Jobs in Academia---A Different Process

Quick book update - Napp finished his manuscript and sent it to his publisher last night! Woo-hoo!

Napp suggested that I write a post about the differences between finding a job in academia as opposed to finding a job in almost any other field. Instead of really exploring differences, I'm just going to describe the job market process for professors.

• Ideally, professors who are on the job market start their search in August for the FOLLOWING August. So to get the best jump on a position, one must apply for it a year in advance. This is one reason why the news from CSU was such a blow...it came very late in the job market season even though we were told the decision was actually made several months ago.

• Having friends in high places doesn't exactly work like it does in other fields. For instance, Napp has lots of connections at the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, and various other schools. But it matters little who you know at a particular school as far as increasing your chances of employment there. However having excellent letters of recommendation from those reputable in the field can work in ones favor. Also, schools seldom hire their alumni as professors. It's funny because being a Houghton College Alumni would most likely give me an edge over non alumni if I were applying for a PR ob at my beloved Alma Matter. However, UF would not hire Napp at this point in his career because it is viewed as academic inbreeding.
  

• Professors only apply to universities that are hiring and only for positions that fit them. I know in PR it is considered advantageous to contact firms to see if they were hiring in the future and it never hurt to send in a resume for them to keep on file. But there is no reason to do that in academia. It just doesn't work that way. And when schools are hiring they are looking for very specific classes.

• To find jobs, Napp wouldn't look in the paper or call different schools to see if there are opportunities. Instead there are specific hiring sites for professors that Napp subscribes to. If there is a position available at a school in the US, Napp will know about it.
  

• We often get asked why Napp won't teach in a community college. In a community college, Napp would be teaching the same class over and over and not be given enough room for growth, research or the opportunity to work with grad students.

• We're also often asked where Napp would like to teach. He would like to stay along the east coast but will consider other positions of course. Ideally he thinks he would best fit at a Liberal Arts college that has high academic standards and a selective admission process.

I hope that information is helpful. While it is late for Napp to be on the job market, we are confident that the Lord will provide.