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Carly, Associate Professor of Special Education at The Ohio State University: Advize Career Interview
A career in academia offers unexpected twists and turns, as evidenced by this Associate Professor of Special Education's journey from print journalism to a fulfilling role at The Ohio State University.
The path involved a Master's degree, Teach for America, a PhD, and positions at Texas A&M and Ohio State. Daily responsibilities encompass teaching, research focused on young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities, and service.
Strong writing, critical thinking, adaptability, and content knowledge are crucial for success, alongside self-motivation and resilience.
The flexibility of academia allows for diverse collaborations and rewarding mentorship opportunities, although intentional boundary-setting is key.
Undergraduate students interested in this field might consider entry-level research assistant positions, even unpaid ones, as these build valuable skills.
The interview emphasizes the importance of networking, avoiding comparisons, and focusing on meaningful work over resume-building for a truly rewarding career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Carly Blustein Gilson
Associate Professor of Special Education
The Ohio State University
University of Florida, 2010
Boston College, M.Ed. in Secondary English Education (g. 2011); Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. in Special Education (g. 2017)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Creative Writing, Journalism
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of an Associate Professor of Special Education at Ohio State
Carly's career path took an unexpected turn from print journalism, a field "rapidly becoming obsolete," to special education, a passion ignited by an education beat internship. This led to a Master's in secondary English education, Teach for America, and ultimately, a PhD and a faculty position at Ohio State University following five years at Texas A&M University.
Main Responsibilities of an Associate Professor of Special Education at The Ohio State University
Carly's main responsibilities as an Associate Professor of Special Education at The Ohio State University encompass "teaching, research, and service," including teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, leading research projects focusing on "young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities," and serving on various university and field committees. This highlights a career dedicated to both training future educators and contributing significantly to the field through applied research and service.
A Day In The Life Of An Associate Professor Of Special Education At The Ohio State University
A typical day for this Associate Professor of Special Education at The Ohio State University involves a mix of teaching preparation ("creating a plan for class," grading, presentations), committee work, advising graduate students, and research activities including "recruiting participants, analyzing data, or writing on publication." The professional prioritizes protected time for writing and emails to start the day, highlighting the balance between teaching, mentorship, and research in this role.
Most Important Skills for an Associate Professor of Special Education at The Ohio State University
To succeed in academia, strong writing and critical thinking skills are essential for tackling complex, evolving questions, translating real-world problems into research, and contributing to the scientific literature. A successful academic also needs adaptability, content knowledge in their field ("in my field, I'm interested in students with autism"), applied teaching experience, and a long-term vision to guide future research and advise others.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Associate Professor Of Special Education At The Ohio State University
Carly, an Associate Professor of Special Education, most enjoys the "flexibility" of academia, allowing involvement in diverse educational avenues—from classroom visits to higher education initiatives. The most rewarding aspect is mentoring future scholars and teachers, witnessing their growth "from start to finish" and celebrating their achievements.
Biggest Challenges for an Associate Professor of Special Education at Ohio State
Carly's biggest challenge as an Associate Professor is the inherent self-motivation required; the flexibility, while beneficial, necessitates "very intentional" boundary-setting to avoid the trap of always working and to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Education Industry As an Associate Professor of Special Education
Carly, an Associate Professor of Special Education, thrives on the diverse collaborations inherent in her field, "interfacing with all different types of collaborators," from policymakers to students with autism. The opportunity to mentor students and witness projects—like interventions for students with autism—"blossom from an idea to something that makes a difference" is equally rewarding.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Special Education Industry, According to an Ohio State Special Education Professor
Success in this field requires self-motivation, ambition, and resilience in the face of frequent rejection—"rejection happens a lot"—coupled with innovative thinking and a critical eye to evaluate information's validity and potential for replication. The ability to adapt to evolving technologies and view challenges as opportunities for growth is also crucial.
What A Special Education Professor At Ohio State University Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Higher Education Industry
Associate Professor Carly's career path highlights a key challenge in academia: limited job availability, requiring significant geographical flexibility. The need for this flexibility, something Carly wishes they had known earlier, impacted their career trajectory, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for a potentially mobile professional life.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Researchers At The Ohio State University
A great entry-level position for undergraduates interested in special education is a research assistant, a role Carly started with, noting "my very first publication was from an undergraduate research assistant position". This experience, even if unpaid and on a topic unrelated to current work, provided invaluable skills and insight into research processes, highlighting the broad applicability of such roles.
Significant Career Lesson From An Associate Professor Of Special Education At The Ohio State University
Carly, an Associate Professor of Special Education, learned that "comparison is the thief of joy," a lesson crucial in academia's competitive environment. Resisting the constant need to "prove" oneself and focusing on meaningful work, rather than solely resume-building, allows for satisfaction and a better work-life balance.
College Experiences That Helped a Professor at Ohio State Succeed
To prepare for a career in academia, Carly recommends undergraduates proactively seek out opportunities like volunteering and attending professors' office hours, even without needing academic assistance. This approach, Carly explains, allows for valuable networking and mentorship, noting "you never know when that relationship is going to turn into something else," ultimately shaping one's career trajectory.
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