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HigherEdJobs Podcast host Andy Hibel talks with Emeritus Professor John Thelin from the University of Kentucky College of Education in the first of three conversations. Thelin’s teaching and research interests focus on the history of higher education and public policy.
In this episode, Thelin and Hibel reflect on their careers, compare notes on starting a career in academia, and discuss what has changed over the years. They also discuss the importance of resilience when receiving rejection letters and encountering setbacks.
Hibel said the conversations highlight how academia is a “unique place that transcends generations” and what society expects of it.
What observations would an early career higher ed historian make today?
Thelin hopes there will be increased awareness of the importance of higher education. It’s also important that those who lead courses or institutions do not falsely promise an immediate economic payoff. There should be some rediscovery that the ability to critically analyze, read, and discuss topics is important in higher education.
“I would like to regain those civil society dimensions of being good citizens, good conversationalists, and reasonably well-read, good listeners,” he said.
Setbacks, Adversity Help You Build Resilience
Hibel said Thelin was a great advisor from a student’s perspective and a tremendous mentor who supported his career.
“I’m forever grateful,” said Hibel. “We all need somebody who is there without self-interest to advise us on key moments in our lives.”
Thelin said the experience of taking courses and interacting with teachers and classmates makes a difference in people’s lives.
“You are acquiring insights and sometimes the ability to reject certain ideas or to say, ‘This is not for me, or this is,'” he said.
Thelin said you may not recognize that the people you interact with will one day be influential and important, but it will make sense retrospectively.
Conscientious people acquire resilience from adversity, disappointments, setbacks, or unexpected situations. They can roll with those changes and appreciate the lessons, good and hard, that eventually come together.
Hibel said one of the most important ingredients of success is failure.
If you fail, “what you learn from failure and where you adjust the recipe to find success, that’s part of the process,” he said. “The hardest part is you have to be willing to put yourself out there and allow yourself to fail.” Do so, he suggested not in big, glorious ways, but in safe, measured, well-reasoned ways.
When looking back at your own experience, Thelin said you’ll recall times when you were down, uncertain, or struggling. A professor, supervisor, or other person takes the time to talk to you, and it makes a difference.
“It’s an undeniable connection,” he said. After following the advice, sometimes good fortune comes your way.
“That’s the payback,” he said. And then you pass it on by taking on the role of a mentor, sponsor, or ally as you start a career in academia.
“That’s what I love about having been a professor and teacher,” Thelin said.
Hibel is a co-founder of HigherEdJobs and serves as its chief operating officer.
