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.

Academe has made little progress in hiring and advancing faculty of color.Through the narratives of full professors of color, this book aims to make visible their journeys -- beset with lack of criteria transparency, marginalization, discouragement, and discrimination on the way to success -- to provide insights for junior and mid-level scholars as they negotiate their pathways to full professorship.This book offers readers a unique, micro-and macroscopic window into the lived experiences of individuals who represent a multitude of social, ethnic and cultural identities, disciplinary domains, academic and professional credentials, and socialization experiences. They share their doubts and fears as they began their applications, the contradictory advice they received, who they consulted for guidance, some of the indelible costs of the experience and, when they encountered it, how they dealt with initial rejection.In describing their persistence and success, the contributors reflect on the rewards of the position and the opportunities it offers to play influential decision-making roles and become agents of change, shifting institutional culture, values, and practices.Beyond filling a gap in the literature and research on, and promotion to, this position, this book uniquely addresses the experiences of women and men faculty of color, raising broad implications for how higher education recruits, evaluates, and rewards faculty work, as well as the broader context of racial and social institutional goals and outcomes.This book is intended for several audiences. First, for faculty of color who aspire to the rank of full professor. Second, for faculty in general, including allies who work tirelessly for social justice, to dismantle white supremacy, racism, sexism, and the range of discriminatory practices Third, for administrators in senior leadership positions to make them aware of the inequitable path to full professorship and the gross underrepresentation of faculty of color at that rank whose experiences and expertise are now more than ever needed as student demographics are changing.

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.

Jones, Barbara M. Kehm, Dan Mao, Christine Musselin, Peter Scott, Fengqiao Yan, Akiyoshi Yonezawa, Maria Yudkevich

FORWARD to Professorship in STEM: Inclusive Faculty Development Strategies That Work provides best practices on how to design and implement inclusive workshops aimed at supporting faculty and staff in their career development. The book addresses fundamental skills and strategies to excel in academia, with a focus on assisting women and other underrepresented groups to succeed in obtaining tenure-track faculty positions, and in acquiring tenure. Contributors from wide geographical, disciplinary, and career backgrounds offer their insights on challenges in academia, lessons learned, successes, and outcomes, with chapters devoted to tenure and beyond, collaborations and funding, impact on, and of, the deaf culture, and engaging differences. Offers insights from a variety of institutions, STEM disciplines, and backgrounds Contains valuable information on diversity, leadership, minorities, work-life satisfaction, and professional career development Provides best practices on how to design and implement inclusive workshops aimed at supporting faculty and staff in their career development Covers topics such as tenure and beyond, collaborations and funding, impact on, and of, the deaf culture, and engaging differences Provides specific avenues and processes for implementing inclusive professional development workshops Includes appendices on budgeting and programming examples

"Vesilind′s book will serve as a valuable resource, not only for graduate students on the threshold of academic careers, but also for current assistant professors in need of a mentor and even for those top undergraduates deciding whether a doctorate followed by college teaching is the best use of their talents. Combining good-humored criticisms of academia with sincere defense of the contributions of professors, Vesilind gives informal and, more importantly, frank advice for every stage of the career, from the career choice to retirement." --Eugenia P. Gerdes, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Bucknell University Maybe you′d like to combine the two loves of your life—teaching and scholarship—and perhaps build a satisfying and profitable academic career, but you′re not sure if this is really what you want or how to go about it. Or maybe you′ve made up your mind but need some good advice on how to succeed. If so, this book is written for you. So You Want To Be a Professor begins with a discussion of jobs in academia and how to find them. Chapters cover a wide range of political skills for future academic success, including lecturing, organizing a course, meeting your first class, testing, maintaining a research program, and writing for publication. No other book provides such a practical overview of essential career-building skills. Even junior faculty will benefit from the advice in this engaging, comprehensive book.