The Compleat Academic: A Career Guide

by American Psychological Association, Mark P Zanna (Editor), Henry L. Roediger III (Editor)

This new and expanded volume of The Compleat Academic is filled with practical and valuable advice to help new academics set the best course for a lasting and vibrant career.

A new career in academia can be a challenge. While academia's formal rules are published in faculty handbooks, its implicit rules are often difficult to discern. This volume guides readers through academia's informal rules and describes the problems beginning social scientists will face. With humor and insight, leading academics share the lessons they have learned through their own hard experience. Individual chapters present the ins and outs of the hiring process; the advantages of a postdoctoral fellowship; expert strategies for managing a teaching load; insider and applicant advice for winning a research grant; detailed instructions for writing and publishing a journal article; and a straightforward explanation about intellectual property issues. The book also addresses the latter stages of a career. It offers thoughtful suggestions for keeping one's career dynamic. Chapters that provide specific information for minorities, women, and clinical psychologists are also included. The volume even presents options for working outside of academia.

Genres: Academia, Nonfiction, Academic, Psychology, Grad School, Read For School

416 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[SwedishKate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great introductory book for new grads or anyone completely unfamiliar with how academia works. However, I found the delivery very dry and inauthentic. While I understand each individual chapter should stand alone, I found that combining them all together made this book about twice as long as it needed to be.

I can honestly say the book I found to be most useful was Marybeth Gasman’s Candid Advice for New Faculty. It is much more helpful and relevant, especially for anyone who identifies as a woman.

Although it is to be expected considering this book was originally published in 2004, some of the advice has not stood the test of time. Tenure track positions have evolved since this and there is some advice that is no longer relevant.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has great advice, though it is more directed towards individuals near the end of graduate school or new faculty in my opinion. The first couple of chapters were beneficial however for new graduate students.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must if you're going into the "academy." Solid, practical advice for future professors.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duuude, super helpful.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books anyone in social science or academicians should own and read.

[Devrim Ozdemir · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me to make important decisions for my career right after graduation.

[Professor Heide · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent career guide for undergraduate and graduate students.

[Hangci Du · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the book is too simple and nothing special

[Kelly Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really helpful to understand what the life of a psychology faculty member is like and figure out how to position yourself to get and keep a job in academia.