What sort of personality is required for a career in academia?
Q. I know what kinds of academic qualifications are required for a career in academia, but what sort of personality is required for a career in academia?
Asked by Lina D - Wed Dec 12 00:22:17 2007 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I am not sure if different faculties/departments (science, arts, music/biology, physics, anthropology, history..etc) differ in what type of people are attracted to that academic field. I work in the biology department at my local university. I find that the people are most often highly self-motivated. The young profs tend to be very busy, A-type personalities, with stuff on the go constantly. Sometimes this personality type continues throughout their career and even into their retirement - and they are the ones that tend to keep an office years after they should have moved to snow-bird towns (retirement towns). Others seem to ease up on their intensity and become either the scatterbrained type or the laid back, normal person. The… [cont.]
Answered by elementoflife - Wed Dec 12 00:47:27 2007

How big of a problem is the growing shortage of educators/professors in academia?
Q. According to the WSJ, there is a growing shortage of business professors, and under my understanding there shortages other fields(medical/nursing) as well. Is academia doing anything about this to address this? Is it something to worry about in the future?
Asked by Zocalo - Sat Mar 31 20:09:01 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Academia cannot compete financially for the top talent in the fields you mention, so it is something that will continue into the future. What alot of universities have done due to the shortage and also for the financial benefit of the university is to rely increasingly on part-time (adjunct) instructors to pick up the load at a fraction of the price.
Answered by swimbikeron - Sun Apr 1 01:12:22 2007

If applying for a high-level position in academia, is it best to put Education atop the CV?
Q. I've held more practical jobs in academia, but am starting to become eligible for some assistant dean and assistant VP level positions. I'm thinking of moving my education to the top of the CV, as I have a nice terminal degree there. Is this the standard for applying for such positions?
Asked by Eddie Cacciatore, Private Eye - Fri Jul 31 23:33:20 2009 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hi Eddie. Due to my new professional status I recently followed training on writing a good CV. It should consist of 3 parts; your personal information (usually on top) followed by your education and your working experience. It is wise to create a new CV for every application and it shouldn't be more then 2 pages (!). Add a footer with page numbering and your name in it, so they can find it back in a pile of CV's. Remove all information that is useless for the particular job. Write it in a way the recipient can understand what you're talking about. (For instance: in my case I had a real 'banking' CV and I threw out all banking mumbo jumbo because I want to change my career path and nobody in the outside world understands shoptalk about… [cont.]
Answered by Binst supports Frenchdoc - Sat Aug 1 04:20:59 2009

How do Asians succeed in academia and professionally in the allegedly racist USA?
Q. What prevents other minority groups from following their blueprint? People like Geno are who I aim these questions at...I love funny responses.
Asked by Yahoo Answer Angel - Thu Dec 6 13:45:24 2007 - - 12 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Wow...very good point. You get a star. I have a thought as to why. Generally they are law abiding, responsible, and self-sufficient, wanting nothing for free, and earning everything that they have. Through hard work, determination, assimilation, they understand what the American dream really is, and how to achieve it. While many have been the target of racial bigotry...Concentration camps during WW2 to name one. Most refuse themselves to take the roll of a victim as many other immigrants (illegal mostly) have.
Answered by TLB - Thu Dec 6 14:11:37 2007

What careers, outside of academia, does a holder of a PhD in French literature pursue?
Q. The market for professors and lecturers is extremely bad this season. It's time I face up to reality.
Asked by mettez - Tue Feb 9 17:54:44 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Perhaps a translator, or a museum guide?
Answered by awwthatsweet - Tue Feb 9 18:50:45 2010

How do you go about getting a job abroad in Japan outside of the world of academia?
Q. 1. Are there any "gaijin job search" kind of sites or establishments? 2. Japanese proficiency is implicit 3. Preferably teaching, or tutoring; anything that would require the use of language
Asked by Andaru - Wed May 7 00:58:14 2008 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Here are some other great resources for finding a job in Japan: - - - There are lots of jobs in the IT industry and require several years of experience and usually some knowledge of Japanese.
Answered by Jase - Wed May 7 20:48:14 2008

Academia and personal problems: How to get over writer's block?
Q. I'm preoccupied with problems in my personal life (marriage), which make it hard to focus on writing papers for grad school. I'm stuck with a bad case of procrastination and writer's block. Now I know my personal situation can't be changed for now, so any recommendations on how I could work out my writer's block? Really appreciate it!
Asked by terrestrial - Sun Jun 14 13:16:05 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. When I have writers block, I take a notepad and go for a walk to somewhere completely quiet and serene. Sometimes I'll sit there for hours just thinking and eventually I'll get the inspiration to write again. I find nature helps. Goodluck!
Answered by Brin - Sun Jun 14 13:21:21 2009

