exposed to Pioneer’s learning style of a small collaborative and interactive cohort, Isaac had a smooth transition to the Socratic discussion-based learning at Columbia. Isaac also sheds light on a normal day as a consultant, his passion for the finance industry, and his suggestions for university students.
To hear more from Isaac and his advice on economics, finance, and mathematics specifically, listen to the long episode here!
About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast
Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper.
Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” link in our bio on Instagram @Pioneer_Academics. -
Finding new academic passions in university, finding a sense of belonging in your college community, and developing a career in finance
Why is it important to explore different interests? How can you deal with the transition from high school to college? How can you use your time in undergraduate to explore different career paths? In this episode of Uncharted, Pioneer alumnus Isaac, who conducted research at Pioneer in 2016, shares his unique experience adapting to university life, insights on developing relationships with professors, and international perspectives about career objectives.
Although Isaac conducted research in chemistry at Pioneer, he graduated with a degree in applied mathematics and economics from Columbia University. Isaac worked as a Senior Business Analyst at McKinsey & Company after college and is currently working as a private equity associate. In this episode of Uncharted, the Pioneer Alumni Podcast, Isaac reflects on his experiences applying to colleges, transitioning to college academics and life, finding internship opportunities, and exploring various interests outside of college.
To hear more from Isaac and his advice on undergraduate academics and life in general, listen to the short episode here!
About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast
Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper.
Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more! -
A trip from courses to real life: Pioneer alum Gayatri shares her insights from high school and college life
This episode of Uncharted features Wendy, who conducted research at Pioneer in 2022 in economics, interviewing Gayatri, who conducted research at Pioneer in 2019 in history.
Gayatri studies psychology, history, and economics at Barnard College. Gayatri likes applying theoretical knowledge in real life. She highlights how having close conversations with professors has helped her in college life. Gayatri sheds light on freshman college activities and the types of clubs to join and the timing and advantages of undergraduate research. She also mentions her summer internship as a venture capital analyst, and how that helped her with her technical skills and financial decisions later on. Gayatri gives some practical tips on how to choose an internship and better use your undergrad time.
To hear more from Gayatri and her advice on applying to internships and doing research that is closely related to real life, listen to the short episode here. -
Practical psychology and economics: Barnard scholar shares her experience in interning, researching, and applying theoretical knowledge in life
How does what we learn at school and college translate in real life? Why is it important to do practical research? And how can internships better equip you technically for the market and mentally to make educated decisions? Gayatri, who conducted research in history in Pioneer 2019, shares all of that and more.
Gayatri studies psychology, history, and economics at Barnard College. Gayatri likes applying theoretical knowledge in real life. She highlights how having close conversations with professors helped her in college life. Gayatri sheds light on freshman college activities and the types of clubs to join and the timing and advantages of undergraduate research. She also mentions her summer internship as a venture capital analyst, and how that helped her with her technical skills and financial decisions later on. Gayatri gives some practical tips on how to choose an internship and better use the undergrad time.
If you are interested in history, finance, business, research, or practical psychology, this episode is definitely for you! -
Choice optimization in the competitive world of finance and business: Pioneer alum Luccas shares his unique journey at McKinsey & Company and as an aspiring entrepreneur
“Push yourself and put yourself in uncomfortable situations. But don't be too hard on yourself.” - Pioneer alumnus Luccas
This episode of Uncharted, the Pioneer Alumni Podcast, features Gayatri, who conducted research at Pioneer in 2019 in history, interviewing Luccas, who conducted research at Pioneer in 2014 in economics. Luccas graduated from Harvard College and pursued his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Having benefited from his unique Pioneer experience, Luccas successfully found his passion in economics and finance, delved into college research, and honed his professional skills through summer internships. Luccas shares his insights on building relationships in college and in the workplace and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and how that helped him graduate from Harvard College as a John Harvard Scholar and pursue his MBA at the Booth. Luccas sheds light on the importance of mentorship, advice on applying to business schools, his former work experience as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company, and his unique journey from private equity to consulting to real estate. If you are interested in economics, finance, business, research, pursuing MBA, or maintaining a healthy work-life balance in big firms, this episode is definitely for you!
About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast
Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper.
Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” link in our bio on Instagram @Pioneer_Academics. -
An entrepreneurial journey: Luccas' advice on college applications, summer internships, research opportunities, and mentorship
What does “fit” really mean in the college application process? How does research in high school prepare for further academic excellence and research opportunities in college? How should you approach mentorship in college and in the workplace? Pioneer alumnus Luccas conducted research in economics at Pioneer in 2014 and graduated from Harvard College. He worked at McKinsey and in private equity before pursuing his MBA at the University of Chicago.
In this episode of Uncharted, the Pioneer Alumni Podcast, Luccas reflects on his experiences applying to colleges, finding research opportunities and internships in college, preparing applications to graduate programs, his former work experience as a business analyst at Mckinsey & Company, and his journey starting a new private investments firm. Luccas also sheds light on the importance of mentorship, including his experience developing relationships with peers, professors, and colleagues.
To hear more from Luccas and his advice on applying to graduate programs in general and in economics, finance, and business specifically, check out this post and listen to the short episode through the link in our bio.
About Uncharted: the Pioneer Academics Alumni Podcast
Uncharted: the Pioneer alumni podcast is hosted and produced by alumni of the Pioneer Research Program, a virtual research institute for outstanding high school students. Widely respected for its high standards in selectivity and academic rigor, it is the only fully-accredited and college-credit bearing online research program. In Pioneer, students work one-on-one with university professors in advanced study and research of a topic of their interest ranging from physics to gender studies, culminating in a full-length, undergraduate-level research paper.
Uncharted was featured by FeedSpot as a top alumni podcast! You can see the list of selected alumni podcasts here: https://podcasts.feedspot.com/alumni_podcasts/ and in the “Top alumni podcasts” - see the link in our bio to learn more!