Academic Careers

For many doctoral candidates, pursuing a tenure track faculty position is an obvious career choice. However, it is still important to think carefully about your decision and to explore and clarify your goals before implementing a job search plan. The following are some tips and resources on how to prepare for a career in academia.

Tips

• During your doctoral studies, make a conscious effort to carefully observe faculty responsibilities (research, teaching, administrative work) and find opportunities to gain exposure and experience in these areas
• Learn more about faculty roles by participating in relevant events at conferences or on campus, such as the Future Faculty Seminar offered during the Fall quarter
• Assess your skills, interests, personality, values, and preferred work environment and ascertain whether there is a "fit" between you and the expectation of an academic career. The CDC offers a number of career assessment tools as well as career counseling to assist you with this process
• Talk to faculty often for advice. Find mentors who can offer insights about various academic settings and responsibilities
• Learn what to expect regarding the academic job search and start your preparation early

Learn About Academic Careers

Materials in the CDC Resource Library

• From Student to Scholar: A Candid Guide to Becoming a Professor, by Steven M. Cahn
  Covers an extensive range of critical issues from dissertation to tenure; useful for beginning graduate study, working to secure an academic position, or striving to build a professorial career
• Paths to the Professoriate: Strategies for Enriching the Preparation of Future Faculty, by Donald Wulff, Ann E. Austin & Associates
  Brings together major research, the most important developments in practice, and informed analysis on preparing future faculty
• The Academic Marathon: Managing the Academic Career, by Shelley Taylor and Joanne Martin
  Compilation of articles regarding academic careers
• Tomorrow's Professor: Preparing for Academic Careers in Science and Engineering, by Richard Reis
  Resource for science and engineering academic careers; offers a practical approach to career development

Online Resources

• The Chronicle of Higher Education
  Articles and advice about academic careers and the academic job search
• Successful Academic
  Resources and tips for finishing your dissertation, landing a faculty position, and obtaining tenure
• Preparing Future Faculty
  Resources for future faculty

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