EXPERIENCES OF A JUNIOR FACULTY MEMBER

PROFESSOR KAREN DONAHUE
WHARTON SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Experiences of a Junior Faculty Member

Karen Donahue

Dept. of Operations & Information Management
The Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania

Overview of Talk 

• The Soul Search
• The Job Search
• The First Year
• Epilogue: After the Honeymoon

The Soul Search: Comparing Jobs and Life Styles 

• Academia vs. Industry
• Engineering vs. Business School
• Teaching vs. Research

The Job Search: Initial Correspondence 

• Cover Letter
  Be specific about the position you are applying for and why you are qualified for the job. Highlight your research contributions, industrial experience, and teaching interests.  
• Curriculum Vita
  In addition to the usual material contained in a CV, include the names, addresses and phone numbers of 3 or more references. Choose your references carefully. 
• Abstract of Your Dissertation
  Although this is not necessary, it is another way to emphasize your research contribution and its potential industrial impact.

The Job Search: Interviews

• Scheduling Interviews
  Try to schedule at most one site visit per week, if possible.  
• Preparing for Interviews
• Research the department beforehand so you are familiar with the faculty's research interests and the courses taught.
  Consider the following questions: 
  • (1) Where do you see your research going in the next 5 years?
    (2) What is an estimate of the amount of start up funds you will need?
    (3) Which agencies or companies do you plan to target for funding?
    (4) What courses can you teach? What new courses would you like to develop?
     
• Preparing your Research Presentation
• Practice in ftont of a wide range of people -- you will leam a great deal about the nuances ofyour research in the process.
   
• Preparing to Interview the Department
• Develop a list of questions before hand -- do not be afraid to ask difficult  questions. 
  • Monetary Support: summer salary, travel and expense funds, support for graduate students
  • Course Load: TA to student ratio, opportunity for buy-out
  • Requirements for Tenure: ask graduate students and junior faculty

The Job Search: Some Additional Points to Consider

• Possible Mentors
• Ratio of Senior to Junior Faculty
• Size of Ph.D. Program
• Current Level of Collaborative Research

The First Year: Balancing Research and Teaching  

• Teaching: choose courses carefully -- establish an educational strategy
• Research: concentrate first on what you know best
• Collaboration: develop contacts with industry and research centers

The First Year: Establishing an Educational Strategy

Develop a Supportive Relationship Between Research and Educational Goals

Tactical Steps:

• Determine the Teaching Mission of your University
• Seek Advice on Curriculum and Presentation from Colleagues and Students
• Utilize the University Teaching Center and Other Resources
• Fight to Teach Graduate Courses in Your Research Area

The First Year: Making Research a Priority

Two Fundamental Aspects of Academic Research:

• Obtaining Results
• Communicating Results to the Community

Tactical Steps:

• Develop discipline and commitment early on
• Divide time between developing own results and continuing to read the literature
• Pick one or two research areas to go into deeply
• Avoid consulting assignments until your research program is established

Epilogue: After the Honeymoon

• Is there any time for fun?
• Is it worth it?