Lessons of an Advisor

As you’ve noticed, I’ve not blogged in a while.  Not only have I started a new Assistant Professor gig , but I’ve also adopted a newborn son in recent weeks.  Entering parenthood for the first time is so fun and joyous and sleep depriving all at once!  However, I’d like to get back in the habit of blogging regularly as I’ve mentioned before this helps me accomplish more academic writing in other projects.  And most importantly, hopefully something here will help you.

Being in this full-time role exposes me to things that are non-issues as an adjunct faculty member. 

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Introducing Doctor

A couple of weeks ago, it happened. 

Prepping for the Final Defense

It all felt so surreal the other day.  I was driving to campus to obtain signatures from my committee members so I could post my dissertation announcement around the department.  My final dissertation defense is scheduled for next week!  Wait a second…let me say that one more time slowly:  I…will…defend…my…dissertation…next…week!

The last three and a half years will come down to one last presentation.

Dealing with a Double Mind: ABD and Soon-To-Be Assistant Professor

You completed all of your coursework. You passed comprehensive exams and now you’re ABD. You recently attained IRB approval to begin collecting and analyzing data. You were a doctoral student, and now you are a doctoral candidate.

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling…yes, that has a nice ring to it!

In short, I got the job!!  It’s hard to believe it really happened even when I think about it a month or two later.  Probably because my post doesn’t start until January.

A Campus Invitation: Reflections on My Visit

I mentioned in a previous post that I applied to a tenure-track Assistant Professor position several weeks ago.  Unfortunately, I received notice that they chose another candidate, and as ABD I didn’t expect to have much of a fighting chance even though they said they would consider ABD candidates.  Shortly after this, a series of unexpected events took place.

Dissertation Interruptus: Seven Cautionary Tales

A guest post by Noelle Sterne.

From my longtime academic coaching and editing practice guiding doctoral candidates through the peaks and gullies of completing their dissertations, I have noticed that women in doctoral programs can easily become diverted by compassion for others in trouble. Well-meaning decisions and actions may result in calamitous consequences to a dissertation.

Preparing for the Academic Job Market: Part II

Now that you have completed, or almost completed, your PhD with a career in mind, you are ready to apply for that position—Assistant Professor of Counselor Education & Supervision.  In other words, you published peer-reviewed articles, presented at national conferences, taught courses as the instructor of record, and conducted a second research project in addition to the dissertation.  You strategically positioned yourself to be competitive for that first job.  More about those prerequisites to be competitive are found in Part I of preparing for the academic job market. 

Preparing for the Academic Job Market: Part I

 

Last night I applied to my first tenure-track, Assistant Professor position.  One that accepted ABD applicants, but more on that to come in Part II.  A bit surreal, to say the least, that I’ve come this far.  This PhD journey is not over, but the end is much closer than it’s ever been.  The light at the end of the tunnel is not an incoming train; it’s the Doctor of Philosophy.  That’s worth at least a few nights out to celebrate with my wife and cohort, but I digress.

Book Contract Issued! A Glance at My Process

My first book contract was issued from an academic press!  I cannot believe that just happened.  Well, it didn’t exactly “just happen.”  It’s been brewing for months.  Here’s my process of how it all came together for me.