The Academic Pitch (TAP) by AcademicJobs.com

FAQ: The Academic Pitch (TAP)

What is The Academic Pitch (TAP) and how does it work?

The Academic Pitch (TAP) is a platform on AcademicJobs.com that empowers academics to connect with opportunities by sharing their ideas, research, and expertise. It works by allowing users to create a TAP profile outlining their work and desired outcomes such as collaboration, investment, employment, or co-authorship. Users select who can see their profile and the posting goes live. Interested parties express interest, and the TAP creator decides how much information to release, creating a pathway to potential collaborations and opportunities.

Who is TAP for?

TAP is designed for academics of all ages and career stages, from young researchers to established professors. Anyone with knowledge, experience, and ideas to share within the academic and related professional sectors can benefit from the platform. It is suitable for individuals seeking to progress their careers, explore new ventures, or find collaborators.

What kind of opportunities can TAP facilitate?

TAP can facilitate a wide range of opportunities including: academic collaborations, co-authorships, securing research funding or investment, securing employment at institutions or companies, industry partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and other future opportunities within the academic or related industries. The possibilities are vast and are driven by the users' specific needs and goals.

How do I create a TAP profile?

To create a TAP profile, you begin by expressing your learned ideas on the AcademicJobs.com platform. Then you create settings on what you want from your TAP posting. Select who you want to see your profile and it goes live on the AcademicJobs.com TAP page. Your TAP profile should include your life's work, your current work, and where you want your career to go.

How does TAP encourage academics to step outside their comfort zone?

TAP encourages academics to proactively seek out opportunities rather than waiting for them to arise. By prompting individuals to clearly articulate their ideas and share their work, TAP combats career stagnation, fostering a mindset that one must put oneself and their ideas forward to create happiness and success. The platform encourages users to take ownership of their careers and embrace opportunities.

What is meant by “TAP someone on the shoulder” and why is that the core concept of this platform?

“Tapping someone on the shoulder” is a metaphor for reaching out to others with your ideas and engaging with potential opportunities. The “tap” is your profile on the TAP page of AcademicJobs.com. It is the core concept because it shifts from waiting to pro-actively seeking connections, collaborations, and career advancement. This is in line with the philosophy that you must ask for the opportunity, making your own chance at success.

What is the core message about personal responsibility emphasized in relation to TAP?

The platform strongly emphasizes personal responsibility in creating success. It underscores that life outcomes are determined by individual action and not external circumstances. The message, "If it is to be, it is up to me," highlights the need for individuals to actively pursue their goals and use TAP as a tool for creating opportunities.

Why should an academic consider using TAP?

An academic should consider using TAP to actively progress their career by sharing their expertise, connecting with others, and creating opportunities. It is a tool designed to help academics build their career through collaborations, partnerships, funding and other ventures by proactively presenting themselves to a wide audience. The platform encourages bravery and a mindset to proactively seek out success instead of waiting for it.

Academic CV Tips - an AcademicJobs.com Podcast

1. What is the primary purpose of a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the context of applying for faculty positions?

The primary purpose of a CV for faculty job applications is to provide a comprehensive summary of your academic credentials and professional accomplishments to a search committee. It aims to demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications and experience relevant to the specific position and institution, ultimately compelling the committee to invite you for an interview. Your CV should highlight your most significant achievements and tailor your "message" of accomplishments to align with the requirements and priorities of the particular job, department, and institution you are targeting.

2. What are the essential sections that should generally be included in a faculty job application CV?

While specific sections may vary slightly by discipline, most faculty job application CVs should include the following core components:

Contact Information: Your name, address, phone number, and professional email address. You may also include a website URL if you have one.

Education: A reverse chronological listing of all your degrees, including institution name, degree type, completion date (or expected completion date), dissertation/thesis title, and advisor's name (optional). You might also include relevant details like specializations or milestones.

Experience: Often divided into "Research Experience" and "Teaching Experience," this section details your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in each area, using action verbs and highlighting outcomes.

Publications and Presentations: A reverse chronological list of your scholarly output, potentially separated into peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, conference presentations, posters, and invited talks. Include works in progress if they are near completion.

