Master's Programs Consultants, Events, & Resources

Former music major, professional pianist, arranger, composer, and member of the Tabernacle Choir. I also help students navigate the music audition process for competitive programs

Welcome to my profile! As a JD/MBA candidate at the University of Chicago and an early Latin Honors graduate from Northeastern University, I bring a strong academic foundation to my coaching. My experience in investment banking at Goldman Sachs has equipped me with a deep understanding of the skills and strategies needed to excel in competitive environments. I am passionate about helping aspiring master's program candidates navigate the complexities of the application process, from crafting compelling personal statements to preparing for interviews. Let's work together to create a standout application that highlights your unique strengths and potential. Feel free to reach out to discuss how I can support your journey to success!

Welcome to my profile! With a Master of Science and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Syracuse University, I bring a strong academic foundation to my coaching. My professional journey includes extensive experience at Deloitte, where I advanced from a Risk Intern to a Manager, honing my skills in managing complex projects and developing resilience. I have a proven track record of guiding individuals through the intricacies of master's program applications, leveraging my background in business strategy and analysis. Whether you're looking to refine your application strategy or need comprehensive support, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and craft a plan to achieve your academic goals!

I’ve spent over a decade working in higher education and admissions, including serving as an Associate Director of Admission at the USC Price School of Public Policy, where I reviewed thousands of applications and worked closely with students during meaningful moments of transition. Through that experience, I developed a deep understanding of what competitive graduate programs look for, particularly those grounded in public service, civic leadership, and social impact. My background encompasses a wide range of graduate programs including: ◎ Public Administration ◎ Health Policy & Management ◎ Urban Planning & Development ◎ Public Policy ◎ Data Science ◎ and other policy focused programs While working in admissions, my role often extended beyond the review process. I found myself helping students navigate important questions like: 🌟 What kind of impact do I want to have? 🌟 What systems do I want to influence? 🌟 Is this the right path for me? I believe strong graduate applications are built on clarity, authenticity, and intentional strategy. The most compelling applicants are those who understand their motivations, can articulate their interests with intentionality, and are passionate about the work they want to do in the world. My work aligns with: 🎓 Highly capable applicants who need support shaping their experiences into a clear, cohesive narrative 🌟Purpose-driven individuals seeking grounded, thoughtful guidance during an important career transition 📚Applicants whose academic metrics don’t fully capture their strengths and want help presenting their potential in context 👥 First-generation, LGBTQ+, students of color, and other historically underrepresented applicants looking for culturally attuned support ⚖️ Joint or concurrent degree applicants navigating how to position themselves across disciplines (MPP/MBA, JD/MPP, etc.) My approach is strategic and direct, but always rooted in empathy. Every applicant brings a distinct lens to public service. If you want a strategic partner who will help you translate that perspective into essays that feel authentic and focused, while elevating their clarity and impact, we’ll make a great team!

Welcome! When I was starting my undergraduate journey, a mentor encouraged me to take big risks, aim high, and make the most of every opportunity. That advice changed my life. Since then, I’ve built a strong network of mentors and peers who have pushed me to keep striving for more in my career and education. I was accepted into top master’s programs, including Columbia’s MA in Emergent Media Studies and NYU’s MA in Media, Culture, and Communication, so I understand what it takes to craft a compelling application. Now, I’m passionate about helping others do the same. Whether you’re applying to programs in Communication, Sociology, Media Studies, Anthropology, Political Science, Science and Technology Studies (STS), or related social sciences, I can guide you through every step—from refining your personal statement to interview prep and overall application strategy. Let’s work together to make your master’s program aspirations a reality!

I specialize in helping professionals transform their work experience, personal journey, and future ambitions into a cohesive and compelling narrative: no matter how disparate they may appear on a single-page résumé. This is especially valuable if you’re considering a career pivot to better align your work with your personal values. I earned my Master’s in Public Affairs, with a certificate in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy, from Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs while serving in the military. My professional career spans finance, the military, policy, government, social entrepreneurship, and technology. Along the way, I’ve published widely on policy and technology across a dozen outlets and was honored with a literary award in my field. If you want to craft your unique story into a powerful narrative for an admissions panel, or to strengthen your professional trajectory, I’d love to set up an introductory call to discuss your goals.

