Ten Things I Wish I Knew in My First Year as Tenure-Track Faculty
By Sarah J. Donovan
Making the leap from K-12 teaching to a tenure-track faculty position is an exciting yet daunting journey. In this video, I’m reflecting on my first year as a tenure-track professor and sharing ten things I wish I had known when I started — with the benefit of 5 years hindsight.
If you are starting a new job in higher ed, this is for you. If you’re transitioning from the classroom to the university, or just curious about the academic world, this video is for you.
From settling into campus life to balancing work and personal time, I’ll walk you through the lessons I’ve learned and offer advice on how to navigate your first year with confidence and clarity. Let’s dive into what I would do differently if I could start all over again!
Key Ideas
- Number one: Live on campus for the first year. Moving to a new town and starting a new job can be overwhelming. Living on campus helps you get familiar with the university environment and makes it easier to attend events, meet colleagues, and integrate into the community
- Number two: After that first year, consider buying a house in the city. Once you’re settled, you’ll realize you don’t need to be on campus as much. Plus, living in the city allows you to engage more with local schools and communities, which is great for building partnerships and conducting research.
- Number three: Embrace the flexibility of not having to be in the office all the time. Much of your work as a tenure-track professor involves research and writing, which can be done from anywhere. Take advantage of this flexibility to create a work environment that suits you best.
- Number four: Set up a dedicated home office. Having a comfortable and organized workspace at home is essential for productivity. Invest in good furniture, proper lighting, and all the tools you need to create an efficient work environment.
- Number five: Balance work and personal life. It’s easy to let work consume you, especially when you’re passionate about your research and teaching. Set clear boundaries and make time for hobbies, exercise, and spending time with loved ones.
- Number six: Build a support network. Connect with other faculty members, join professional organizations, and attend conferences. These connections will provide valuable support, advice, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Number seven: Understand the tenure requirements and start working towards them early. Know what is expected in terms of research, publications, and service. Create a plan and set milestones to ensure you’re on track.
- Number eight: Engage with students. Building strong relationships with your students can enhance your teaching and provide valuable insights for your research. Be approachable, offer mentorship, and create an inclusive classroom environment.
- Number nine: Leverage technology to enhance your work. Use digital tools for research, teaching, and collaboration. Platforms like Google Scholar, Trello, and Zoom can make your work more efficient and help you stay connected with colleagues and students.
- Number ten: Stay adaptable and positive. The transition from K-12 to higher education can be challenging, but being flexible and maintaining a positive attitude will help you navigate any obstacles. Remember, it’s a journey, and every step is a learning experience.