What Are You Getting Into As a STEM College Professor?

Hello Science Fans!

I recently celebrated 15 years in the academe.

It’s been a long, bumpy, but fulfilling ride. I never really thought I would end up being a teacher in University. It was one of the career prospects that opened up after I realized I wanted to be a scientist and continue doing research in the Philippines.

But what can you expect from a career in the academe, specially in the field of STEM?

Find out the answer by reading this article or watching our video below:

But before I answer that using my experiences in science, let me first say hi to our new viewers.

My name is Chona and I’m your resident Filipina scientist.

I’m a researcher in the field of Molecular Ecology where I use patterns in the DNA of an organism to try and understand how it interacts with the environment.

I’m a teacher who learned to teach by doing and have taught senior high school to college to graduate students.

And SHE-ensya is my science communication channel where I try to share fun and real things about STEM to a wider audience.

So, what makes a career in the academe interesting?

A career in academia can be rewarding and fulfilling for those who are passionate about teaching, research, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. I wasn’t sure about teaching, since I was never really trained to do so, but I wanted to at least test out an opportunity where my research won’t have to be limited by a corporation’s profit margin.

Academia offers a stimulating environment where you can engage with new ideas, explore various fields of knowledge, and continuously learn and expand your intellectual horizons. Imagine, we have the chance to conduct original research in our chosen field, contribute to the creation of new knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to our discipline’s body of work. Awesome, right?

And even if we’re still struggling with imposter syndrome, many academics find joy in teaching and mentoring students. So we won’t have a lack of wise senior members of the department that we can learn from. And then, we also get to sharing our growing knowledge, guide our students’ growth, and witness their academic development. And this can be highly fulfilling.

We also have more control over our schedules and the direction of our work. This autonomy can allow for a better work-life balance and the freedom to pursue research interests that align with our passions. And even develop advocacies and passion projects — like SHE-ensya — on the side.

I’ve always said that it’s difficult to do good science alone. And academia provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues both within your institution and globally. Collaborative research projects and academic conferences facilitate networking and the exchange of ideas. Being part of an academic community provides a supportive environment where you can engage in intellectual discussions, debates, and collaborations with peers who share your interests. Academia also often provides access to research facilities, libraries, databases, and funding opportunities that can support your research endeavors, so you’re well-equipped to discovered new information and develop practical technologies to help solve some of the world’s pressing problems.

Academia encourages lifelong learning. You’ll be exposed to new ideas, methodologies, and research findings, keeping your mind sharp and your skills up to date. Publishing research papers is also a must. It allows us to contribute to the academic literature and help build the foundations on how we understand the world. To top it off, publishing can help you gain recognition in your field. Citations and impact can serve as markers of your influence within academia.

And eventually, tenure-track positions often provide a level of job security, ensuring that dedicated academics can continue their work without the constant pressure of contract renewals.

Cool, right? But it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. You have to be able to be resilient enough to face some difficulties.

The academic job market can be highly competitive, especially for tenure-track positions at prestigious institutions. Many qualified candidates vie for a limited number of positions. And though tenure-track positions offer job security after a probationary period, getting tenure requires meeting specific criteria, including research productivity and teaching effectiveness. Non-tenure-track positions may offer less job security.

And so, academics often juggle multiple responsibilities, including research, teaching, administrative duties, and committee work. Balancing these tasks can lead to long working hours and potential burnout. Publishing research papers in high impact peer-reviewed journals is crucial for career advancement in academia. The pressure to publish frequently can be stressful and time-consuming.

While teaching can be rewarding, it also presents challenges such as managing diverse student needs (and attitudes), grading assignments, and staying updated on effective teaching methodologies.

When it comes to research, securing research funding can be intensely competitive. Lack of funding can limit the scope and impact of research projects. And once you have a team of researchers, the responsibility to keep them afloat can lie heavily on your shoulders.

And when you’re feeling lost and overwhelmed, finding effective mentors can be challenging, particularly for early-career academics. Having supportive mentors is essential for career guidance and development. After all, research and writing can be solitary activities, leading to feelings of isolation. But collaborative projects and networking can help mitigate this challenge.

Note that the expectations for academics can change over time due to shifts in funding priorities, advancements in technology, and evolving academic trends. Keeping up with these changes can be challenging. Some institutions may heavily emphasize either research or teaching, leading to imbalances in workload and conflicting demands on time and energy.

To top it all off, many academics experience imposter syndrome, feeling that they are not as competent or accomplished as their peers perceive them to be. This can lead to self-doubt and reduced confidence.

Despite these challenges, many academics find ways to navigate and overcome difficulties while pursuing their passion for research and teaching. Finding your tribe of supportive colleagues, and mentors, and pursuing professional development opportunities can help you address these challenges and thrive in academia.

So, if you have a college degree in the field that you wish to pursue, you might want to start your graduate degree. Get as much exposure to research through internships or contractual engagements as a research associate in funded projects. Write those papers and present them in conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals. It takes a lot of practice to get better, and also to develop a thick skin for the usual levels of rejection we get in our career.

If you already have a Masters or a PhD, jump in. Most people who have a Masters degree will be given part time teaching positions until they get a PhD. Tenure tracks have a 1-3 year probationary period where you’re supposed to showcase your strengths as an educator and a researcher.

Persistence, dedication, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for your field of study are essential qualities for success. Additionally, it’s important to stay adaptable and open to different types of academic roles, as the landscape of academia may vary based on your discipline and the institutions you’re interested in.

But what do you think? Is a career in academia for you? What other STEM careers do you think would be interesting?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thank you so much for dropping by!

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.

And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!