Employment and Tenure

Among the most revered positions in the world, being a professor at a university is highly desirable. Having taken classes for years, all-the-while idolizing your instructors, how could you want to do anything else? Sure, you may have already taught courses in your graduate education, but being a section leader is just not the same as being a professor. As a professor, you are a highly respected member of society; you contribute to the cutting-edge and are responsible for making amazing new findings and educating future generations. You are among the most educated and influential people. Get paid quite well to do what you have been paying to do for years; continue learning about and contributing to a field that you are highly interested in. But what does it take to actually become a professor? Although you know that it is definitely what you want to do, what steps must you take in order to realize your goal?

Attaining professorship is a very long and arduous process. Only the most persistent and dedicated individuals will make it through the many trials and tribulations thrust onto hopeful future professors. Currently, the structure of academia is such that for every available position, there are a large number of applicants in competition with one another. The number of qualified applicants, along with the relatively few positions available results in a hyper-competitive environment. Even the smallest mistakes in an application or interview could mean that you will be looked over. Thankfully, there are a number of high quality resources available that will prepare you for the journey ahead.

After a grueling hiring process, much work is still needed in order to become a full-fledged professor. Before you can achieve your goal, you must work your way through the ranks. If you are hired for a tenure-track position, you will usually start out as an Assistant Professor. At this stage you are starting to feel like you belong; now you have an office, students and some responsibility. For the next six to eight years, you will have to be a good teacher, contribute positively to your department and gain professional recognition for your work. If you succeed, you will be granted the title of Associate Professor, if you fail you will probably be dismissed. From there, it is another six to ten years until full professorship and another opportunity to be dismissed or, if you are fortunate to achieve tenure.

Resources

  • Assistant Professor

    Is the first step to becoming a professor. At this stage you are starting to feel like you belong; now you have an office, students and some responsibility. For the next six to eight years, you will have to be a good teacher, contribute positively to your department and gain professional recognition for your work. If you succeed, you will be granted the title of Associate Professor; if you fail you will probably be dismissed. From there, it is another six to ten years until full professorship and another opportunity to be dismissed or, if you are fortunate to achieve tenure. 

  • The Myth of the Lazy Professor

    Goes over misconceptions people have on what the life of a professor is like. Gabriela Montell de-mystifies the many responsibilities and duties of a tenured professor.

  • The Hiring Process from the Other Side

    Guide reveals the internal processes every step of the way.  From the nuances of the job announcement to negotiating a job offer, the intricacies involved in searching for appropriate candidates are exposed here. By understanding the inner-workings of hiring for tenure-track positions, it is easier to anticipate and fulfill the needs of recruiting boards/search committees.

  • 2010-11 Report on the Economic Status of the Profession

    The authors thoroughly examine the incomes of professors in a number of  state universities and go on to forecast anticipated earnings for the  profession overall.

  • Getting a Job in Academia

    Provides concise instructions on how to anticipate a career in academia. Emphasizing early preparation and tips on beefing up application materials, this guide covers some of the most important aspects of approaching an academic career.

  • More Tips for Getting a Job in Academia

    The follow-up to “Getting a Job in Academia,” picks up where the other left off. In this edition, the authors pay more attention specifically to psychology and include more advice on

  • Finding Your First Teaching Position in Academe

    The authors recommend introversion in order to find the most appropriate position. Knowing your needs will help you find the job that is right for you.

  • Becoming a Business Professor

    In this guide, the authors address the unusual circumstances surrounding business professorship. Unlike other positions, there are actually less new PhD holders than available positions.

  • HigherEd Jobs

    Is another source for finding job postings in academia. One of the most  prominent job research resources on the internet, HigherEd Jobs can  help connect you with your dream position.

  • Qualms and Questions for an Academic Job Interview

    Offers advice on how to prepare for an academic job interview, and what sorts of questions you should ask.

  • What is an Associate Professor?

    Focuses on associate professorship and its unique challenges.  Responsibilities across teaching, service, research and interdisciplinary work are revealed.