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Thoughts from the ‘job’ trail
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When I was first asked to write the Fellows’ Perspective column, one of the thoughts behind it was that I might share some insights unique to the fellowship experience and possibly help other fellows. I have not done much in the way of “how to” or “advice” columns, but for this one, I thought I would share a few words about the experience that has occupied much of my time and, in fact, my life over the last several months — looking for an academic faculty position.
The job search process has been illuminating. I have learned a lot about academics and a lot about myself that I did not necessarily know, or at least recognize, before the search began. In that spirit, I wanted to share a few reflections with those of you who are fellows and who may be thinking about embarking upon this process in the coming years.
Get a head start
First, I found that applying early and often was a helpful strategy. There are several ways to identify possible openings around the country in a particular field. However, I found that sending applications to places that I felt would be good matches for my personal interests, irrespective of whether or not these places were actively advertising for positions, was effective. In so doing, I inevitably connected with individuals at those institutions who appreciated the skill set that I might offer and who could help to look on my behalf for a potential opportunity.
Additionally, I found that it was helpful to gain an understanding of the way that places outside my own institution worked. I was unable to fully appreciate the myriad ways to organize a clinical and research enterprise until I visited and learned in detail about several other places. This, in turn, helped me to more readily identify advantages and disadvantages of the work and research environment of each institution.
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I cannot say enough good things about the experience of meeting and having rich conversations with extraordinarily compassionate and talented individuals around the country who are engaging in my area of interest. This in itself is a valuable reason for visiting several possible places of future employment. Through this process, I have been able to identify several individuals who will hopefully serve as great friends, collaborators and, possibly, mentors for me in the coming years. People whom I otherwise would not have had a chance to meet so early in my career.
Presenting yourself
The job search served a valuable function in enabling me to prepare a presentation — “the job talk” — that thematically organized the work that I had done throughout my fellowship. This was important, not only in terms of the scientific details of the presentation, but also in allowing me to say “This is who I am” by showing the areas and projects in which I had chosen to invest significant amounts of time.
A technique that I used, this time by necessity, though in the future perhaps by choice, was to divide my presentation into three roughly equal parts that summarized three different projects under a thematic umbrella. In breaking up the presentation in such a way, I was able to provide a clear roadmap and enough distinct transitions that I was able to keep myself on task and my audience engaged.
Beyond “This is what I have done,” the job search was tremendously helpful in provoking me to crystallize my thinking about the question, “What will I do in the future?” The answer to this question is absolutely key to determining whether an institution is a good match for one’s academic interests as the personnel and resources of an institution will be the key components to enabling one’s vision. I would advise anyone considering an academic job to think hard about this question before embarking upon the process.
Finally, I would have to caution fellows getting ready to start the process that it is an exhausting, demanding but, ultimately, extremely rewarding experience. I have grown so much throughout this last year and am so grateful to all of the individuals inside and outside my institution who have invested themselves so significantly in me and who have facilitated this growth. Any success that I achieve in my early faculty years will have some roots in the fertile ground created by my job search experience. I am more enthusiastic and excited about academic medicine than ever before, and I cannot wait to get started. I would be happy to write or talk with any of you who are thinking about doing this in the years ahead.
William Wood, MD, is a third-year hematology/oncology fellow at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and is a member of the HemOnc Today Editorial Board.