David, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Mt. San Jacinto College: Advize Career Interview
An interview with David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, reveals a fascinating journey from struggling student to seasoned educator.
The path included an internship at Western Digital, navigating community colleges, and ultimately finding a passion for interpersonal communication at Cal State Long Beach.
Responsibilities include teaching, chairing the professional development committee, and mentoring students. A typical day involves meticulous class preparation, student interaction, and adapting to changing educational landscapes.
Essential skills encompass communication, management, technology, and critical thinking. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing student success, while challenges include managing interpersonal conflicts and a heavy workload.
Academia offers coveted autonomy. Individuals who are open-minded, possess critical thinking and communication skills, are organized, and excel at problem-solving thrive in this field.
A key lesson learned is the importance of embracing criticism for growth. Success is achieved through diligent financial and time management, treating education as a full-time job, and actively participating in college life.
Aspiring professors should consider TA positions and adjunct teaching roles to gain experience. This career promises intellectual stimulation, meaningful student engagement, and the freedom to shape the next generation of communicators.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
David Moss
Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Mt. San Jacinto College
Utah Technical College, BYU, Cal, State, Long Beach
Speech Communication, Cal. State., Long Beach, M.A., Education, Capella University, Ph.D.
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Communications
Education
Education
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
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Career Path of a Communication Professor at Mt San Jacinto College
David's career path began with an internship at Western Digital through Cipher Training and Development, where the experience involved "put[ting] together a health fair" and a presentation skills workshop which aligned with the interpersonal organizational communication major at Cal State Long Beach. Before finding the right fit, the interviewee initially struggled in high school, attended multiple community colleges, and changed majors several times at Cal State Long Beach, going from business to public administration before finding interpersonal communication which "was just really a nice fit."
Main Responsibilities of an Associate Communication Studies Professor at Mt San Jacinto College
David's responsibilities as a community college professor at Mt. San Jacinto College have evolved over time, from previously serving as department sheriff overseeing hiring, scheduling, budgeting, and the communication lab, to currently chairing the professional development committee and teaching six writing classes across various modalities, requiring significant preparation and management. Also "involved with" the mentoring committee, David plans and schedules an honors workshop "every" semester, highlighting commitment to the college.
A Day In The Life Of A Communication Studies Professor At Mt San Jacinto College
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, spends days on campus prepping for classes by reviewing the syllabus, planning activities, and preparing for potential issues, emphasizing the importance of always having "a plan B," while also dedicating time to student communication through emails, announcements, and both face-to-face and virtual office hours. Pandemic changes have led to hybrid formats; a professor's work includes looking "down the road" with advance planning in order to avoid the "scrambling" that occurs when one does not.
Most Important Skills for a Professor at Mt San Jacinto College
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, emphasizes that "communication skills are super important" for effectively interacting with students, fostering rapport, and generally succeeding in the role. Furthermore, management and organizational skills, technical skills (especially related to online teaching and emerging technologies like AI), and critical thinking abilities are also crucial for excelling as a professor.
Favorite Parts of Being an Associate Professor at Mt. San Jacinto College
David, as an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, most enjoys the interaction with students and witnessing their success; for David, "there's nothing that makes [them] feel better" than when a student demonstrates understanding and can apply the course concepts to their life, closing the "disconnect between...theory and concepts" and practical application.
Biggest Challenges for an Associate Professor at Mt. San Jacinto College
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, finds interpersonal conflicts and managing a heavy workload to be his biggest challenges, leading to frustration and the need to proactively "say no on certain things" to avoid being overburdened. A key part of managing the challenges is "making sure that I...don't take on too much and I manage myself wisely," prioritizing organization and health to effectively handle the demands of the role.
Favorite Parts Of Working In Education As An Associate Professor
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, enjoys the "autonomy" in academia, specifically the freedom to teach with independence and creativity within certain guidelines. This allows for innovation in the classroom, a stark contrast to past roles where one felt constantly under a "micro microscope."
Who Thrives In Education According To A Communication Professor At MSJC
David, as an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, believes that individuals who thrive in the field are "open-minded," possess "good critical thinking" and communication skills, are organized, and excel at problem-solving, with the ability to "work well with others" being especially crucial in a collaborative environment. In addition, they must have the ability to "evaluate, analyze, and synthesize information," which are core tenants in communication studies.
What an Associate Professor at Mt. San Jacinto College Wishes They Had Known
David wishes someone had told them to take education more seriously earlier in life. As a Communication Studies professor, David reflects that not taking high school seriously initially led to needing to "make up for that" with "a lot of education," advising current students to "wake up a little bit more" and focus on academics instead of less productive activities.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Communication Studies Professors
For aspiring communication studies professors, gaining experience as a TA and then "put[ting] in...time as a part-timer" teaching at multiple colleges as an adjunct is key, and Cal State San Diego's Sadica fellowship program offers another avenue to gain experience as an intern with a full-time professor. Working as an adjunct allows for exposure to "different campuses" but may be challenging due to lack of benefits.
Significant Career Lesson From A Professor At Mt San Jacinto College
David, an Associate Professor of Communication Studies, emphasizes the importance of being open to criticism in teaching, stating that one must "be able to take criticism wisely and use it well" to improve. By actively soliciting feedback from students on areas for improvement, David believes that instructors can "develop and become a better instructor" through adaptation and change.
College Experiences That Helped A Professor At San Jacinto College Succeed
To succeed in college and pave the way for a career, David emphasizes the importance of managing finances and time wisely, stating that it's crucial to treat education "just like a full-time job" by planning, preparing, and allocating sufficient study hours daily, which includes seeking help when needed to develop better study or writing habits. Furthermore, David recommends doing "the extra things" by getting involved in committees or college events, especially for those aspiring to become professors, as this demonstrates commitment beyond the classroom and makes a candidate stand out.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/david-moss-ph-d-39171419, www1.msjc.edu/instructor/emoss/