Are you destined to have an academic career? Not only do university instructors earn excellent salaries, but they also enjoy a unique lifestyle apart from the for-profit business world. Many who opt for a life in academia remain in place for decades, publish important research in their fields, earn tenured status, and experience a rewarding career teaching others. It’s imperative to acquire basic teaching experience even while you’re still in college. Earn a college degree in liberal arts or a niche major of your choice. Take on teaching assistant positions whenever possible to build your instructional skills. Finally, consider applying for positions at community colleges where you can gain all-important classroom experience and take part in faculty activities like steering committees, advisory groups, and administrative duties. Here are more relevant details about how to launch your academic career and lifestyle.
Acquire Basic Teaching Experience
Get whatever teaching experience you can find, even if it’s not related to college-level coursework or is a simple tutoring position for grade school pupils. Employment agents look for candidates who keep their eyes on the long-term goal. Teaching experience on your resume will stand out and indicate that you are always aiming toward the long-term goal of higher educational opportunities.
Get the Right Education
Getting the appropriate education is an essential part of creating your academic career path. In addition to an undergrad degree, consider obtaining a master’s or doctorate later on. But first, focus on completing college. If money is short, you’re in luck. You can work with a private lender to secure borrowing with competitive rates and flexible terms. Most applicants turn to private lenders to cover all their education-related expenses for the entire four-year course of study.
Take Teaching Assistant Positions While in School
Teaching assistant positions are often paid. While in college, you can apply through the school’s administration office for any openings. Even non-paid positions offer a worthwhile way to advance your career and learn the art of working in a university setting. Likewise, when you apply for full-time positions, a teaching assistant listing on your resume will set you apart from the vast majority of other jobseekers. Don’t assume that you can only do a job in your major field of study. Schools look for undergraduate students who can help professors grade papers, make phone calls, and take over classes in a pinch. There’s no set requirement that you be studying the same courses as the assignment you apply for.
Apply at Community Colleges
Community colleges are ideal places to earn your career stripes. Often, instructors in local two-year schools gain relevant experience, earn a generous salary, and make themselves attractive to university and four-year college hiring offices. If you do work at a community college, dedicate yourself to the work. Consider it a training and testing ground for your long-term educational plans to become a university instructor.
Take on Non-Teaching Responsibilities
Join faculty organizations, work as a faculty-tutor to students, and take on any other non-classroom responsibilities you can find. In the long run, you’ll build up your professional network and add to your general skill set for future positions.