How to Teach With a PhD
If you have a doctor of philosophy degree, or PhD, the chances are that you want to consider a professorship as a career. However, while the profession of a university or college professor is one of the most prestigious and respected occupations, it is also very competitive. In addition to a PhD degree from an established university, you also need to possess skills in oral and written communication and attentiveness. You can refine these skills during graduate school, post-doctoral work or teaching experience.
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Instructions
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Write academic papers. The publish-or-perish principle of academic life requires all PhDs who want to pursue a teaching career to be actively involved in academic discourse. Academic publications, particularly in prestigious journals, will demonstrate your ability to conduct research and communicate results effectively. Also, write books in your field of specialization. Books and academic papers add handsomely to any professor's resume.
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Get some teaching experience. For example, you can apply to work as a teaching assistant, or TA, a job that includes responsibilities such as helping at examinations, problem sessions, experiment preparation and grading.
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Write a resume. The resume for a professorship is essentially the same as for any other position. However, pay particular attention to your academic credentials and describe in detail your doctoral thesis. Also, list all your publications in chronological order.
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Contact colleges and universities with regard to any employment opportunities they may have for you. Unless you have been recognized for a book or a magazine article, you probably will not manage to get tenure immediately, What you may be offered is a job as an adjunct professor, known in academia as a "freeway flyer." Adjunct professors are only hired one quarter, one semester or a year at a time. They typically teach one class at one college and another class at another college simultaneously. You can also get a position as an assistant or associate professor, which are typically longer term positions. After you prove yourself an able professor, your university or college may consider offering you tenure.
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References
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