How to Be an Academic Superhero : Establishing and Sustaining a Successful Career in the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

In universities across the world, academics struggle to establish and sustain their careers while satisfying intensifying institutional demands. Drawing from the author’s decades of observation and experience in academia, this exceptional book responds to the challenges of fostering a successful academic career. Featuring an overarching focus on holistic career development as well as specific chapters on mentorship, networking, job applications and interviews, publishing, funding and more, this book guides readers through their prospective academic careers while offering informed and compassionate advice and insights. While the book is organized chronologically, providing early-, mid- and late-career guidance, the issues and challenges discussed can be addressed continuously and sometimes simultaneously across an academic’s professional life. In a straightforward and engaging style, How to be an Academic Superhero offers realistic, practical advice for anyone contemplating or developing an academic career in the social sciences, arts or humanities. Career mentors looking for a useful and accessible instructional resource will also find it to be of value. ""Front Matter"" ""Copyright"" ""Contents"" ""Tables"" ""1. Making academic superheroes"" ""PART I Setting out as an academic superhero"" ""2. Get qualified"" ""3. Find a good adviser"" ""4. Get mentors get advice"" ""5. Prepare a good CV"" ""PART II Refining your academic superhero credentials"" ""6. Focus your powers"" ""7. Make an early impact"" ""8. Get informed and stay current"" ""9. Get known and networked"" ""10. Learn about local cultures and use â#x80 #x98 the systemâ#x80 #x99 "" ""PART III Applying your academic superpowers where they are needed"" ""11. Develop relationships with supportive referees""""12. Find the right job"" ""13. Write a compelling job application"" ""14. Perform well at job interviews"" ""15. Manage job interview failure and success"" ""PART IV Performing as an academic superhero"" ""16. Manage your career"" ""17. Manage your time"" ""18. Publish papers"" ""19. Publish a book (or two)"" ""20. Speak"" ""21. Secure funding"" ""22. Attract postgraduate students"" ""23. Join or start a research team"" ""24. Teach well"" ""25. Think about academic leadership positions"" ""26. Find a voluntary role"" ""27. Consider consulting""""28. Get recognized"" ""PART V Preserving your academic superpowers"" ""29. Review your performance"" ""30. Take sabbatical"" ""31. Get refreshed"" ""32. Sustain collegiality"" ""33. Preserve your public reputation"" ""34. Stay happy and healthy"" ""35. Manage disruptions, interruptions and transitions successfully"" ""36. Conclusion"" ""References"" 00.1 Copyright 2 00.2 Contents 3 00.3 Tables 5 1. Making academic superheroes 7 2. Get qualified 17 3. Find a good adviser 23 4. Get mentors, get advice 27 5. Prepare a good CV 30 6. Focus your powers 37 7. Make an early impact 40 8. Get informed and stay current 42 9. Get known and networked 45 10. Learn about local cultures and use ‘the system’ 55 11. Develop relationships with supportive referees 57 12. Find the right job 59 13. Write a compelling job application 66 14. Perform well at job interviews 72 15. Manage job interview failure and success 81 16. Manage your career 89 17. Manage your time 97 18. Publish papers 108 19. Publish a book (or two) 122 20. Speak 132 21. Secure funding 136 22. Attract postgraduate students 142 23. Join or start a research team 146 24. Teach well 149 25. Think about academic leadership positions 160 26. Find a voluntary role 164 27. Consider consulting 169 28. Get recognized 173 29. Review your performance 175 30. Take sabbatical 177 31. Get refreshed 181 32. Sustain collegiality 185 33. Preserve your public reputation 187 34. Stay happy and healthy 190 35. Manage disruptions, interruptions and transitions successfully 196 36. Conclusion 209 99. References 211 Index 231