Working in Higher Education
After industry, higher education is the second most common career path for chemists. This part of the website focuses exclusively on careers in tertiary education, although it would cover the entire range of careers from community colleges to major research institutions.
Trends in Higher Education Affecting Employment
Anyone considering a career in any area, especially higher education, should begin with an assessment of the trends in that marketplace. A search for a job in higher education should begin with an analysis of current and projected trends in employment in that sector, so the job seeker can tailor their search to areas with projected higher demand.
- Demographic Trends
- Funding Trends
- Instructional Trends
After industry, higher education is the second most common career path for chemists. This part of the website focuses exclusively on careers in tertiary education, although it would cover the entire range of careers from community colleges to major research institutions.
What Do Chemists in Higher Education Do?
Almost every chemist working in higher education performs three main functions: teaching, research, and service. The difference from one educational setting to the next is the proportion of time devoted to each function.
- Career Paths in Academia
- Job Positions in Higher Education
- Job Functions in Education: Teaching, Research, Service
The Types of Institutions in Higher Education
Even if a job seeker focuses only on higher education, the sector offers a very broad range of positions, in a wide range of institutions. Depending on how you count, there are almost 4,000 institutions of higher education in the U.S. These institutions cover a very broad range of missions and types of students served. By tailoring your employment search to institutions that match your personal interests, you will have a much better chance of success.
Self Assessment: Is Higher Education Right for You?
Use our focusing questions to determine your best fit for a job in higher education.
The Application Portfolio and Curriculum Vitae
The CV is for academic positions what the resume is for industrial ones. Some of the principles are the same, but the information required and the structure can be significantly different.
- The Contents of an Application Portfolio
Interviewing with an Academic Institution
Academic interviews require some additional preparation. Of course, you must do your homework as you would for an industrial interview- know the faculty members, the department, and the institution.
Additional Resourses
- And Gladly Teach
- Classroom guide for adjunct faculty
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