ABOUT US
Robert Cain
“Before graduating from Claremont McKenna College with a BA in Applied Mathematics and Media Studies, I was fortunate to complete a series of internships, projects, and study abroad experiences which each introduced me to my industries of interest. Specifically, I hope to pursue media, marketing, and photography. As the next step in my Aftergrad journey, I wanted to pursue a graduate degree. Specifically, I chose the MS in Visual and Digital Media at IE University in Madrid, Spain as my top program. The US Fulbright Program offered a generous scholarship for this program, and I applied. However, I felt a great deal of insecurity about my future plans after receiving multiple letters from various programs acknowledging my impressive qualifications yet, in the same breath, giving reasons to go in a different direction. Suddenly, I had to face the reality of not knowing which direction I would go after obtaining my diploma, and the powerlessness and disillusionment I felt as a result of this circumstance reminded me of an important life lesson: sometimes, hard work is simply not enough.”
Victoria Gilbert
“Nearing the final months of completing a double major in International Economics and Finance and East Asian Studies with a concentration in Chinese and a Minor in Art I felt accomplished. During my undergraduate studies, I was selected to partake in government initiatives that jump started my explorations into East Asia regions. Upon return, I was inspired to pursue venture capitalism to connect people who seek investment in creative industries within the East Asian region. I’m grateful for the opportunity to expound on this mission through my engagement in research, public speaking, and leadership positions. Much of my hard work would soon be worth my wildest dreams with acceptance from Fulbright to attend FuJen University’s Fashion Brand and Management Masters program in Taiwan. I believed this prestigious program was the golden ticket to learn, engage and grow in pursuit of my dreams. However, after being informed I wasn’t selected for the opportunity, a reckless perspective was awakened. No longer did the recognition from prestige programs, internship opportunities, or any society conformity mattered. In the midst of my course shifting unexpectedly, I lost interest in doing things “accordingly” and was willing to risk it all for the sake of my dreams. Unfortunately, now I faced a path without the formalities, guidance, and financial support from an institution.``
Our Story
Coincidentally, Victoria and Cain faced the same reality of crossing a stage with no absolute plan in mind after receiving notice that they were not selected as Fulbright finalists. With only a vision and an unfading tenacity, they grew motivated to take risks in their fields. Their belief in each other precipitated their move forward physically, mentally, and emotionally to continue pursuing their passions after graduation. Victoria from Dallas and Robert from Los Angeles set off to Washington, DC to change the pace. As a result, The Aftergrad Podcast was created as an extension of this united front that encourages having confidence in a vision and unapologetic energy in navigating the 20’s.
Victoria and Robert are grateful for the unfortunate outcome because it would not have given them the opportunity to expand their capacity in welcoming both the ups and downs of life. While navigating the unforeseen path, they “tell it like it is” to reveal the truths of this awkward stage. Their platform speaks out on normalizing the narrative of uncertainty— recent graduates who may not know what’s next. They argue it’s a work in progress that will eventually come to fruition. On the podcast, they share their experiences in the midst of the unknown to bring awareness to the societal pressures that may mold people into inauthentic versions of themselves. They aim to expose the realities after undergraduate studies so listeners may become knowledgeable of emotions, events, and encounters that come during this transformative season. By making the unknown seem less daunting they hope individuals will conjure the courage to give themselves the chance to write their own story and commit to witnessing its reality.
