Academia or Perish?
/Academia or Perish?
There is this common wide held belief that if you pursue a PhD you must go to a coveted career in Academia. This common idea is something many grad students especially in humanities and social sciences believe. If you fail in gaining a meaningful career in Academia through a tenured professor position, many people feel as though their degree was a waste of time. This type of mentality is engrained in most PhD students. However, studies have shown that tenured academic positions have slowly become scarce overtime despite more enrolment in graduate programs. So what does that mean for graduate students? It is important for people to have options when it comes career paths. Most Universities offer workshops for grad students to explore different career paths but it’s still hard to offer advice to depressed grad students who feel as if the only career they ever cared about is academia.
Well here are some tips that have helped me expand my horizons after many months of job searching and stress. I do relate to students who feel as if their 4 plus years of grad school was a waste of time. I have been there myself when I became realistic about the job market. The reasons why you are drawn to academia is because you either love to teach or research. So try to find careers that play into those passion you have.
Here are some tips:
1. Consider post-doctorate positions. These positions can help you stay in the academic bubble for longer and give you time to strengthen your CV. Most post-docs are 1 to 2 year terms. During your post-doc you can dedicate more time to research and teaching. One good tip is to turn your dissertation to a book or several publications.
2. Think Tanks- You can work for think-tanks, which require you to use your research and writing skills. Excellent for those interested in the research component of Academia.
3. Adjunct Positions- This is tricky because adjuncts at times can struggle in their departments. They might have no security or stability at times but they do offer PhD holders a chance to teach. This works well for those interested in the teaching component of Academia.
4. Teach at Community College- Again great alternative for those who have a passion for teaching. Remember you can still publish while teaching at a College. Most offer great benefits, stability and hours.
5. Non-Profits- Another great alternative for PhD holders, you can work at a Non-Profit or go as far as creating your own Non-Profit. This can allow you to publish research, and incorporate more community action base research.
6. Write for popular press. For all those who love writing, this is a great way to still research and write. It also provides personal autonomy and freedom! You are in control of what you can write, and you can even self-publish.
It is important to exercise your options and if that still does not replace your desire to work in Academia, well then just go for it! Remember with hard work, dedication and commitment you are bound to get what you desire!
XOXO
Shukri
