Securing your first academic position

This is it. You’ve made up your mind, and you’re settled on a career in academia. Next, you need to secure your first academic position. Starting on the lowest rung of the ladder in an exceptionally competitive environment can be a daunting prospect, especially when there are limited openings for permanent positions.

But with application and hard work, there is no reason you can’t realise your ambitions. Here’s how to give yourself the best possible chance of success.

• Clarify your goals. Once you have identified your areas of development, define your career path. What additional skills do you need to enhance or develop to achieve your goals? For example, do you need to get your higher degree qualifications (master’s and PhD)? Do you need to beef up your publication record? Do you need to write your first monograph? What other aspects are important in your field of expertise? National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings are highly coveted by South African researchers, as they are a recognition of research credibility and expertise and a very good benchmark for your work. Are you ready to apply? And is that a journey you want to undertake at this stage of your life? What else would you like to achieve in the next three to five years? Look at other job averts to get an idea of what institutions are looking for and speak to people in the field.
• Compile your CV and highlight your strengths. While your strengths will carry you, you also need to be realistic and identify the gaps in your CV. Be prepared to discuss your weaknesses openly, as recruiting committees will likely ask about them during interviews.
• Carve out your niche. You worked closely with your supervisor throughout your postgraduate studies but the time will come when you need to think about establishing your distinctive research identity. When establishing your niche, seek out collaborations with other researchers in your field. Submit research papers to mark your contribution to the field. Offer your services as a reviewer and examiner and consider writing for popular media like The Conversation Africa.
• Serve and contribute to the academic community. Another way to make yourself ‘desirable’ to potential employers is by establishing yourself in postgraduate student supervision. Start as a co-supervisor to learn the ropes. Then take on the leading role as the main supervisor. Supervision skills are highly valued and contribute to both your teaching and research portfolios. 
• Identify sources of funding. Be meticulous about identifying potential sources of funding and building a track record of successful applications. First, consider opportunities offered by your institution, as they are a good way to develop your grant-writing skills. Then apply for external grants (with an emphasis on those for emerging researchers) or consider applying for larger grants as a co-investigator or collaborator. Over time you will refine your narratives and your ability to identify the right funding opportunities for your research.
• Leverage your networks and collaborations. Attend symposia and conferences where you can engage with other researchers in your field and take part in the academic debate. Join relevant research, academic and professional societies that will give you access to funding opportunities and further networking. This will build your profile and situate you within a professional community. Don’t forget to consider collaborating with industry.

As you build your academic career, take time to reflect on your research, teaching and professional development goals, and ask yourself whether the reality of the journey has met your original expectations.

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