Honors and Awards: A section showcasing any academic distinctions, grants, fellowships, and scholarships you have received. Briefly explain the significance of less common awards.

Research Interests: A concise statement outlining your current and future research directions. This should be credible and something you are prepared to discuss further.

References: Typically includes the names, titles, departments, institutions, and contact information (mailing address, phone number, email) of individuals who can speak to your qualifications and experience. Always ask for their permission beforehand.

3. How should I tailor my CV to a specific faculty job application?

Tailoring your CV involves carefully reviewing the job announcement and the institution's website to understand their specific requirements, priorities, and the type of institution (e.g., research-focused, liberal arts college). Based on this research, you should:

Prioritize relevant information: Emphasize the experiences, skills, publications, and interests that directly align with the job description.

Adjust section order: Place the most relevant sections towards the beginning of your CV. For example, postdocs might lead with "Current Research Experience" at research-intensive institutions.

Customize headings: Use headings that highlight the most pertinent aspects of your background for the specific position.

Quantify achievements: Whenever possible, use data and specific examples to demonstrate the impact of your work in your descriptions of experience.

Refine your "Research Interests" and "Teaching Competencies" sections: Ensure these sections clearly connect with the institution's mission and the department's focus.

4. What is the recommended formatting and layout for a faculty job application CV?

Clarity and readability are paramount in CV formatting. Key recommendations include:

Use a standard, easy-to-read font.

Maintain consistent formatting for headings, bullet points, dates, and other elements.

Employ clear and concise language, avoiding jargon where possible.

This AcademicJobs.com Podcast explains job tenure as the length of time an employee works for a single company, noting that long tenure is typically over five years. The article differentiates this from academic tenure, which is a promotion for professors providing job security after a probationary period demonstrating commitment to teaching and research. It outlines the advantages of job tenure, such as increased expertise, stability, and leave opportunities, alongside disadvantages like potential complacency and limited career advancement. The piece also mentions the average job tenure according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the varying eligibility requirements for academic tenure across institutions.

1. What is job tenure, and how is it generally defined?

Job tenure refers to the length of time an employee has worked for their current employer. Generally, employees who have worked for a company for more than five years are considered long-tenured, while those with less than five years are considered short-tenured. Therefore, a long tenure signifies a significant period of continuous employment with the same organization.

2. What is academic tenure, and what protections does it offer?

In academia, tenure is a form of promotion granted to professors who have demonstrated a commitment to teaching, research, and their institution over a probationary period, typically five to ten years. Receiving tenure provides academic job security, meaning the professor can only be terminated for a justifiable cause or under extreme circumstances, such as the discontinuation of their program.

3. What are the typical requirements for obtaining academic tenure in higher education?

The specific requirements for academic tenure vary by institution, as each has its own outlined procedures. However, common criteria include a period of dedicated service (typically 5-10 years), a strong record in teaching and research, and a demonstration of professional ethics and commitment to the institution. Completing a probationary period and receiving a formal letter of offer are also standard parts of the process. Importantly, long-term employment alone does not guarantee tenure; educators must actively meet specific performance and ethical standards.

4. Who is eligible for general job tenure versus academic tenure?

Anyone can achieve long job tenure by consistently performing well and remaining employed by their company. However, academic tenure is specifically for teaching and research positions within higher education institutions that follow a tenure track. Lecturers and adjunct professors, for example, typically do not follow a tenure track.

5. What are some key advantages for employees who achieve long job tenure?

Long job tenure offers several benefits. It often leads to greater expertise and deeper knowledge within the employee's field. It also provides increased job stability, as employers tend to value and retain long-term, reliable employees. Furthermore, tenured employees, particularly in academia, may have access to opportunities for professional or personal leave and greater academic freedom in their research and teaching.

6. What are some potential disadvantages or drawbacks associated with long job tenure?

Despite the benefits, long job tenure can also have disadvantages. One potential issue is performance complacency, where an employee may become too comfortable and less motivated to exceed expectations. Additionally, staying with one employer for an extended period might limit opportunities for career advancement or the exploration of different roles and industries where an individual might excel further.

