Career Path of a Professor at CSU Long Beach
Herman's path to professorship was unexpected, initially aiming for data analytics after enjoying being a TA in undergrad while juggling jobs like "valet...pizza delivery...and working at a car wash" to afford college in Southern California. A part-time teaching opportunity at CSU Long Beach unexpectedly "opened up so many more doors," leading to a full-time tenure track position at Golden West College, consulting work for the city of Long Beach, and ongoing teaching at CSU Long Beach.
Higher Education, Economics, Consulting, Teaching, Data Analysis
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Herman Singh
Professor
CSU Long Beach
CSU Long Beach
Economics
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Experience as a TA (Teaching Assistant) in undergrad was a pivotal and enjoyable experience, highlighting the fulfillment in helping students.
2. Transitioned from a goal in data analytics to academia, starting with a part-time teaching position at Cal State Long Beach that opened doors and revealed a passion for teaching.
3. Currently balances roles as a tenure track professor at Golden West College, a professor at Cal State Long Beach, and a consultant for the city of Long Beach and the university's Office of Economic Research.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current title?
I got into teaching after grad school. I never imagined I would be a professor. My goal was to go into data analytics.
I was a TA in undergrad, and that was one of my favorite jobs. I enjoyed helping students while still being a student myself. It was rewarding to assist people in those situations.
At the same time, I was working as a valet in downtown Long Beach, delivering pizzas, and working at a car wash. I was very busy because I had bills to pay. College and living in Southern California are expensive.
After grad school, I applied to many professional positions. I was pleased when the department at Cal State Long Beach reached out. They needed to fill a class and asked if I would teach part-time.
Initially, I saw it as something to do while I looked for my "professional" jobs. I accepted the teaching position, and it opened many doors. I realized I wanted to continue teaching because it was fulfilling and offered other great qualities.
That's how my part-time teaching career began. I was later hired as a tenure-track professor at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California. I am full-time there.
I also teach at Cal State Long Beach. Additionally, I do consulting work for the city of Long Beach and through the university. Our economics department has an office called the Office of Economic Research.
We undertake consulting projects for the university, nonprofits, and organizations in the city or Southern California. We provide them with information on optimizing costs and similar matters.