Becoming a Professional 101 John DeLamater University of Wisconsin-Madison
SSSS, November 2010 Disclaimers! This is (only) one perspective. I am in an academic setting.
SSSS, November 2010 Goals Maximize person-role fit Optimize investment of time and energy
SSSS, November 2010 Where are you headed? What do you want to be doing in 10 years? What do you need to get there?
SSSS, November 2010 What do you need to get there? Education Social Support
SSSS, November 2010 What do you need to get there? Funding Training Colleagues
SSSS, November 2010 Start preparing now! For teaching: Take seminars, workshops on teaching Give “guest” presentations, lectures Get a part-time teaching position Observe master teachers
SSSS, November 2010 For Research: Get a position with researchers working on things that interest you Obtain research grants to support your own work Propose research projects to researchers who may be interested Start connecting with people at SSSS, other orgs Publish
SSSS, November 2010 For public policy/applied: Volunteer for university or community projects Get involved with policy-oriented research centers Get to know the “players” involved in your issue
SSSS, November 2010 For providing services: Get appropriate training Shadow professionals Get experience – volunteer at a local agency
SSSS, November 2010 Preparing a vita/resume Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Get “reviews” from colleagues. Vita/resume should be concise, to the point. Select references.
SSSS, November 2010 Looking for positions Locate job listings. Be proactive if necessary. Utilize “weak” ties. Apply selectively.
SSSS, November 2010 Applications Do your homework! Follow up on applications. Negotiate first.
SSSS, November 2010 Life is a journey, Not a destination.