Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Assistant Professors Of Organizational Psychology
Dr.'s extensive background in higher education minimized surprises in the Assistant Professor role; however, the hierarchical nature of academia, with "stringent structure" and varying opportunities based on rank, was a notable aspect. Regarding applied organizational psychology work, the unexpected nature of projects required adaptability and a willingness to "shift and change as needed."
Higher Education, Organizational Psychology, Academic Career, Applied Research, Work-Life Balance
Advizer Information
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Company
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Dr. Neesha Daulat
Assistant Professor of Organizational Psychology
William James College
University of San Diego, 2013
Masters in Education - University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Masters & PhD in Positive Organizational Psychology - Claremont Graduate University
Biology & Related Sciences
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Higher education can be hierarchical, with publishing expectations impacting career progression. Early-career professionals may have fewer opportunities than senior colleagues. Researching departments and faculty teams before accepting a position is crucial.
2. The reality of consulting and applied work in organizational psychology may differ from initial expectations. Flexibility and adaptability are essential skills to navigate unexpected situations and outcomes.
3. Prior experience in higher education settings (teaching assistant, graduate school) can provide valuable context and reduce surprises when entering a professorship.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I don't think there's anything in particular I wish I had known. I've spent a lot of time teaching, and I've also spent six years in grad school. So I know what higher education is like.
I was a teaching assistant in grad school, so there's nothing I see that I wish someone had shared with me. That's probably because of the experiences I've had.
In general, whoever becomes a professor has spent time in higher education. So when they get to their own role, there's less surprise.
What I will say about higher education is that it can be a little hierarchical. There's a bureaucratic or stringent structure where you're expected to publish a certain number of papers. If you don't, you won't get promoted.
People with higher rank tend to have more opportunities. Those earlier in their careers may have less, but that differs depending on the academic institution and how the faculty team works together. That's why I suggested doing your groundwork and assessing if it's a department or faculty team you'd want to be a part of.
In terms of organizational psychology, the one thing I wish I had known before doing more consulting and applied work is that sometimes things don't go as you imagine. You need to be open-minded about how things may turn out and be able to shift and adapt as needed.
That will obviously come with practice and more time spent doing applied or practitioner work in the field.