Prepare for Your Career in Academia

November 18, 2015

The road to a career in academia begins with thoughtful planning. November’s GrTS, led by USU Career Services, featured tips to help you jump-start that planning by focusing on how to strengthen your academic presence, so when the opportunity comes, you’ll be ready.

Start Networking Now

Sometimes networking has a negative connotation, but building relationships is important in academia. Hiring someone “cold,” or without a recommendation, is a big risk for an institution; they’re entrusting you their brand and their students. Anything you can do to alleviate those fears will better your chances of getting the job.

Listen To This Segment

Get to know other grad students

Reach out beyond your cohort. These are your comrades; start building relationships with them as soon as you can. Not only will they be great resources in the future, but you can rely on each other right now for connections and support.

Build a relationship with your major professor

Your relationship with your major professor should be a priority, beginning day one. Update them frequently on your career goals. They can help you tailor your experience to reach those goals.

Build relationships with those in your field

The idea that academics aren’t approachable is a myth. They’ve invested time and effort in their field, so ask a question and let the conversation flow from there.

Attend conferences

When attending a conference, know who is attending and presenting ahead of time. Research the keynote speakers so you can skip the basic questions. Also, bring a small notebook with you and keep notes of the people you meet (name, institution, brief conversation points), and send a follow up email when you get home.

Build Your CV

Listen To This Segment

Plan ahead

Start looking at job posts in academia now and become familiar with what the requirements are. Use them as a blueprint to build your vita; what are these institutions interested in? What do you need to improve to be considered for a job like this?

Find value-added experiences

If you’re interested in a position that’s research heavy, plan to have those experiences. If the position is teaching heavy, ask your major professor about teaching opportunities. When are you publishing and how often? When and where are you going to present? These experiences need to be planned, or they likely won’t happen.

Avoid templates

When writing your vita, avoid pre-formatted templates. Write your CV listing sections an institution would be most interested in first (if the position is research heavy, list research experience before teaching experience, etc.).

Prepare Your Application Materials

Download the Workbook

Start applying for positions as soon as possible

The hiring process in academic can take anywhere from six to eight months. Start applying for positions a year in advance, if possible.

Don't leave anything to chance

If you’re offered a job before you’ve finished your dissertation, make that part of the discussion. Make sure the employer allows for time to defend your research and complete the degree-completion process.

The Career Design Center can help

The Career Design Center offers mock interviewing. Each college has a Career Design Center staff member to answer application questions.