What is the difference between cultural history and social history as practiced in academia?
Q. What is the difference between cultural history and social history as practiced in academia?
Asked by Blagafrast - Tue May 12 08:24:23 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Honestly, there's really sod all difference, it's just a different label, the methodology is the same.
Answered by Pheemz - Tue May 12 09:17:09 2009

When will academia catch up with science and intelligent design?
Q. Every area of science is realizing complexity and fine tuning are attributes of a designer, not random chance. Why are our universities still spewing Darwinianism when the sciences have thrown it out. Pride, ego, or the alternative?
Asked by jcislord - Fri May 18 02:51:25 2007 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. What we got here, JC, is known as "wishful thinking." What sciences have thrown out evolution? (I take it you are trying to equate "darwinianism"--whatever that is, with "evolution.") Cosmology indicates our universe is 13.7 billion years old. Geology establishes the age of our earth in excess of 4 billion years. Nuclear physics, radioisotope dates of meteorites, all point to 4.5 billion years as the age of our solar system. Paleontology shows that marine microorganisms (fossil stromatolites) dominated earth's oceans several billion years, and that marine metazoans roamed the sea floor some 650 million years ago. Molecular biology indicates all eukaryotic organisms share common ancestry. I think the "science" of rhabdomancy might… [cont.]
Answered by Pasha T - Fri May 18 03:02:01 2007

If I study high temperature geochemistry, will I end up working in academia?
Q. I'm beginning to lean toward studying high temperature geochemistry in graduate school (M.S. in Geology), but I don't want to niche myself into academia per se. How marketable is a background in high temp geochem, and what career options are there? As a student in this economy, I'm trying to balance passion with practicality (hopefully not in vain), so any advice or personal insight is most appreciated. Also, any thoughts on isotope (stable vs. radiogenic) geochemistry?
Asked by Joseph - Wed Aug 5 00:35:43 2009 - - 1 Answers - 1 Comments

A. I'm not sure about high temperature geochemistry but I know that geochemists in general are useful in mineral prospecting, especially for sulphide deposits as bacterial action is generally required for economic deposits, determined by the 34S fractionation. High temperature geochemistry may be useful in looking at hydrothermal deposits but again I'm not too sure. As far as stable vs radiogenic goes, I think radiogenic would probably be more likely to railroad you into academia. However bear in mind that I'm still an undergraduate so I don't know a great deal about job prospects of certain fields. I hope this helps though.
Answered by FA - Wed Aug 5 15:50:37 2009

What subjects do you think should be compulsory in university academia?
Q. I have come to a conclusion that sociology and psychology have to be at least topically discussed to create an empathetic human being.
Asked by GoateeBoy - Sat Jul 1 11:55:26 2006 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. maths, finance and english
Answered by Conservative - Sat Jul 1 12:16:06 2006

I will have a MA in Communication. How can I get a position in Academia?
Q. I know there are Fellowships, research opportunities (where?), and teaching opportunities... More options to share?
Asked by autie_808 - Fri Sep 29 18:11:29 2006 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You can apply for adjunct positions in more than just the field that your degree is in. Also apply for jobs in your minor field and English (since you have to be competent in it to get a BA and MA). Getting those jobs is basically a matter of applying at every school you're willing to teach at and using any connections you have to make sure they read your resume. Many more people apply than they need. An MA will never get you tenure and probably won't get you benefits or job security. (just something to think about) Fellowships and research opportunities are generally reserved for PhD candidates and are very specific as to field. Unless you're planning on an administrative position (all of those underpaid people the students, alumni, and… [cont.]
Answered by pag2809 - Sat Sep 30 00:03:47 2006

What is the appropriate style of dress for an educated man employed in academia when he reaches his mid 40s?
Q. If he is very much still a young guy at heart can he get away with dressing more like his students, or should he start wearing the clothes of an older professor?
Asked by Rita K - Thu Oct 16 15:42:30 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Definitely of an older professor, but not in suits. Something like a nice v neck sweater and some dark jeans maybe. He doesn't have to look like he's old, just not young like the students. That would be kind of strange and creepy. Things like these:
Answered by awalkintheclouds11 - Thu Oct 16 15:56:06 2008

What percentage of the higher academia society are atheist or agnostic and why?
Q. What percentage of the higher academia society are atheist or agnostic and why?
Asked by Andonios Lithoioannis - Mon Oct 26 20:02:42 2009 - - 5 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Not sure, but higher. Why? Because they are less ignorant. Almost any field of study will demonstrate flaws in religion, so the more you learn, the harder it is to take them seriously. Particularly fundamentalist religions.
Answered by Dan - Mon Oct 26 20:16:53 2009

