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.
Career Exploration, Higher Education, Graduate School, Resilience, Self-Reflection
Advizer Information
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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. Self-reflection is crucial before entering a PhD program or a professorship. Knowing your motivations and goals will help you navigate the challenges and maintain a positive outlook.
2. PhD programs are highly competitive environments; having a strong sense of self and purpose is essential to succeed.
3. Prioritize student well-being in teaching; ensure your motivations align with this focus to prevent negative impacts on your students.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I think the advice I would give to anybody applies more to going to graduate school than necessarily specifically for this position. And that is that you need to be sure you know exactly what it is that you're interested in and why it is that you're going.
I think that easily applies to being a professor as well. So, what is it that I want out of this position? Who am I, and why am I here?
This is because when you go to graduate school, specifically a PhD program, it's a very overwhelming experience. You are literally being compared to everybody else.
This violates all of the self-love, "don't judge yourself according to other people" mantras that we try to teach people now. You go to a PhD program, and that's not the case; it's 100% opposite of that.
You need to have a very clear and strong view of who you are and why you're there in order to make it through in a healthy and positive way.
Then, when it comes to being a professor, it's the same thing. I need to make sure that I'm here for the benefit of my students, and that that's what's primary. So that I don't let—I'm not here for the wrong reason, so I don't let some other negative thing come into my teaching that would affect my students poorly.
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