Academia Coaching, Events, and Resources

I am an experienced higher education practitioner with an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration. I specialize in supporting non-traditional, first-generation, and graduate students as they navigate academic expectations, online learning, and the challenge of balancing school, work, and life. My background in advising, academic operations, teaching, and student success enables me to help students build confidence, develop structure, enhance writing and communication skills, refine study strategies, and maintain accountability. I excel at making college feel manageable and clear — especially for students who haven’t always felt seen, supported, or prepared within traditional academic environments. My coaching approach blends empathy, strategy, and empowerment. I help students understand how higher education truly works, create systems that fit their lives, and build momentum they can maintain. Whether you’re returning to school, beginning a graduate program, or navigating online learning, I’m here to help you succeed with clarity and confidence.

Welcome to my profile! With a robust background in academia, I bring a wealth of experience to help you navigate your academic and professional journey. As the Director of Career and Professional Development at Yale University, I specialize in academic administration and advising, equipping students with the skills needed for success. Previously, I managed educational programs at Johns Hopkins University, fostering the development of aspiring researchers. With a Master of Education from NYU and a BA from Amherst College, I have coached over 100 individuals, guiding them to achieve their academic and career goals. Let's work together to unlock your potential and reach your aspirations!

With 7+ years of writing coaching and tutoring experience, I bring a personalised, focused approach to my clients. Trained in writing styles such as APA, MLA, ASA, and Chicago, and with reputable degrees in English Language and Literature from UT San Antonio and Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics from the University of Oxford, I have successfully led dozens of clients through dissertations, theses, term papers, and publications.

Are you ready to land your dream job in higher education? You've found the right coach! Over the past 25 years, I've rose through the ranks from Graduate Teaching Assistant to Clinical Associate Professor and worked at various types of higher education institutions. These experiences provide me with diverse knowledge of what is needed to prepare for a career in higher education and succeed in the job search process. My qualifications include: -Serving on faculty search and support professional hiring committees -Creating and facilitating professional learning for higher educators -Mentoring instructors and adjunct lecturers in effective teaching practices -Working in administrative roles in which I hired, trained, led, and developed higher education professionals and instructors -Coaching master's and doctoral students on how to develop teaching, scholarship, and service activities -Coaching master's and doctoral levels students on preparing for work in higher education--administrative, support professional, and faculty positions -Coaching master's and doctoral students on the job search process--including crafting the CV and letters of interest, preparing for extended faculty interviews, and creating customized resumes for higher education professions. From exploring the world of higher education professions to preparing for your first interview, I will walk with you along your academic career journey. Let me put my 25+ years of higher education experience to work for you!

Dush is the ideal coach for success in higher education leadership because he understands the unique challenges and demands of academic leadership. From navigating institutional change to fostering collaboration among faculty and administration, higher education leaders must balance vision, strategy, and people management. Dush’s coaching empowers university leaders, administrators, and faculty to enhance their leadership presence, improve decision-making, and drive meaningful impact within their institutions. His approach helps clients build confidence, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and create a culture of innovation and student success. What sets Dush apart is his blend of personal experience, proven coaching methodologies, and a deep commitment to leadership excellence. As a graduate of the Michigan Medicine Executive Coaching Program, a Certified Professional Coach, and a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), he applies best-in-class coaching techniques tailored to the academic environment. His ability to foster self-awareness, strategic thinking, and transformative leadership makes him a trusted partner for higher education professionals seeking to elevate their careers and institutions. If you are ready to lead with confidence and create lasting impact in higher education, Dush is the coach to guide you there.

Welcome to my profile! With a Master of Science in Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting from New York University, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my coaching practice. As a Senior Director at NYU, I have honed my skills in faculty development and administration, focusing on teamwork and personal development. My passion lies in helping academic teams strengthen communication, navigate tension, and reconnect with their shared purpose. As an Executive and Team Coach at Marking Moments LLC, I have successfully coached numerous individuals and teams, leveraging positive psychology and effective communication strategies. Let's work together to enhance your academic journey and achieve your goals!

