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Robert, Faculty at Chandler Gilberty Community College: Advize Career Interview
A career in post-secondary education offers a unique blend of intellectual stimulation and work-life balance, as evidenced by Robert's experience at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
The role involves a dynamic mix of teaching, curriculum development, and connecting with students from diverse backgrounds, requiring strong time management and interpersonal skills.
While a heavy teaching load and under-resourcing present challenges, the rewards—witnessing student growth, fostering personal passions, and enjoying significant flexibility—are substantial.
A passion for learning and sharing knowledge is key, and experience in tutoring, research, or mentoring can provide a strong foundation.
The path is not always linear; a willingness to experiment, learn from setbacks, and prioritize well-being is crucial for success in this fulfilling career.
Aspiring educators should not hesitate to explore options and develop a strategic approach to career planning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Robert Soza
Faculty
Chandler Gilberty Community College
Arizona State University
UC Berkeley, Dept. of Ethnic Studies, PhD
Humanities, English, Writing & Education
Education
Education
HSI Grad, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path of a Faculty at Chandler Gilbert Community College
Robert's interest in post-secondary instruction stemmed from enjoying "the classroom dynamic" and the academic calendar's "strong work-life balance," which allowed for both "nonstop learning" and breaks. Their undergraduate experience heavily involved on-campus tutoring, providing valuable "pre-professionalization" in the field.
Main Responsibilities of a Faculty Member at Chandler Gilberty Community College
Robert's main responsibilities at Chandler-Gilbert Community College include a "pretty heavy" teaching load of five courses per semester, encompassing curriculum development and grading, but a significant aspect of Robert's career has been adapting to evolving student needs, learning "how to connect with a different generation" since the 1990s and noting the impact of the pandemic on student learning.
A Day In The Life Of A Faculty Member At Chandler Gilberty Community College
A college faculty member's daily routine varies greatly, from intensely grading "a hundred papers in four days" to leisurely preparing classes by "reading a novel, maybe reading poetry, maybe watching a movie two or three times," or even enjoying days with "no responsibilities" and time for personal pursuits. The job offers both the rewarding experience of "working directly with students" and the flexibility to maintain a "high quality of life."
Most Important Skills for Faculty at Chandler Gilbert Community College
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, emphasizes that effective time management is crucial due to the independent nature of the role, stating that "when there's a lot of freedom, there's a lot of personal accountability." Equally important are strong interpersonal skills, necessary for navigating the diverse needs of "a hundred different students" and conveying accountability "in a way that's motivating, but not mean."
Favorite Parts of Being Faculty at Chandler Gilberty Community College
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, most enjoys witnessing students discover their passions, even if it means deviating from traditional academic paths. A memorable example involved a student who, after Robert's encouragement to pursue their love for working at Home Depot, found fulfillment outside the classroom, highlighting Robert's focus on "connect[ing] with students on a personal level and help[ing] them…reach their goals," whether that involves school or not.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Faculty At Chandler Gilberty Community College
Robert's biggest challenge as a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College is the under-resourcing of education, leading to heartbreaking situations where students must withdraw due to financial pressures; this lack of support, exacerbated by a "low tax environment," prevents students from succeeding, highlighting a societal failure to prioritize student needs above political considerations.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Education Industry As A Faculty
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, most enjoys the "best job in the world" due to its excellent work-life balance, allowing ample time for "self-care" and travel. The rewarding aspect of "working with students" and witnessing their academic growth from "a mess" to "well-conceived and well-written" projects is equally fulfilling.
Who Thrives In Education, Says A Faculty At Chandler Gilbert College
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, finds that successful community college teachers aren't defined by a specific personality type, but rather by "a passion for learning and sharing knowledge," which allows them to engage students effectively despite lacking the fame and accolades of colleagues at research universities. This passion, he explains, is key to their success.
What A Faculty Member At Chandler Gilbert Community College Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Education Industry
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, wishes someone had emphasized the importance of saying "no" early in their career, to avoid burnout from overcommitment, advising that "it's okay to say no" and prioritize "the things they want to do" for a healthy work-life balance. A strong teaching and service record, achieved by focusing on quality over quantity, is sufficient for career advancement.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Faculty at Chandler Gilberty Community College
While entry-level community college faculty positions typically require a master's degree and post-secondary teaching experience, Robert suggests undergraduates can build relevant experience through "tutoring, undergraduate research, mentoring," and participation in summer bridge programs to demonstrate "a longitudinal commitment to teaching and student success." These experiences can help prepare aspiring community college faculty for a career in higher education.
Significant Career Lesson from Faculty at Chandler Gilbert Community College
Robert's significant career lesson is that "failure is rewarded" in higher education, where experimentation and initiative are valued. This realization led Robert from initial timidity to embracing ambitious projects, accepting that not all "dreams or experiments work out," yet finding institutional support for genuine effort and good intentions.
College Experiences That Helped Faculty at Chandler Gilbert Community College Succeed
Robert, a faculty member at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, reflects on their undergraduate experience, acknowledging a heavy workload that prioritized graduate school admission over enjoying the undergraduate years, advising students to "put the book down, go to a party". The most insightful part of their approach involved observing teaching styles and classroom dynamics, a strategy that proved valuable in their career path toward post-secondary teaching.
How Identity Has Influenced a Faculty Member's Career at Chandler Gilberty Community College
Robert, a Chicano faculty member, reflects on navigating higher education, initially approaching racial issues with "militancy," believing "sometimes you have to drop some bombs." However, Robert wishes they had developed more strategic approaches to advocacy, prioritizing collaboration towards student success while still being "unapologetically Chicano," and finding ways to "take space, hold space" constructively rather than solely through conflict.
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