Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Associate Professors
Iñigo, an Associate Professor, cautions against directly pursuing a professorship without careful consideration, noting that "it's a very specific kind of work" with a lengthy PhD process and uncertain job prospects afterward. Instead, Iñigo suggests exploring the field via research assistant roles to gain "exposure to what a profession does," advising prospective students to network with current PhD students and professors to make informed decisions.
Higher Education, Academic Research, Research Assistant, PhD Programs, Career Paths
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Iñigo
Associate Professor
IESE Business School
University of Barcelona, 2002
MBA, IESE Business School; PhD Anderson UCLA
Economics
Education
Education
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Consider a career as a research assistant (RA) to gain experience and exposure to the field.
2. Talk to current PhD students and professors to learn about their experiences and decide if this career path is right for you.
3. A PhD in this field is a significant commitment (5+ years) with no guarantee of a job after completion; carefully consider your options before pursuing this path.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider pursuing?
I think if someone is considering a future as a professor, they should really think about it. It's a very specific kind of work.
A PhD takes five years. After completing it, depending on the field, finding a job elsewhere isn't always straightforward.
Therefore, I encourage you to consider this path very carefully before committing.
One way to get exposure is to work as a research assistant at a good institution. This will give you insight into what a professor does and their daily life.
I also recommend talking to people currently in PhD programs and those who have recently graduated and are now assistant or associate professors. Learn from their experiences and make your own informed decision.
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