In this episode, we sit down with a new grad turned Netflix data engineer to talk about the leap from grad school to the tech industry. We explore first-year challenges, building confidence, and finding your place on a professional team. From small wins to navigating feedback and collaboration, our guest shares honest insights from their journey. Tune in for practical advice, relatable moments, and tips to help you transition into your first role with confidence.

Stop the "portfolio panic" and get the inside scoop on joining the Hive. In this episode, Mansi, Kernell, and Pooja break down the Georgia Tech MS-HCI application for the 2026 cycle, covering why your design process matters more than "pretty" pixels, how to nail the video essay without a Hollywood budget, and the secret to a Statement of Purpose that actually stands out. Whether you’re a coder, a designer, or a career-switcher, we’re sharing the real-talk advice we wish we had before hitting "submit."

Join us for a cozy Thanksgiving special as we reflect on gratitude, community, and the little joys that keep us going in the MS-HCI program. From favorite holiday foods to end-of-semester hopes, we’re sharing what we’re thankful for and what we’re looking forward to. Perfect for a moment of calm... and a gentle nudge for those thinking about polishing their portfolios over break.

What’s it really like to live in Atlanta as a Georgia Tech grad student? In this episode, Mansi, Kernell, and Pooja break down the essentials — housing, gyms, safety, study spots, and the best places to explore around the city. We also dive into ATL’s music scene, events, and what makes this city such a unique place to study and live.

If you’re moving to Atlanta or just curious about life here, this episode gives you the quick, honest rundown. Tune in! 🐝✨

In this episode, we chat with David Muñoz, Staff UX Researcher at Google, about AI image generation, career growth in tech, and what it means to be a “super IC.” We cover the future of UX, ethical AI, and how research happens at scale. Whether you're in design, research, or just curious about HCI, this one's for you.

🔗 Follow HC-Hive for more real talk on design, tech, and grad school life.

Welcome to the very first episode of HC-Hive, the podcast where Georgia Tech grad students pull back the curtain on what it's really like behind the scenes. In this episode, Kernell, Mansi, and Pooja share their first impressions of grad school, why they chose Georgia Tech, and the projects they're diving into. They get real about the challenges (like managing group work and late-night grind sessions), the learning moments (including some surprise lessons outside the classroom), and of course, life in grad school — the highs, the lows, and the coffee-fueled chaos in between. If you're thinking about grad school, just started, or are curious about life as a Yellow Jacket, this one's for you!

Tune in, follow, and get ready for more honest conversations in future episodes.

New to Atlanta? We've got you covered.
In this episode, current HCI master's students join the Hive to share their real experiences moving to Atlanta for grad school — from navigating the city to defining what success in grad school means to them to building a new community. Whether you're packing your bags or just curious about what’s ahead, tune in for tips, stories, and encouragement! Also, a very hearty welcome to the class of 2027!

Our guests today:

Parnian Vafa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/parvaf3830/

Umme Ammara - https://www.linkedin.com/in/umme-ammara/

Hosted by:Manuni Dhruv - https://www.linkedin.com/in/manunidhruv/Rajath Pai - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajath-pai-k/

Edited by: Manuni Dhruv

The Hive returns this week with an episode on professional envy. As we wade deeper into job and internship hunting season, we thought it would be curious to delve into the nuances of professional envy - what causes it, how might we process it and is there anything to be gained by being professionally envious? Happy hunting!

Hosts: Rajath Pai, Manuni Dhruv

Editor: Manuni Dhruv

Music by: Allen Cai

Research for the episode was done by: Manuni Dhruv

Dearest listeners, we've missed you. This Halloween, return to the Hive as we explore the sinister scene of dark or deceptive design patterns with special guest Caroline Sinders.

Hosts: Rajath Pai, Manuni Dhruv, Vibha Maheshwari

Editor: Junxiao (Dante) Long

Music by: Allen Cai

Research for the episode was done by: Manuni Dhruv, Katie McIntyre

Further information on deceptive design patterns and resources mentioned in the episode are below:

Deceptive Patterns: ⁠https://www.deceptive.design/⁠

Design beyond Deception: ⁠https://design.pranavainstitute.com/⁠

Caroline Sinders: ⁠https://carolinesinders.com/⁠

Convocation Design: ⁠https://convocation.design/⁠

The Pudding: ⁠https://pudding.cool/⁠

FTC Click-to-Cancel Ruling: ⁠https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/federal-trade-commission-announces-final-click-cancel-rule-making-it-easier-consumers-end-recurring⁠

Dark Patterns subreddit: ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/darkpatterns/⁠

Tommy Ottolin interviews Rob MacDonald, a new '23 graduate from the Psychology track, in this episode of the HC-Hi! Rob discusses how UX and ethics have been focal points throughout his diversified career path, and he shares what aspects that make up his favorite teams.

HC-Hi! is an interview series showcasing the eclectic personalities of the Georgia Tech M.S. Human-Computer Interaction program. Each episode, a podcast team member chats with a fellow classmate about their projects and passions within and beyond the program.

Madeleine Paulsen sits down with Lydia Burns, LMC class of 2024, in this episode of the HC-Hi! Lydia shares how she got to GT with her advertising background, her mission to learn all aspects of UX, and a hot take about Adobe vs. Figma.

HC-Hi! is an interview series showcasing the eclectic personalities of the Georgia Tech M.S. Human-Computer Interaction program. Each episode, a podcast team member chats with a fellow classmate about their projects and passions within and beyond the program.