The definitive career guide for grad students, adjuncts, post-docs and anyone else eager to get tenure or turn their Ph.D. into their ideal job Each year tens of thousands of students will, after years of hard work and enormous amounts of money, earn their Ph.D. And each year only a small percentage of them will land a job that justifies and rewards their investment. For every comfortably tenured professor or well-paid former academic, there are countless underpaid and overworked adjuncts, and many more who simply give up in frustration. Those who do make it share an important asset that separates them from the pack: they have a plan. They understand exactly what they need to do to set themselves up for success. They know what really moves the needle in academic job searches, how to avoid the all-too-common mistakes that sink so many of their peers, and how to decide when to point their Ph.D. toward other, non-academic options. Karen Kelsky has made it her mission to help readers join the select few who get the most out of their Ph.D. As a former tenured professor and department head who oversaw numerous academic job searches, she knows from experience exactly what gets an academic applicant a job. And as the creator of the popular and widely respected advice site The Professor is In, she has helped countless Ph.D.’s turn themselves into stronger applicants and land their dream careers. Now, for the first time ever, Karen has poured all her best advice into a single handy guide that addresses the most important issues facing any Ph.D., including: -When, where, and what to publish -Writing a foolproof grant application -Cultivating references and crafting the perfect CV -Acing the job talk and campus interview -Avoiding the adjunct trap -Making the leap to nonacademic work, when the time is right The Professor Is In addresses all of these issues, and many more.

As an undergraduate student at UMass Don Hattin recorded in detail events which colored each day with the trials and triumphs of academic life. He recounts the low cost of attending college, fun and facts about dormitory life, seemingly endless drudgery of homework, unfounded fear of earning poor grades, and classes of great interest versus those without redeeming characteristics or content. Don describes the antics of dormitory life, which leave the reader wondering how and when studying was done. Don shares treasured memories of work in the College Store, where many humorous events occurred, and lively association with faculty and students in the Geology Department, where genuine camaraderie accompanied work in the classroom, laboratory and field. As a T.A. at the University of Kansas, Don discovered the joy of teaching and field work. His master’s thesis research on Cretaceous-age rocks was prompted by a future member of the National Academy of Science, leading initially to both fun and temporary futility of work on the Kansas prairie. At the doctoral level, Don was mentored by a world-famous paleontologist who was intimidating in the office but a mellow field geologist. Just once, Don challenged his mentor on identification of a fossil, and won! During this interval, a key geology faculty member departed, resulting in Don’s appointment as Instructor to teach two courses, thus enabling Don to gain skills needed when assuming a professional role. While interviewing in Ohio for a full time teaching position, Don received a call from the geology chairman at Indiana University, where a short visit resulted in offer of an Assistant Professorship. Don’s acceptance let to a career-long association with that institution.

People who become professors are experts in their field. But how does a new academic, aspiring to become a professor, choose a field of study and plan a career that leads to professorship? This practical book answers this question, guiding aspiring academics step by step through the areas in which they need to demonstrate excellence if they are to gain the international recognition and professional profile which leads to a professorial post. Each chapter highlights real-life, internationally applicable examples of what successful achievements look like and what pitfalls to be aware of. Supported by an international survey of professors and their experiences working within university systems, the chapters outline key topics relevant to any aspiring professor. For example: Criteria for obtaining a professorship Carving out a specialist research niche Establishing an international reputation Advice on getting your research published Undertaking impactful research and winning funding Networking and developing a media presence Balancing research, teaching and your personal life This must-have book is filled with tips and practical advice for building an academic career and is an essential read for anyone looking to better understand routes into professorship.

Embark on a transformative journey through the dynamic world of academia with this comprehensive guide designed for aspiring and current college professors. This book delves into the intricacies of an academic career, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate the multifaceted roles of teaching, research, and service. It provides an in-depth exploration of essential topics such as crafting effective course syllabi, developing a robust research agenda, and mastering the art of mentoring students and junior faculty. The book also addresses the evolving landscape of higher education, discussing the impact of technology, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and the changing expectations for faculty roles. With a focus on professional growth, readers will find detailed guidance on building a personal brand, securing research funding, and achieving tenure and promotion. Through inspirational stories and advice from seasoned academics, the book offers a rich tapestry of experiences and lessons learned, providing encouragement and motivation for those committed to excellence in academia. Whether you are just beginning your academic journey or seeking to enhance your existing career, this guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the challenging yet rewarding world of higher education. Discover how to balance professional ambitions with personal well-being, foster meaningful collaborations, and make a lasting impact in your field.

Introduction -- The varieties of academic experiences: types of institutions -- The fundamental research and teaching experiences needed to be a psychology professor -- Professional service, engagement, and connections -- Searching for and selecting open positions -- Creating a curriculum vita -- Application materials and the application process -- Interviewing -- Job offers and negotiations -- Conclusion.

A guide for grad students and academics who want to find fulfilling careers outside higher education. With the academic job market in crisis, 'Leaving Academia' helps grad students and academics in any scholarly field find satisfying careers beyond higher education. The book offers invaluable advice to visiting and adjunct instructors ready to seek new opportunities, to scholars caught in "tenure-trap" jobs, to grad students interested in nonacademic work, and to committed academics who want to support their students and contingent colleagues more effectively. Providing clear, concrete ways to move forward at each stage of your career change, even when the going gets tough, 'Leaving Academia' is both realistic and hopeful.

Young black women bear all the hallmarks of a fundamentally unequal society. They do well at school, contribute to society, are good efficient workers yet, as a group they consistently fail to secure the economic status and occupational prestige they deserve. This book presents a serious challenge to the widely held myth that young black women consistently underachieve both at school and in the labour market. In a comparative study of research and writig from America, Britain and the Caribbean Young, Female and Black re-examines our present understanding of what is meant by educational underachievement, the black family and, in particular, black womanhood in Britain.