Are you dreaming of a career in academia? Do you want to know how to become a university professor?
You’re about to discover the key strategies for landing a prestigious academic position. This article breaks down the advice from Karen Kelsky’s book The Professor Is In, offering practical tips for aspiring professors.
Read on to learn how to navigate the competitive world of academia and make your mark in higher education.
How to Become a University Professor
Navigating the complexities of obtaining a suitable higher education role can be quite challenging. For those wondering how to become a university professor, it’s essential to undertake thorough preparation, develop a profound understanding of yourself, and establish meaningful relationships within the academic community. In order to distinguish yourself in the competitive world of academia and create applications that make an impact, Kelsky offers several strategies for candidates aiming for a prestigious academic position. Let’s take a look at each one.
#1: Pursue Positions on the Tenure Track
If you pursue a tenure-track career, Kelsky writes that it’s important that you (1) understand how such roles work; (2) craft persuasive curricula vitae, statements of teaching philosophy, and other supplementary materials; and (3) master academic interviews and on-site university tours.
How Tenure-Track Roles Work
Securing a tenure-track academic role generally begins long before the job is formally advertised, usually initiating in the autumn of the previous year. Academic departments identify their staffing needs and suggest them to the dean—the individual with the authority to sanction these job openings, often termed “lines.” Once a position receives approval, the department forms a committee responsible for creating the job announcement, which is subsequently published in the late spring and appears in the editions corresponding to the late summer or early autumn period.
Upon the announcement of job vacancies, the selection committee examines the applications and selects an initial group of 25 prospective candidates. Applicants can advance through the evaluation stages using phone or video conferencing, leading to the creation of a narrowed list for the faculty’s review. As the new year begins, the most exceptional candidates receive invitations to explore the campus.
During campus visits, participants engage in various activities, including interviews and shared meals. They also must showcase their proficiency in teaching or highlight their research achievements. After the final candidate has left, the institution begins the decision-making process, which culminates in the presentation of an employment proposal and the assimilation of the new team member.
Getting Your Documents in Order
Crafting persuasive documents is crucial when seeking tenure-track academic roles. Make certain that your cover letter succinctly encapsulates your academic research, published works, and teaching philosophy, all within a firmly established limit of two pages. Make certain that your teaching statement is succinct—restricted to one page—and that it emphasizes specific instructional approaches along with the classes you’ve taught. Your research statement must concisely present your previous accomplishments and future goals within a limited two-page document.
Your resume should serve as a comprehensive document that may extend to five pages for those with substantial expertise in their fields. Hopefully, they choose to engage in more intellectual forms of interventions later on. Ensure that the documents you submit—including your resume and cover letter—are customized to showcase your qualifications in an objective way, steering clear of any wording that might express emotion.
Interviews can occur in numerous forms and environments, ranging from conference calls to on-site university visits. Be prepared to discuss your dissertation, publishing plans, teaching philosophy, and understanding of the department’s needs. Every interaction should be viewed as a key component in the ongoing evaluation of your compatibility with the department’s atmosphere.
Mastering Interviews and Campus Tours
In academic interviews, the evaluation centers on verifying your qualifications as a candidate, determining your appropriateness for the role, and judging your capacity for teamwork. Preparing thoroughly for a range of potential questions is essential, particularly those that delve into your scholarly work, published materials, specialized knowledge within your field, and teaching methodologies. Enhance your response skills to address inquiries—both affirming and inquisitive—by customizing your answers to align with the varied academic committees and institutions.
During your visit to the campus for a potential job, expect a full schedule encompassing multiple meetings, meals, and a relevant presentation for the job. It’s imperative to demonstrate intellectual acumen and prepare for potential teaching demonstrations. Engaging thoroughly with faculty members, academic administrators, and students is crucial at this point to ascertain mutual compatibility. Skillfully handle discussions pertaining to any positions that are offered to you.
#2: Create Tailor-Made Submissions
If you plan to apply to a variety of academic institutions, Kelsky recommends that you understand the goals of each institution and the expectations of each role. Then, ensure your expertise and approach are in harmony with the fundamental values and needs of each organization.
Learn the Goals and Expectations of Each Institution and Role
Investigate the variety of academic settings, which include not only elite ivy-covered universities but also institutions dedicated to specific fields in the humanities and sciences, alongside expansive state universities celebrated for their comprehensive research initiatives (often referred to as R1 and R2). Each academic level carries its own set of expectations pertaining to scholarship and teaching duties. While prioritizing undergraduate teaching, small prestigious liberal arts colleges may also expect a dedication to research on par with major research universities. Universities that aren’t as highly ranked are adjusting to an environment where the competition for job applicants is intensifying and the expectations for academic publications are evolving. Customize your strategy and conversations to align with the distinct goals and principles of each organization.
Look for a Good Match
Craft individualized resumes and cover letters that are customized for every unique role and hiring organization. Ensure your application reflects the specific elements of the job posting and the online presence of the university, highlighting how your educational and investigative expertise corresponds with the department’s key areas of interest. Ensure you convey sincere excitement without overwhelming the committee with unnecessary details. Emphasize your unique academic agenda and preparedness to assimilate into the broader educational community.
#3: Leverage Digital Platforms
Establish a professional digital footprint through the utilization of networking sites such as LinkedIn and by crafting a personal website. Ensure that your online profiles are updated regularly and accurately reflect your scholarly accomplishments. When you produce content for public dissemination, carefully evaluate how it conforms to the standards of public discourse and its capability to promote your academic goals.
#4: Build Professional Connections in Your Area of Expertise
Cultivating relationships is crucial for discovering academic prospects. Engage genuinely—but with a strategic approach—when dealing with peers, mentors, and distinguished experts in your field of specialization. Participate actively in events, initiate conversations, and immerse yourself in activities that promote networking and collaboration with people who might support you and could turn into your future partners. Leverage social media wisely to build networks that could result in valuable partnerships or potential employment opportunities.
