nonacademic job search Archives - Page 2 of 5

“I’m a quick learner” and other phrases to avoid

FatimahPhD2016-02-23T07:00:26+00:00February 23rd, 2016|

So remember our public health professor friend from the last post. Last we left off she was making headway on her transition from a faculty position. She had received two interviews at ACME Health Ventures and ABC Family Foundation. After just a few short weeks of beginning her job transition and submitting applications, she’s gaining traction. Yes! (fist pump) Here are two things that you can learn from our Public Health professor’s interview experience: Beware the trap question. The first question they asked her was, “You’re a tenure track prof at a top institution. Why would you leave that for this job?” Believe it or not most people don’t have a clue what professors do on a day-to-day basis. From the outside, it looks like professors have a cushy job of thinking, writing and talking. The outside also buys into the prestige [...]

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What Exactly is Coaching and How Do I Know if I Need It?

FatimahPhD2018-10-02T02:29:26+00:00February 9th, 2016|

Coaching is an awesome tool for creating real change in your life and work. Have you ever called a close friend to brainstorm possible responses to a big decision or to bounce around ideas on a new project? Truth be told, my first call in these situations is usually to my mom or to one of my besties, because I trust them and their judgment. Still, there are times when their expertise (and patience) reaches its limits and it’s time to call in someone with dedicated time and expertise. Coaching provides a safe, confidential space with an expert in their field to provide you with the space to unpack the personal and professional challenge you are facing, then hold a mirror to any assumptions and ways of being that may be blocking your progress. As a career coach, I take my work [...]

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Career Options webinar

FatimahPhD2018-10-02T02:29:26+00:00December 10th, 2015|

I had a blast last week providing a career webinar for my alma mater, the University of Virginia. The UVA Alumni Association invited me to present on "Career Options for Academics and Other Intellectuals" in a 60-minute webinar. I'm excited to share that webinar with you here. Thank you for making 2015 a fantastic year! The team here at Beyond the Tenure Track will be taking a short break until after the holidays. We'll be back with great content in 2016, so recharge, reflect on your milestone achievements this year, and get ready to work towards your goals with us in the new year. Have a safe and happy holiday. Fatimah Session title: Career Options for Academics and Other Intellectuals [webinar link, https://youtu.be/K6KbOxcy38Y ] Session description: Graduate students, postdocs, and PhDs are primarily trained to enter careers in academic teaching and research. But where [...]

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From Quitting to Planning

FatimahPhD2018-10-02T02:29:27+00:00August 10th, 2015|

I've gotten a flood of emails (literally) and Tweets about my article in The Chronicle of Higher Education Vitae that went live last Thursday. Here's a heads up in case you missed it. "The moment when graduate students begin to think that an academic career may not be for them is fraught with uncertainty. The future is before you and you have lost of questions but fewer answers: What kinds of jobs are available in my field? What will my adviser think? How will I finish the dissertation while job searching? Will my family understand? How can I remain active in academia while pursuing a non faculty career? What will happen to the friendships and relationships I’ve built throughout my academic career? For graduate students of color - especially underrepresented minorities and those first in their family to seek a doctorate - [...]

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