With extensive experience working at top institutions like Dartmouth, USC, and NYU Stern, I understand the unique environment of academia—its bureaucracy, its reactive nature, and how the current political landscape is influencing the landscape. And, I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities and obstacles in higher ed, so I’m committed to helping professionals find environments where they can grow, contribute, and flourish. My approach to coaching is rooted in this understanding--that is, helping you to assess whether a particular environment will support your growth and fulfillment. Together, we explore how to navigate the complexities of higher ed, align your career goals with your values, and find pathways where you can truly thrive.

I came to Higher Education through a non-traditional corporate route! I started my career in feature animation production (film) in Los Angeles. I was ultimately offered roles at the University of Southern California (USC) both at the Cinema School and the Marshall School of Business, both without a Masters degree. In higher education, particularly in elite universities, you understand that this is a rare occurrence. I ended up working with Undergraduate, MS and MBA students at the Marshall School of Business for almost 7 years, before my family and I relocated to NC to be closer to family and buy our first house (after 22 years of renting in LA!). I have been working with MS and other graduate business students at NC State for almost 3 years. I've navigated several significant career pivots in my life and have a unique ability to draw out a person's story and help them wrap words around what matters to them in a compelling and authentic way. I've worked with private clients from entry level executive assistants at talent agencies and television writers, to commercial real estate executives and K-12 teachers. I am happy to talk with you about career paths (on the admin/staff side) within student services, academic advising, student life, program management, admissions, career advising, etc. If you're not sure that you want to go into higher ed (or stay there) I am happy to facilitate conversations around other creative applications of your skill set in the private sector.

About Josh My journey into the world of GMAT coaching began unexpectedly while preparing for my own GMAT exam in 2018. Recognizing my potential, work ethic, and abilities, the institute where I was studying hired me as a Quantitative Reasoning Coach. I quickly made significant contributions, revolutionizing the GMAT department with procedural enhancements and curriculum improvements. My efforts led to a swift promotion to GMAT Director, where I built and led a team of 7 coaches, pushing the department to achieve record-breaking average GMAT scores for two consecutive years. Through this role, I personally coached over 200 MBA hopefuls, guiding them to ace the GMAT and secure placements in top MBA programs. My academic and professional journey didn't stop there. I was awarded the Enid Fogel merit-based scholarship at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, became an MLT fellow, and received consulting job offers from Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, and EY-Parthenon before my classes at Booth even began. I chose to work with BCG during my MBA, leveraging my strengths in work ethic, organization, accountability, and efficiency. Recently, I completed my MBA at Booth and embarked on a new venture, founding Von Poker Prep LLC. My mission is to coach MBA hopefuls on how to optimize their time and resources not just to ace the GMAT, but to excel beyond it. Why do I coach? Coaching the GMAT has been a passion of mine for over 4 years, stemming from a deep engagement with the exam for more than 6 years. I find joy in the puzzles presented by the GMAT and have devoted considerable time to developing frameworks and mindsets for efficiently solving these challenges. My motivation is rooted in empathy and experience; I was once a GMAT student myself, aiming for admission into an M7 program while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. This journey led me to create optimized study practices and frameworks, which not only facilitated my own success but also paved the way for my role as a coach at the same institute where I was once a student. At Von Poker Prep, I offer a comprehensive GMAT Preparation package that includes dozens of hours of audiovisual lessons and homework solutions, homework assignments, Mock Analysis frameworks, and Exercise solution frameworks. These tools are designed to be broadly applicable, allowing students from both technical and non-technical backgrounds to master the various sections of the GMAT. My coaching extends beyond teaching technical skills for solving exercises; I aim to instill a strategic mindset and provide key test-taking strategies, ensuring my students' success. I am committed to working tirelessly for my clients, drawing on my own experiences to guide them through their GMAT preparation and beyond. My approach is tailored to empower students to dominate the exam, providing them with the structure, strategies, and support necessary to achieve their highest potential.

With a robust background in international law and policy, I bring over a decade of experience in higher education and career advising. As a Career Advisor at IE University and a former Academic Coordinator at the University of Barcelona, I've guided 100+ students in navigating their academic and professional journeys. My expertise extends to advising on master's programs and international trade law, ensuring that my clients are well-prepared for their educational pursuits. Whether you're looking to enhance your academic profile or strategically plan your career path, I'm here to provide personalized guidance. Let's connect and chart your path to success!