Higher Education

RIGHT FOR ME?

It is not uncommon for those who have worked in corporate settings throughout their careers to question if they are ready, or in the right mindset, to transition into a second career in higher education.
Following are some commonly held misgivings and perceptions of what is required to work in academia:

• A PhD is required to work at a higher education institution
  
• All university professors must conduct research and publish their findings
  
• University professors and officials will have limited academic freedom
  
• Business people will feel frustrated with the slow pace of academia
  

However, the perceptions above may, or may not, hold true for any given post in higher education. The factors are dependent on individual institutions and its culture, environments and expectations

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

What is clear is that there is a significant opportunity for academic impact and change. There are more than 3,900 postsecondary education institutions in United States. Universities are increasingly hiring adjunct professors – both part-timers and full-timers who are not on a tenure track to teach. According to a study by the federal Education Department, nearly 70 percent of professors at colleges and universities, both public and private, fall into this category. Less than three decades ago, this number represented only 43 percent of all professors. Lastly, there is a greater emphasis today on teaching basics that prepare students for jobs of tomorrow.

In the face of globalization, we cannot rely on textbooks from the past to relate to the economic and social realities of today. Students need broadened, interdisciplinary skill sets to succeed in this new world. They can only obtain that through the exposure of a variety of different perspectives and experiences.
IBM believes that innovation must be nurtured. If students are to meet the increasingly complex demands of the global economy, they must be groomed with the right skills. Schools alone cannot be the breeding ground for innovation; businesses and community organizations must play a critical role in igniting innovation in education. Simply put: it’s a collaborative effort.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you are interested in making the transition to higher education you should consider the following factors:

• Salary: An average salary for a full-time Computer Science professor is $98,705; however most individuals will start at the bottom of the pyramid as an instructor. (Source: College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, National Faculty Salary Survey, 2005-06)
  
• Hours and flexibility
  : Individuals will have the option of joining an institution in a full time or part time (non-tenure) adjunct faculty capacity.
  
• Requirements for research & publishing: Established universities tend to want faculty members to actively conduct research and publish their work. Smaller colleges and universities tend to focus more on teaching.
  
• Raising funds for research: Some higher education institutions will require faculty to promote their own research and raise their own funds. Additionally, many corporations, foundations and government institutions will request and require research in specific areas of their interest.
  
• Administrative vs. faculty track: There are clear advantages to both tracks in academia. Individuals should assess their strengths to determine where they could make the biggest impact.
  
• On-the-job teaching: Some individuals may find an opportunity to teach in an adjunct capacity while still working at IBM. This is a good way for individuals to get their feet wet in teaching while setting up potential opportunities for the future. There are over 900 IBM employees worldwide already serving as adjunct faculty while working at IBM.