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Kiku, Assistant Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University: Advize Career Interview
A career in academia, as exemplified by an Assistant Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University, offers a dynamic and fulfilling path.
This individual's journey, marked by a non-linear progression from a double major in political science and Spanish to graduate studies and seminary, highlights the value of diverse experiences.
The daily responsibilities involve teaching, mentoring, research, and departmental contributions, demanding strong time management and communication skills.
The most rewarding aspects include the unpredictable nature of teaching and continuous learning opportunities, while the challenges center on navigating institutional structures and balancing competing demands.
Advice for aspiring academics includes self-awareness, a passion for teaching or research, and seeking research or teaching assistant positions to gain experience. Effective communication is paramount for success.
This career path emphasizes continuous learning and a commitment to student success, offering a unique blend of intellectual stimulation and community engagement.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Kiku Huckle
Assistant Professor of Political Science
California Lutheran University
Western Washington University, 2000
MATS - George Fox Evangelical Seminary; MA - Political Science, Villanova; MA and PhD Political Science - University of Washington
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Spanish & Other Languages, Political Science, American Studies
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
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Career Path of a Political Science Professor at California Lutheran University
Kiku's career path was non-linear, starting with a double major in political science and Spanish, followed by an internship in Mexico and unrelated jobs before pursuing graduate studies. The decision to attend seminary at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, to deepen their understanding of religion before researching "how religion influences different countries' government," ultimately led to a PhD in political science and their current position as an Assistant Professor.
Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University
Kiku's main responsibilities as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University center around "students and what it is that they need," encompassing teaching, mentoring, and advising, alongside departmental organization and curriculum development. The position also involves a robust research agenda focusing on "religion and politics, um, and also race politics," with Kiku actively involving students in their research projects.
A Day In The Life Of An Assistant Professor Of Political Science At California Lutheran University
A typical day for Kiku, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, varies greatly; class days involve "running from class to class" with interspersed student meetings, while non-class days often feature campus meetings or dedicated time at home for grading, research, and collaboration on projects. The flexibility between on-campus and remote work allows for a balance between teaching responsibilities and scholarly pursuits.
Most Important Skills for a Political Science Assistant Professor at California Lutheran University
For a successful career as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, strong time management skills are crucial to juggle competing demands, prioritizing tasks while avoiding "letting other things off the plate," such as research. Equally important is effective communication, vital not only for conveying expectations and course content but also for building relationships with colleagues and students to foster collaboration and improve the university community.
Favorite Parts of Being a Political Science Professor at Cal Lutheran
Kiku, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, most enjoys the unpredictable dynamism of teaching, stating "you never know what they're gonna come up with," and cherishes the opportunity to witness student engagement and creativity. The flexible schedule, allowing for personal appointments and student needs, also provides a fulfilling work-life balance not found in typical nine-to-five roles.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Assistant Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University
Kiku's biggest challenge as a new Assistant Professor is navigating the learning curve of a new institution, including "figuring out who does what on campus," while simultaneously managing the abundance of exciting opportunities and avoiding overcommitment. The flexibility inherent in the role, while a positive aspect, necessitates careful time management to prevent burnout.
Favorite Parts of Working in Academia as an Assistant Professor of Political Science
Kiku, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, thrives on the continuous learning inherent in the profession, stating, "I'm always learning," whether through teaching, research, or attending conferences. This constant exposure to new challenges and diverse perspectives is what Kiku finds most fulfilling about their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Academia Industry, According To An Assistant Professor Of Political Science At California Lutheran University
Success in academia, according to Assistant Professor Kiku, hinges on a duality: research-focused institutions prioritize "self-motivation, good time management, and curiosity," while teaching institutions value a passion for "the act of teaching and being in the classroom." Ideally, a successful professor blends both, exhibiting strong research drive alongside a deep commitment to student success.
What an Assistant Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Political Science Industry
Kiku's insightful advice for aspiring professors centers on self-awareness: "you need to be sure you know exactly what it is that you're interested in and why," emphasizing the importance of a strong sense of self to navigate the competitive PhD process and maintain a student-centered approach to teaching, avoiding negativity affecting their work. The intense pressure of graduate school necessitates a clear understanding of one's motivations and goals for a healthy and positive experience.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Political Science Professors
For undergraduate students interested in academia, Kiku, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, suggests seeking "research positions," such as research assistant roles, to gain experience in "conducting, write-up, and presentation" of research—a crucial step for professorships. Additionally, teaching assistant or tutoring positions offer valuable early exposure to teaching and student support, helping one determine if a career in academia is a good fit.
Significant Career Lesson From An Assistant Professor Of Political Science At Cal Lutheran University
The most significant lesson learned by the Assistant Professor of Political Science is that effective communication is paramount, regardless of the setting; "it doesn't matter what I think I said...If that is not received, then I didn't do as good of a job as I thought," impacting research, writing, and classroom teaching, particularly when addressing sensitive topics like race, religion, and politics. This necessitates constant self-reflection and refinement of communication strategies to ensure intended messages are clearly conveyed.
College Experiences That Helped An Assistant Professor Of Political Science At California Lutheran University Succeed
To prepare for a career in academia, Kiku pursued a broad undergraduate education, taking "a broad array of courses" to explore interests and build a strong foundation. Leadership roles in student organizations and study abroad experiences in Mexico fostered confidence, self-awareness, and valuable organizational skills—insights that shaped their career trajectory and continue to inform their approach to work and community building.
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