I'm not here to get you into any specific program. I'm here to help you determine IF a higher degree might help you get to where you want to go. Sometimes it does, most of the time, the degree is not the thing that gets you there. It can help open doors - but you - the you who starts the program - you have to make the most of that time in the program and have a game plan going in! Most of these programs are 12-24 months. It goes by quickly - and you need to know where you're headed (or at least have a few options picked out) in order to maximize exposure to your desired industry or company. As a coach - I believe YOU have the answers to the hard questions like , "which program do I choose?" I can help by asking questions that bring to light your personal values, priorities, concerns and other important factors. I can provide tactical exercises to help you narrow down choices and eliminate options that aren't a fit. I've worked with business students and engineers from undergrad to MBA and have a pretty solid understanding on what you need to have to pivot into a specific field. Most admissions help comes from people who've worked on just that. Admissions. Getting INTO a program. I have experience looking at resumes (as part of Admissions decisions) with the lens of a recruiter and asking, "With this Master's/MBA degree, how competitive a candidate will this person be in their field?" You are likely pursuing a higher degree because you want that experience or the letters behind your name to help you make some kind of career pivot or "level up" in your current line of work. I work with those considering Specialized Masters and MBAs - and ask the hard questions to get to the root of what you want and if you truly NEED an MBA to get that - or if there might be other, equally valid ways to make that switch. That way - you can make your own pros/cons list without someone "selling" you from the university or college side. Sadly - admissions folks often know "outcomes stats" or highlights that they get from the Dean's Office or marketing department. Rarely are they familiar with what it takes to get a job in your chosen field - or whether or not you qualify to work in CPG or the entertainment as an international student on OPT. I ask questions like: - What you want out of the degree (learning vs hard skills vs opportunity based on industry) - What are your top priorities (in order) for your next job? More money? Location? Industry? Job title? Job function? - Which programs or locations might you consider based on common industry hubs and university partnerships for hiring? - How much research have you done about your chosen field? - Do you generally meet the pre-requisites of job postings that you're interested in? If not - what is missing and how do we build that skill set? - Do you require visa sponsorship and how familiar are you with the OPT/STEM OPT and H1B visa processes? I will be an honest and impartial thought partner to help you decide if you need a degree - or some directed career coaching (which I can also help with!). Not sure if it's a fit? Set up an intro call and find out :)

Ryan Prior is an award-winning journalist telling stories at the front lines of science and democracy. Over the past 12 years, he has written hundreds of stories for CNN, Psychology Today, The Guardian, The Nation, STAT, USA Today, and The Daily Beast. He has produced work across documentary film, nonprofits, book publishing, and think tanks. His reporting spans pandemic response, science policy, geopolitical conflict, and national security. His recent experience includes field reporting in Ukraine, along with study trips to Israel/Palestine, the Balkans, and Western Europe through Harvard Kennedy School and RIAS. Ryan believes the best journalism connects the dots between high-level decisions and lived experiences of people on the ground — making the strategic personal, and the personal strategic. His writing combines the rigor of data-driven reporting, the intimacy of narrative memoir, and the pragmatism of a policy brief. It’s a rare, yet essential blend in today’s climate of misinformation and polarization. He is the author of The Long Haul: How Long Covid Survivors Are Revolutionizing Healthcare (MIT Press/Penguin Random House), which explores the global impact of the pandemic and the chronic illness crisis that followed. The book has been called “a book we need right now” by Senator Tim Kaine and “an important contribution” by the Secretary General of the World Health Organization. It has also been featured in Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Democracy Now, Psychology Today, Science, and The Lancet.

I hold a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and now work professionally in the field designing and facilitating leadership development programs, leading initiatives, and coaching professionals in complex organizational environments. Because of that experience, I understand both sides of the equation: what top programs are looking for in applicants and how the degree actually translates into real-world career opportunities. I help applicants clarify their story, articulate why organizational psychology is the right path for them, and present their experiences in a way that stands out to admissions committees. My goal is to help you move beyond generic applications and create a clear, compelling narrative about who you are, what you want to do, and why this degree is the next logical step.

With degrees from the University of Oxford and Columbia University, I bring a strong academic foundation in both business and the humanities. Professionally, I serve as the Head of Programming at the United Nations Global Compact Network USA, where I lead initiatives that support over 1,000 U.S. companies - including many in the Fortune 500 - on strategy, leadership, and sustainability. My earlier experience at the International Chamber of Commerce and Bain & Company sharpened my skills in strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and program development. This blend of academic rigor and real-world leadership gives me a unique perspective as a coach. Whether you're applying to a master’s program in business or the humanities, I know what top institutions are looking for - and I’m here to help you position yourself for success with clarity, confidence, and impact.