Academic Jobs: Higher Education Career Platform

AcademicJobs.com is presented as a leading platform dedicated to connecting job seekers with opportunities in higher education and research, spanning teaching, research, and administrative roles across various countries. The site emphasizes its comprehensive listings, advanced search capabilities, and exclusive opportunities to simplify the job search for professionals in academia. It also aims to assist universities and research institutions in their recruitment processes by offering tools and access to a specialized talent pool. Beyond job postings, the platform features career resources and podcasts relevant to academic life and research. Overall, the resource serves as a central hub for both individuals seeking academic positions and institutions looking to hire.

1. What types of positions can I find on Academic Jobs?

Academic Jobs lists a comprehensive range of opportunities within higher education and research. This includes faculty positions such as Lecturers, Professors (at various levels), and Adjunct Professors, as well as research roles like Research Fellows and Postdoctoral positions. Additionally, the platform features administrative and staff roles within universities, covering areas like student services, human resources, finance, and campus operations, which constitute a significant portion (50%) of all academic jobs. Executive and HR positions within higher education institutions are also listed.

2. What makes Academic Jobs a useful platform for job seekers in academia?

Academic Jobs aims to simplify the job search process for professionals seeking careers in higher education and research. Key benefits include access to thousands of job postings, many of which are exclusive to the platform. The advanced search functionality allows users to filter roles based on their qualifications, location preferences, and career aspirations. Furthermore, the site provides career resources, including tips for crafting applications and succeeding in interviews, and offers personalized job alerts to keep users informed of new opportunities.

3. Does Academic Jobs only list positions in the United States?

No, while Academic Jobs has a significant presence in the United States, it also features job listings from universities and research institutions in various other countries. These include Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada. The platform also highlights top cities for university jobs across these regions and in Asia.

4. How can universities and research institutions benefit from using Academic Jobs for recruitment?

Academic Jobs provides universities and research institutions with a platform to efficiently reach a specialized talent pool within academia. The platform offers easy-to-use job posting tools, including a "Quick Job Post Technology," designed to streamline the recruitment process and ensure vacancies reach the right candidates quickly. Recruiters also benefit from advanced platform features like targeted outreach and robust filtering options, along with personalized support from the Academic Jobs team to help them find the most suitable candidates for their open positions.

5. I'm new to academia; can Academic Jobs help me find entry-level positions?

Yes, Academic Jobs caters to individuals at all stages of their academic careers, including those looking to enter higher education for the first time. The platform lists a variety of entry-level positions, such as Lecturer roles, Research Assistant positions, and various administrative staff roles within universities. By utilizing the search filters and exploring the different categories of jobs (e.g., Adjunct Professor, Lecturer, Administration), those new to academia can identify suitable opportunities.

Go to www.AcademicJobs.com

Academic Career Advancement: A Holistic Ranking System

AcademicJobs.com has launched "Academic Rankings," a new initiative to evaluate and celebrate higher education professionals. This system moves beyond traditional metrics like publications by using a proprietary algorithm that considers eight factors. These factors include recent and past publication impact, teaching performance via student feedback, public engagement, and the influence of professional networks. The goal is to acknowledge the diverse contributions of academics, reward their efforts, and provide a more comprehensive measure of their impact and engagement within the academic community. This ranking aims to serve as a gauge for employers, students, and collaborators, highlighting those actively contributing to excellence in higher education.

Moving Beyond Traditional Metrics: A key theme is the explicit intention to assess academics "beyond conventional metrics." This acknowledges the limitations of solely relying on publications and citations. The system aims to capture a "broader picture of an academic’s engagement, impact, and contributions to higher education."

Emphasis on Engagement and Impact: The ranking places significant value on an academic's active involvement within the academic sphere and their broader influence. It emphasizes "engagement and outward focus as much as pure academic success." This includes valuing collaborations, mentorship, public outreach, and the strength of professional networks.

