Professor jobs seem to have a higher status symbol than ordinary teaching jobs, but they are still teaching jobs. In order to be hired as a professor at a college or university, you should hold a Ph.D degree. This requires a commitment of staying in school for an additional six to eight years after you receive your initial Bachelor’s degree. You should also have a high grade point average in your first degree so that you can graduate with an Honors degree. In order to be admitted to a Master’s degree program, you do need to have at least a B average in your major concentration. Therefore, you need to know when you start university that you aspire to eventually become a professor. All universities have advisory staff that will help you in choosing the right courses leading to the doctorate degree.
After you obtain your Master’s degree, you can start at the bottom of the chain as a teacher assistant or lecturer. This will give you an insight as to what the work environment is like and give you experience that you can use on your resume when you apply for professor jobs. As a teacher assistant you will have a myriad of responsibilities, such as teaching classes, preparing handouts for class, writing exam questions, answering mail and dealing with students’ problems. You can obtain permission from the professor to give guest lectures to the students or help out in class by team teaching with the professor.
One of the main things the faculty hiring committee looks for when filling professor jobs is candidates who have published reports or have done research. This is something you can consider during the course of obtaining your Master’s and doctorate degrees. You will also have to complete a fellowship as part of your doctoral degree and publish scholarly writings as part of this two-year period. Choose topics for your theses and other writings that will make those in the higher echelons of the university sit up and take notice. The hiring committee will also look at your teaching credentials. During the spring and summer semesters, it is easier to get teaching positions at universities. This is the prime time for you to apply for a position, which will not only give you experience but also allow you to get to know the faculty of your subject area.
When you apply for professor jobs, don’t limit yourself to one university, unless there is a reason you cannot move from where you live. Consider universities all over the country and even out of the country who are looking for professors in your area of concentration. This broadens your chances of getting the job of teaching in a university, even though it may not be your first choice. With experience under your belt, you can then apply for positions when they become available at your favorite university.
While applying for professor jobs and even during your career, keep writing scholarly papers. This is one way to get your name recognized by all universities and have them clambering for you to join their faculty.
