3 answers
Maddox
Student
Palmer, Alaska
1
Question
Updated
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What should I do to try and increase the chances of myself finding and pursuing a career as a professor at the university / college level #Fall25
I just wonder if there are any specific courses / opportunities I should pursue in order to further increase my changes / ability to teach as a professor. I want to teach something along the lines of English. #Fall25
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maddox !
Your career interest of becoming a University English Professor is really awesome ! To become a professor for tenure-track positions at four year colleges and universities it would mean obtaining a PhD. You may be able to teach at some colleges with a Masters, however. As you move along with the academics, it will become known to you which degree to pursue according to the institutions in your state. It's very advisable to take the academics as far as you can for this career.
The longer you are involved at college, the more professors will get to know you. Many times, this type of career depends on a strong social connection with academia. It will be crucial to attend educational conferences, engage with colleagues in their field, and connect with university hiring committees.
For this career, there isn't a magic antidote that will cause you to "increase your chances" of being selected for a position. You have to go through your particular experience at your particular college and make very strong relationships with academic figures. Some people would say that it is beneficial to attend an Ivy League University for your degrees, but I wouldn't worry about that. Go to a University of your choice. It may be a good idea to attend a University that you hope to teach at.
I would say to try and attend all the important functions at your university. Things such as honors dinners, parties, alumni events, research symposiums, departmental research days, or graduate student seminars and small and large symposiums can provide early presentation experience. Any functions or events connected to the university president, chancellor, provost, and dean will be very important to be seen at. It is the Provost that is responsible for hiring, so get to know the provost or whatever title they have at the University you attend.
Best of all, take things step by step. Consult with the Academic Advisor at the University that you attend. Enjoy each step of the way and try your best to integrate into academia as more than a student.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best with encouragement to pursue this career !
Your career interest of becoming a University English Professor is really awesome ! To become a professor for tenure-track positions at four year colleges and universities it would mean obtaining a PhD. You may be able to teach at some colleges with a Masters, however. As you move along with the academics, it will become known to you which degree to pursue according to the institutions in your state. It's very advisable to take the academics as far as you can for this career.
The longer you are involved at college, the more professors will get to know you. Many times, this type of career depends on a strong social connection with academia. It will be crucial to attend educational conferences, engage with colleagues in their field, and connect with university hiring committees.
For this career, there isn't a magic antidote that will cause you to "increase your chances" of being selected for a position. You have to go through your particular experience at your particular college and make very strong relationships with academic figures. Some people would say that it is beneficial to attend an Ivy League University for your degrees, but I wouldn't worry about that. Go to a University of your choice. It may be a good idea to attend a University that you hope to teach at.
I would say to try and attend all the important functions at your university. Things such as honors dinners, parties, alumni events, research symposiums, departmental research days, or graduate student seminars and small and large symposiums can provide early presentation experience. Any functions or events connected to the university president, chancellor, provost, and dean will be very important to be seen at. It is the Provost that is responsible for hiring, so get to know the provost or whatever title they have at the University you attend.
Best of all, take things step by step. Consult with the Academic Advisor at the University that you attend. Enjoy each step of the way and try your best to integrate into academia as more than a student.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best with encouragement to pursue this career !
Afon Larisa Asoh
AWS cloud computer engineer
3
Answers
Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Updated
Afon’s Answer
Wow this is amazing
First step is aiming higher with a pointed direction. Consistency paid off nowadays. First focus on earning a Ph.D. in your dream field or a related field
Developing strong research and teaching skills.
Building expertise in a specific area of English studies. English is vast with different field. Study yourself and determination and go for the one that best suit you with ease
Publishing research and presenting at conferences. Go hands on research, build your audience and publish your write up and often and possible. If possible go into book writing if you are interested in English Literature. That will be an addies.
Gaining teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct positions. Maybe if you have time volunteer during the holidays.
Networking with other academics in the field. Very essential... Be proactive. Also, be prepared for a competitive job market and be open to opportunities.
First step is aiming higher with a pointed direction. Consistency paid off nowadays. First focus on earning a Ph.D. in your dream field or a related field
Developing strong research and teaching skills.
Building expertise in a specific area of English studies. English is vast with different field. Study yourself and determination and go for the one that best suit you with ease
Publishing research and presenting at conferences. Go hands on research, build your audience and publish your write up and often and possible. If possible go into book writing if you are interested in English Literature. That will be an addies.
Gaining teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct positions. Maybe if you have time volunteer during the holidays.
Networking with other academics in the field. Very essential... Be proactive. Also, be prepared for a competitive job market and be open to opportunities.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Maddox. If you want to become a college or university professor in English, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances. First, you need to focus on getting the right education. Most full-time professors in English need a PhD, but before that, you will need a bachelor's degree and usually a master's degree. When choosing a graduate program, you should look for one that gives you chances to teach, offers good mentorship, and has a strong reputation.
Next, you need to gain as much teaching experience as possible. Many graduate programs offer teaching assistant (TA) jobs where you can lead discussions, grade assignments, or even teach your own class with guidance. This experience is very valuable. You can also work in a campus writing center as a tutor. This helps you learn how to support students individually and gives you more experience with teaching writing.
You can also look for small opportunities to stand out. You could offer to give a guest lecture, help organize events, or join research projects. Building strong relationships with your professors is also important as they can give advice, help you improve your work, and write recommendation letters for future jobs. Hope this helps. All the best.
Next, you need to gain as much teaching experience as possible. Many graduate programs offer teaching assistant (TA) jobs where you can lead discussions, grade assignments, or even teach your own class with guidance. This experience is very valuable. You can also work in a campus writing center as a tutor. This helps you learn how to support students individually and gives you more experience with teaching writing.
You can also look for small opportunities to stand out. You could offer to give a guest lecture, help organize events, or join research projects. Building strong relationships with your professors is also important as they can give advice, help you improve your work, and write recommendation letters for future jobs. Hope this helps. All the best.