My Journey to a Successful Third Year Review

Some PhD candidates upon graduation work towards going down different paths. Those paths could include academia, industry, entrepreneurship or some other line of work.

Since beginning graduate school I had a strong desire to impact my community through obtaining a tenure-track position. However, my journey to academia was not traditional. I started off as a lecturer. During this time I was able to hone in more on my teaching skills and understand academic life.

About a year and half later I transitioned over to a tenure-track position. I hope to share my top five gems during that time to help me have a successful third review.

GEM 1: During your first year spend time learning about your University.

All universities are not created equal. I like to say they each have their own culture, rituals, processes, and protocols. You cannot operate the same as your current institution. Starting off with a beginners mindset will help you to understand how to navigate your new environment. One of the first people you should meet is your administrative assistant they will have an answer to all your questions. I think of them as the gatekeepers. Following this path will help lessen the stress that you might experience during the first year.

GEM 2: Don't put a lot of stress on yourself to perform automatically.

Once you have graduated you are rearing to go in your new position. You are excited about teaching and getting started on your research program. You are ready to impart into your students. You have your first meeting with your chair and possibly even talk to some of your new colleagues in your specific department and other departments. Then all of a sudden you start this comparison game or begin to put these expectation on yourself as a first year faculty. Let me assure you that you will do what you need to do as the years go by. The first year may not seem productive in the areas deemed important for this process. However, if you can find your way around your campus, make it through your first semester teaching, and trying to do something related to research you have already won. It takes enough to get comfortable being in a new environment so give yourself grace.

GEM 3: Create plans for each part of your tenure journey.

It is so important to have a written plan when walking through your tenure journey. You can create one on your own or seek out guidance from a mentor. But be clear that your tenure plan speaks to who you are as a person. Pursue what drives and sparks you this will help to make the process fun. Of course enjoy the process you have been for this moment do not let the day to day make you lose focus.

GEM 4: Document everything you do.

When you finally get to the point to submit your review this gem is golden. You will need to recall so many different things you have done and have documentation of those things happening. Start off early developing a system to keep track of your process. You can think of this almost like a photo album you want to be able to look back when you first started to have a record of everything you have accomplished.

GEM 5: Networking is key to thriving.

Last but not least start building your network from day one. At each point in your journey you will need to call people that have various backgrounds and expertise to walk through this journey with you. But you should also be ready to do the same. There is power in peer networks use them to your advantage.

For more tips or to learn more sign up for my Early Career Faculty Webinar Series below.