How to Get a Job in Academics

Abstract

Doctoral students in statistics who seek jobs in academics may know very little about the process of obtaining such a job and what they should do during their years in graduate school to improve their chances of being offered a job in academics. Although students may see job candidates present seminars in their departments, they are unlikely to be aware of what the candidate is doing during the rest of the visit to the department. They are also unlikely to gain from the experiences of other students who have gone through the job search process in previous years because those students graduate and leave and, hence, are unavailable to give advice. This article presents information and advice for students who plan to seek a job in academics. Although some of the article pertains to the interview process itself, it also gives advice for preparing for a job in academics throughout the student's years in graduate school. Much of this advice is applicable to all Ph.D. students, whether or not they go into academics. Although the advice is meant for graduate students, this article may also be a useful resource for advisors, mentors, department heads, and others who help guide students through their graduate studies.