How to become a Professor

How to become a Professor Looking for an academic occupation? Wise move, Professor…Professors are the highest ranking members of a University’s faculty, and experts within their own academic field.Although the job may sometimes require traditional teaching duties, such as giving lectures, the majority of a Professor’s time will be spent on co-ordinating and conducting their own research. Often they may also serve as heads of their own individual departments.Typical duties for a Professor may include:Overseeing the construction of a courseProviding guidance to faculty membersGiving lectures and leading seminarsConducting researchSecuring new funds for the department, and setting up research projectsPromoting the University, both internally, locally, and internationallyIs it right for me?Becoming a Professor takes years of well-renowned research in your field.In fact, to be considered by many Universities, your work will not only be of an expert standard, it will also be nationally or even internationally acclaimed. You will have a proven track-record for producing high-level research on a consistent basis, and will passionate about your subject matter, as well as incredibly focused and dedicated to what you do.Other key skills for a Professor include:Excellent verbal and written communication skillsConfidenceEnthusiasmFlexibilityAn aptitude for researchA commitment to continual personal developmentSuperior reasoning and questioning skillsCareer Progression? Senior LecturerUp to 50,000 ReaderUp to 60,000 ProfessorUp to 75,000What's it really like? I have over 30 years’ worth of experience in teaching, most of which has been spent within higher education. Becoming a Professor has undoubtedly been the pinnacle of my career. Within my own University, there are only around 10 of us in total, and I feel incredibly lucky to have attained the position myself. I don’t do a great deal of teaching these days, which is a shame, but generally head up new research projects, as well as cond ucting some of the larger lecturers on the curriculum. However, my door is open as much as my time dictates, and being able to impart my small degree of wisdom to the next generation is just as enjoyable now as when I first entered the field. Although, perhaps, my students may disagree… Get qualifiedThere is no specific degree that allows you to qualify to become a Professor. However, you will generally need a PhD in the field you’re looking to teach in.