Most Important Ideas and Facts:

Several key ideas and facts emerge from the description of the "Academic Rankings":

Purpose: The initiative seeks to "promote and celebrate those actively contributing to excellence in higher education" and serve as "a gauge for their employees, students and collaborators, past, present and future." This highlights a dual function: recognition for academics and a potential benchmark for various stakeholders.

Eight Key Metrics: The ranking is determined by an algorithm considering the following eight factors:

Current Purpose & Motivation: Reflects an academic's self-awareness and future goals.

Experience in your field and awards: Acknowledges the duration and recognition of an academic's career.

Publications – recent output & past impact: Evaluates both the volume of recent work (papers in the last two years, representing "recent academic engagement") and the significance of past work ("your most successful / cited academic paper/s").

Student Feedback (if applicable): Incorporates student evaluations of teaching.

Affiliate Influence – rankings of peers / collaborating institutions: Recognizes the impact of professional connections and institutional affiliations, acknowledging "the impact of positive professional and institutional linkages."

Willingness to engage publicly: Values outreach and visibility, emphasizing making oneself "accessible to your academic community." This reflects "the academic's willingness to promote yourself publically..."

Algorithm-Driven: The ranking "is algorithmically generated," suggesting an objective and data-driven process.

Nuance in Experience: The system allows for the possibility that "there is an opportunity for junior academics to identify why ‘achievement’ should outweigh years of experience in their case."

Dual Publication Evaluation: Publications are assessed through two lenses: recent productivity and the impact of highly cited work.

Importance of Professional Networks: The inclusion of "Affiliate Influence" explicitly acknowledges the value and impact of an academic's professional network and institutional collaborations.

Emphasis on Visibility: The "Willingness to engage publicly" metric underscores the increasing importance of academics being visible and contributing to broader discussions within their field and beyond.

University Employment: Benefits & Career Paths

AcademicJobs.com CEO Jarrod Kanizay's article outlines the advantages of university employment beyond professorial roles. It details various benefits such as transportation, generous time off, educational perks, networking, and access to campus facilities. The text further provides a step-by-step guide on securing a university job, starting with educational prerequisites and progressing through application strategies and advanced degree considerations. Finally, it encourages seeking diverse opportunities and highlighting qualifications to advance within academia.

1. Attractive Employee Benefits: The article highlights that university employees often enjoy benefits similar to students, creating a unique and appealing work environment.

Transportation: Universities frequently offer free shuttle services connecting the campus to surrounding areas and transportation hubs. As an employee, one can often utilize these services, providing a "reliable way to commute to work."

Time Off: Beyond standard paid time off (PTO), university employees typically align their vacations and holidays with the academic calendar, resulting in "long breaks during summer, winter and spring." Furthermore, universities tend to be "far more inclusive regarding the observance of federal and religious holidays," potentially offering "extra PTO that some traditional workplaces don't receive."

Education Benefits: A significant perk of university employment is access to educational opportunities. This often includes "tuition reimbursement and other similar benefits" for both full-time students and employees. Employees can frequently "take classes as a non-matriculated student for free," and networks of state schools expand these options.

Networking Opportunities: Universities serve as hubs for professionals and experts, fostering both formal and informal networking. "Besides the sponsored networking events and lectures, college campuses act as an informal meeting place for experts with valuable connections and insight."

Convenient On-Campus Facilities: Universities often provide access to a range of convenient facilities, including "child care, an athletic center and restaurants." Additionally, employees may benefit from access to "college housing, which can include off-campus apartments," and some universities even offer "to help employees with a down payment on their house if they're trying to live near campus."

2. Diverse Career Options Beyond Professorship: The article emphasizes that university employment is not limited to teaching positions. It highlights opportunities to "work with students one-on-one or in a non-educational context," encouraging individuals to consider a broader range of roles.

3. Strategic Steps to Secure University Employment: Kanizay outlines a multi-stage approach for individuals seeking jobs at a university:

Foundation: Obtaining a "high school diploma or GED equivalent" is the initial step for pursuing higher education, which can then open doors to university employment.

Bachelor's Degree: Pursuing "any type of bachelor's degree" is generally necessary. While some roles may require specific specializations, a bachelor's degree is often the entry point. Networking with administrators during this time can be beneficial.

