The newest edition of the Chronicle has a great article discussing things new grads should know, but probably aren't taught in school.
Of course, we try very hard to make sure our students understand some of these, such as "don't take a job without having completed your Ph.D.", but the rest really aren't discussed in much detail. I may have to post this on my door--most of the points made are very useful to doctoral students and new assistant professors.
There is one I must disagree with, however. The advice to "change your career or move every 7 years" may apply to some fields, but I don't see how it benefits people in our fields. In fact, if I knew someone who changed jobs every 7 years, I'd wonder why they don't just say put. Perhaps this is because there are a limited number of top-tier research jobs available in CJ.... thoughts on that one?
Monday, April 21, 2008
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3 comments:
I haven't renewed my Chronicle subscription yet so I can't view the article. : (
I can email anyone the article if they would like to see it.
I don't think you need to or should move a lot; however, we should know the market and our value and act accordingly. After 5 years, a B+ grad student may bloom into a A+ faculty scholar. In that case, why not look around. Many Ph.D. institutions do not hire brand new faculty - they don't want to take the risk. At the same time, only look to places you are really serious about. I know of a number of cases in which a person tested the waters and a counter was not provided by the home institution. Ouch!
Got it via email. I found it helpful, if a bit hyperbolic (what with all the "never"s and "at all costs"s). I am in agreement about the moving issue, though my concern deals more with family issues. Can you imagine picking up your family and moving every seven years if you don't have to (or necessarily want to)? Ugh. Otherwise, very useful tips.
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