While reading about academic careers, you are more likely to come across articles sharing negative experiences of academics and researchers. These articles may discourage you from pursuing academic careers, or even academic degree.
I agree, getting a (permanent) academic position can be difficult and can take time. But you do not see people of other professions complain as much about, for example, stress, work-life balance and competition.
I believe that your academics strengths and excellence will be recognised if you are truly determined and motivated to become an academic. Such determination will enable you to develop a strong track record of high-quality research. You will also get yourself know as a person who can be relied on within your department. Such a positive attitude can kick start your academic career!
Moreover, being positive and motivated at work, even when experiencing some challenges makes you more productive. It also has a positive effect on your academic environment. And it goes without saying that fellow researchers and more senior colleagues will be pleased by your positive attitude.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an academic as “a member (such as a professor) of an institution of learning (such as a university).”
I would define the academic as “a curious and motivated person with academic integrity who is pushing the frontiers of our knowledge and shares their experience through mentoring to develop others”.
Would you agree with such a definition of academic?
I want to share this definition of academic as this is the picture of “the academic” I had in my mind when I decided to do a PhD degree and pursue an academic career.
Now, as an academic myself, I am putting every effort into living up to this definition.
Therefore, I have put together a list of the benefits of an academic career that made me fall in love with academia. I trust you will like it!
Table of Contents
Academic freedom
Academic freedom is one of the most commonly indicated benefits of being an academic. Why? This is because when you become an academic, it is entirely up to you to decide the focus of your academic research.
You will be free to pursue your academic interest, choose what are you working on and with who you do so (in most cases). You will also decide where to publish your academic journal articles.
Of course, this comes with great responsibility, especially at the later stage of your academic career when you will be building your research team. But would not it be amazing to see academic vision change the world?
Academic calendar and work flexibility
When I was doing my PhD, I was curious about what academic calendar actually looks like. At that time, I thought it will be filled mostly with research activities and that you get 2 months holidays in the summer.
I was surprised to see the flexibility that my academic position actually gave me. As I sent my research agenda, it is up to me to plan most of my activities (and stick to them!). I say most of them because there are some activities (i.e. committee meetings, PhD progress reviews) about which that I do not have that much control.
Despite externally set events, I find the ability to fit my work into my lifestyle delightful. This means that as long as I deliver on my commitments and responsibilities, I can work from my university office, home or café. I even sometimes get to work in Oman!
Of course, COVID19 pandemic has turned everything upside down. As a result, I have been working from home for 2.5 months now. But because of the characteristics of my work, my research and other activities to deliver the goals of my academic career have not been affected.
Travel and networking
As I mentioned in our free ebook, sharing your research is essential to achieve impact. This comes with an additional benefit of being an academic.
To share your research, you usually present your work at a conference. Although