How do I get a job in public health or health research - academia? I have a masters in Public health?
Q. In the UK - pref not Nhs. Perhaps private industry or university pref
Asked by 0 - Thu Apr 16 21:46:29 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Try your local city hall or government listings for jobs.
Answered by Pamela - Thu Apr 16 21:55:33 2009

What are the differences between Academic, Academia, Academy, and Academe?
Q. Please explain the uses of each one these words [Academic, Academia, Academy, Academe] by providing in- context examples for each one of them. Thank you so much
Asked by waheed - Sun Jun 7 01:43:50 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Academic is an adjective, but it can act as a noun when used to describe a person. Examples: That is a very academic school. (Its students get high marks.) He is an academic at the university. (He works as a professional there. 'Academic' acts as an adjective while the noun 'employee' is understood but not explicitly stated in this sentence.) The others are nouns. Academia sometimes doesn't pay well. (academia = a general concept meaning all areas of schooling) I teach at Donvale Islamic Academy. (academy = school) Academe is an exciting environment to be in. (academe = campus life, the academic world) Good luck.
Answered by harchickgirl1 - Sun Jun 7 01:56:30 2009

Is academia about science or protecting the reputation of the Professors?
Q. Or roughly translated, lets all gang up and protect our vested interests from detractors? Scrutiny is a threat to my position.
Asked by Perseus - Thu Nov 9 09:28:42 2006 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. In defence of the Arts, I'll pretend you asked, "Is academia about research or protecting the reputation of the Professors?" Depends on the institute. If it's of a professional standard and publishing regularly, then regardless of what the professors would have their students and subordinates do, external critics from other institutes will waste no mercy on poor quality research.
Answered by Chilli - Thu Nov 9 13:56:32 2006

What is the best definition of intelligence and what criteria is best used to measure it ie academia...?
Q. How can someone judge wether they are intelligent or not.Should it be based on their academic acheivement or is there some other benchmark that can be used to measure against those who have not had exposure to equal schooling.Is it right for a individual to mark someone as "low intelligence" because they are not interested in what that individual is interested in.
Asked by Denis B - Wed Nov 29 14:35:28 2006 - - 17 Answers - 0 Comments

A. You don't have to be successful academically to be intelligent. My brother is a professor and he has little common sense, and little EQ (look it up). IQ tests, in my opinion are flawed (question often rely on knowledge of history/general knowledge not always logic/reason), however in terms of testing they may be the best test around. You can get good at IQ tests - I've done a few and had scores ranging from 120 to 145 (and i dropped out of uni). But I know people who would struggle to get 100-110, yet they have successful little businesses, and earn more than me. I think there's a whole middle-ground, where people are stronger in some areas than other, some are better with people than logic or sums. It's often the case the "good with… [cont.]
Answered by Im a killer - Wed Nov 29 15:07:53 2006

Can I publish in scholarly journals without being in academia?
Q. I graduated with my masters degree a few years ago. I was just wondering if it's possibly to publish research in journals, etc. without being affiliated with a department at a college or university. I currently am working in higher ed, just not in my field or as faculty, however, I'm hoping to make a transition and feel that some articles, etc. would help that along. My educational background is in English Lit, which I know can be a bit cutthroat. :)
Asked by k0rnp0p - Tue Oct 7 17:33:01 2008 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It's absolutely possible to publish without being in academia. In fact, there are certain journals that are based on more applied subjects that are commonly contributed to by people in the workforce or by nonfaculty members at universities. An example is Business or HR journals that focus on practical observations from real settings. There are some fields where this ends up working out well. In other fields, like biology, physics and chemistry, it is hard to have publishable work with the resources of a laboratory. However, if you see yourself writing journal articles in the future, that is really the bread and butter of academia- you might want to consider getting the PhD - you'll gain more theoretical resources and will be trained on… [cont.]
Answered by pobms2000 - Tue Oct 7 17:49:15 2008

why is Marxist theory so useful as a argument within academia?
Q. I am studying Anthropology, I need to figure out why Marx,Gramsci and Foucault are so useful to dissect/ examine something such as power relationships between working classes and ruling classes. I have a week and a half to come up with an essay and am worried I am not understanding the importance of the great thinkers contributions. Thanks in advance
Asked by old gods new gods all the same - Tue Feb 2 06:51:06 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Do not worry about Foucault, Gramsci is all about movement of ideas between groups some times through conflict. Marx is a huge subject but was one of the first to see that people are divided into groups or classes and this results in conflict of peoples and ideas.
Answered by Clive - Sat Feb 6 06:50:56 2010