Navigating the Academic Path to a Professorship: Insights from a PhD in English Literature
Choosing a career path in academia is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. For instance, a friend recently graduated with a BSc in Computer Science from Allahabad University and proceeded to pursue a Masters in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently, he is completing his MPhil in English Literature and holds an ad hoc teaching position. Given his diverse educational background, this raises an interesting question: given a PhD in English Literature, will a person be able to secure a professorship?
The State of the Academic Job Market for Tenure-track Professors
Despite having a strong background in both computer science and English literature, the prospects for becoming a tenure-track professor in the United States are highly challenging. The market for English literature professorships is particularly dire. For reference, if one were to pursue a PhD in computer science, the job market and career stability would likely be much more favorable. Complicating matters, if one aims to have a family and is close to their own family, finding a tenure-track position where parents live can be nearly impossible, akin to pulling teeth.
Understanding the Requirements for a Tenure-track Position
Based on my personal experience, the competitiveness of the academic job market is exhaustive. Back in 2008, during the recession, there were only 80 tenure-track job openings. Following extensive guidance from faculty at my PhD institution, I applied to 60 of those open positions. Despite my hard work and preparation, I managed to secure only two interviews: one where I doubted the suitability of the job and another where I felt strongly involved and ultimately accepted the position.
During the job search process, the following factors have been nearly indispensable:
Respective PhD status: If you recently obtained your PhD (within the last 1–3 years), your chances are significantly increased, provided that you have some published articles in competitive journals and an interesting project to present. Academic Output: Having already published in professional and competitive journals, or presenting a compelling research or creative project, can be a game-changer. Course Fit: Ensuring you are well-prepared to teach the specific courses required by your target institution increases your chances. Teaching Fit: Demonstrating how you align with the values and mission of the school through strong teaching evaluations can make a significant impact. Personal Connection: Relationships and networks can serve as a vital support system during the hiring process.Alternative Career Paths in Academia
While tenure-track positions are often the ultimate goal for many in academia, alternative opportunities such as lectureships with insurance benefits and service components are increasingly accessible. These positions offer a more stable salary and a better alternative to adjunct teaching, which can be incredibly demoralizing and financially strained.
Key Considerations for Future PhD Students
For those pursuing a PhD in English Literature without a strong interest in diversity and related topics such as labor, gender, race, and colonialism, finding a job can be highly challenging. The job market places a premium on candidates who engage with these subjects, making it essential to focus on these areas of study.
Final advice: if you do not have a strong interest in diversity, labor, gender, race, or colonialism, you may not find work in academia. Specializing in these areas can not only improve your job prospects but also enrich the field of study.
In conclusion, the path to a professorship in English Literature is fraught with challenges, but by understanding the market demands and preparing oneself accordingly, a candidate can increase their chances of success.