by Bertin M. Louis Jr., Ph.D.
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It is the academic job search season where many are going through the job search process. At this point in the calendar year, people have accepted offers for new positions, are mulling over job opportunities (tenure-track positions, post docs), while others continue applying for the remaining tenure-track, visiting professor, lecturer, and adjunct positions with the hopes of securing employment for the 2022-2023 academic year. If you are one of the fortunate scholars to receive an offer, or even multiple offers, how do you decide whether or not to take the job? I offer three pieces of advice to prepare you as you consider opportunities now and in the future.
Reputation Matters
As part of navigating higher education, you need to build a network of mentors who you can turn to for advice at times. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received concerning whether or not to take a position is that “reputation matters” when it comes to the institution. What did they mean by this?
The reputation of a college or university many times reflects how they treat their students, staff and faculty, to what capacity universities can provide opportunities for scholarly and professional growth and can even determine the possibility to negotiate whatever you need to thrive as an academic. Depending on their reputation, you may get more or less of several key items like salary bumps, time off to take care of yourself or a family member, and zero-teaching loads. The influence and prestige of the institution also reflects the quality of the facilities (if the classrooms are updated with newer furniture, have smart rooms, and the quality of your campus office, for instance), the ability to renegotiate the terms of your hire, which includes matching or exceeding an offer you received on the job market, or even offering you more salary and resources (course releases, travel money, summer ninths) at your current position.
I implore you to reflect on reputation when making your final decision because it matters. I realize that many academics do not have the luxury of choosing between a host of academic positions, but reputation reveals a host of qualities about a college or university which you should consider. Your decision will affect the quality of your life and your development as a professor.
Observe, Observe, Observe!
When you have your campus visit, you are usually advised by mentors to be on your best behavior, present yourself in a neutral manner, and let your work shine. But what about the institution you are visiting? Will everyone there be on their best behavior? While you are doing your teaching demonstration, discussing your research to an audience, and participating in interviews with faculty members, the dean, and students, you must observe what is going on during these interactions. Are people treating you with respect during the process (faculty, students, staff)? How are members of the search committee treating other members of the department and the institution during your visit? What issues do students raise regarding the faculty members of the department? How do the faculty members treat the students in the department? I’ve had campus visits where I’ve been ignored by faculty members and where students have told me extremely disturbing stories about how faculty members have poorly treated them and others. If you can’t be your professional self at the place you are interviewing at, how do you think your work life will be once you are actually there? This is to say do not ignore red flags if you see them and consider them seriously if you are offered a job there. Be aware that red flags can pop up during virtual interviews and virtual campus visits. Be sure to remember and reflect on them. Refer to your network of mentors to assist your analysis of these moments as you make your final decision.
Know Your Worth
When you receive an offer, take time to mull it over and discuss it with your network to see what else might be available to you. Colleges and universities can offer much to help you develop as a scholar or not offer much at all other than the actual job. If you are currently in a position and get a good job offer, it is an opportunity to negotiate with your current institution and see your worth to them and test the “reputation matters” hypothesis. Having multiple job offers can put you in a great position to raise your salary and add on other benefits like course releases, summer ninths, and other perks which can make your time at wherever you end up better. Also, it is okay to pass up opportunities if you are uneasy with accepting an offer that does not appear to be beneficial to you and your personal situation.
I hope what I offer here helps you make sound decisions as you move forward in your academic career. In the meantime, respect your local mandates, continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly and frequently, wear masks in indoor settings, get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, and take breaks from the constant news about the pandemic and the general malaise which is gripping the world so you can stay physically and mentally healthy.
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