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.
Higher Education, Time Management, Work-Life Balance, Professional Development, Campus Politics
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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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
Spanish & Other Languages, Political Science, American Studies
Education
Education
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Navigating a new institution: Kiku highlights the challenges of adapting to new policies, procedures, and campus dynamics after starting a new position.
2. Balancing numerous opportunities: The abundance of programs and collaborations at the university presents a challenge of effectively managing time and avoiding overcommitment.
3. Time management and work-life balance: The flexibility inherent in an academic position requires careful time management to prevent burnout, necessitating strategies to balance work and personal life.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
My biggest challenge right now is that I am relatively new to the institution. I just started last year, and my biggest challenge is learning how things are done here. It's not that I don't know how to teach; it's just that when you start a new position, there are different policies and procedures, and you're figuring out who does what on campus. That's just part of the learning curve I'm working through.
Secondly, as I'm learning about all the opportunities on this campus, there's so much to do. This is a good thing, but there are so many different programs I want to be involved with and so many people I want to work with. It's very easy to overschedule myself because I'm so excited.
Thirdly, the biggest challenge is just that it comes with the territory of being a professor. I also said this is one of the best things, but it's the flexibility. Chronically over-scheduling means I also have the flexibility to be working on weekends a lot. This can be challenging, especially if you need to make sure you have downtime so you don't get burnt out.
It's a balancing act, learning how to balance taking on these new roles and new programs that I'm excited to be a part of. I am my own limiter. So, being sure I can handle that space and my time well is probably one of the biggest challenges.
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