Strategies for Professors Without Tenure to Secure Their Employment

Academic careers, particularly in higher education, can be challenging with the significant emphasis placed on securing tenure. For many professors, obtaining tenure is a critical milestone that grants long-term job security. When a professor is denied tenure, it can be a distressing experience. However, there are strategies and paths that professors without tenure can take to secure their positions. This article explores these avenues and provides a detailed guide for professors facing similar circumstances.

Understanding the Tenure Process

The tenure process is a rigorous evaluation designed to assess a professor's overall performance and contributions to their institution. It typically involves several years of service, where the professor needs to demonstrate excellence in teaching, research, and service. When tenure is denied, it often means that these criteria have not been met.

Job Security Beyond Tenure

While tenure is a strong indicator of job security, it is not the only path to securing a teaching position. Many professors without tenure can find stability and career longevity through various means. Here, we explore some of the most common strategies and their steps.

1. Seeking Adjunct or Non-Tenure-Track Positions

Many professors without tenure can find job security and a steady income through adjunct or non-tenure-track positions. These roles may not offer the same level of security as tenure, but they can provide a reliable income and benefits.

Steps for Finding Adjunct Positions:

Network with colleagues and institutions in your field. Apply for open positions through your university's job board or external job listing sites like Higher Ed Jobs or Inside Higher Ed. Pursue professional development opportunities to sharpen your teaching and research skills. Consider teaching at community colleges or universities that are expanding their faculties quickly.

2. Industry or Corporate Partnerships

Another strategy for professors without tenure is to secure positions in industry or corporate settings. These roles can provide job security and valuable experience in applying academic knowledge in real-world settings. Industries that often seek academic expertise include technology, healthcare, and consulting.

Steps for Transitioning to Corporate Roles:

Rewrite your resume to highlight relevant research and teaching experience. Develop industry-specific knowledge through further professional development. Update your portfolio to showcase your contributions and successes. Consider a secondment to a corporate partner to gain first-hand industry experience.

3. External Grants and Contracts

For professors without tenure, securing external grants and contracts can provide a pathway to job security. These financial awards often require a significant time commitment and can act as a form of job security in terms of funding a continued research or teaching career.

Steps for Securing External Funding:

Identify funding opportunities from government or private organizations. Prepare detailed proposals explaining your research or teaching plans. Build a team of collaborators to strengthen your proposal. Affiliate with well-established researchers for better project proposals.

Long-term Strategies and Considerations

While the above strategies are effective, maintaining job security in academia can also require long-term planning and consideration. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Continual Professional Development: Engage in courses, workshops, and conferences to keep your skills current and competitive. Networking: Build a strong network of colleagues and mentors. Active networking can open doors to new opportunities. Adaptability: Flexibility in job roles and geographic areas can be a significant advantage. Service: Volunteer for committees and tasks that demonstrate your commitment to your institution and community.

A Final Thought

Academic careers are complex and multifaceted. While the path to tenure can present significant challenges, there are ample strategies and opportunities for professors without tenure to secure their employment and advance their careers. By leveraging these strategies, professors can continue to contribute to their fields and develop their professional expertise.