Targeted Application: Actively "applying for relevant positions" is crucial. This includes exploring opportunities at one's own institution and other colleges in the area. University career development centers and professors can be valuable resources for identifying job openings.

Graduate Education: Enrolling in "graduate school" can significantly enhance career prospects. Many entry-level professional roles and teaching assistant positions are available to graduate students. Some positions, like residence director, may offer tuition benefits. A master's degree is often a prerequisite for aspiring tenured professors.

Find all university jobs at AcademicJobs.com

Professor Income: Diversifying Revenue Streams - an AcademicJobs.com podcast

This podcast from AcademicJobs.com highlights the financial realities many professors face, including varying incomes, high rates of part-time employment with lower pay, and significant student loan debt. To combat these challenges, the author suggests seven potential side hustles that professors can leverage based on their existing skills and expertise. These opportunities range from freelance writing and tutoring to consulting, podcasting, public speaking, tour guiding, and teaching workshops. The podcast advises professors to consider side income to improve their financial stability, while also reminding them to check their institution's policies regarding outside employment.

1. The Financial Challenges Facing Professors:

Income Variability: The article emphasizes that professor salaries differ significantly based on factors like employment status (adjunct vs. full-time), field of study, and location.

"Although a career as a professor is challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling on different levels, your income can vary."

Low Median Pay and Prevalence of Part-Time Positions: Despite a median pay of $80,560 in 2020 (according to BLS), a significant portion of college instructors earn considerably less due to part-time employment.

"The American Federation of Teachers 2020 survey report notes that 47% of college instructors hold part-time positions. About 25 percent of respondents made less than $25,000 and 35.3% earned between $25,001 and $50,000."

High Student Loan Debt: The pursuit of advanced degrees necessary for professorship often results in substantial student loan debt.

"According to the National Education Association (NEA), educators borrowed an average of $55,800."

Need for Supplemental Income: Given these financial realities, the article argues for the necessity of exploring "side hustles for professors for extra money."

2. Seven Proposed Side Hustles for Professors:

The article details seven specific avenues for professors to generate additional income, directly leveraging their existing skills and knowledge:

Freelance Writing: Professors can capitalize on their writing skills and subject matter expertise to write articles or blog posts for niche websites. Earnings can range from "$25 to $100 per blog post or up to $1 per word or more for an article."

Tutoring: Offering one-on-one tutoring services in their areas of expertise (e.g., English, Math) can provide a flexible income stream. Hourly rates can vary significantly, from "$14 to $60 per hour or more."

Consulting: Professors can leverage their professional skills and subject matter expertise to offer consultation services to businesses, nonprofits, or government entities. This can include proofreading, fact-checking, or providing insights based on their field. Hourly rates can range from "$25 to $80+ per hour."

Podcasting: Utilizing their strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge, professors can create podcasts to build their reputation and potentially earn through sponsorships, advertising, affiliate marketing, or listener support platforms like "BuyMeaCoffee or Patreon."

Public Speaking: Professors can get paid to speak at conferences, workshops, and special events on their areas of expertise. Earnings can range widely, from "$500 to $10,000 or more per session," depending on various factors.

Tour Guide: Leveraging their passion for teaching and local knowledge, professors in tourist-heavy areas can work as tour guides, earning around "$22 per hour" with potential for "$60+ in tips."

Teaching Workshops: Professors can offer workshops based on their skills and expertise at libraries, community organizations, or businesses, potentially earning "several hundred to thousands of dollars" depending on the context. They can also create online courses through platforms like Udemy.

Find jobs for professors at www.AcademicJobs.com

The text explains the difference between tenure-track and tenured positions in academia. Tenure-track is a probationary period (typically 5-7 years) where faculty demonstrate their abilities in teaching, research, and service to earn tenure. Tenure is a permanent position providing job security and academic freedom, allowing professors to pursue their work without fear of dismissal for unpopular views. Both are crucial for maintaining academic excellence and protecting intellectual freedom, but differ significantly in job security and pressure levels. The text details the expectations, review processes, and benefits associated with each position.