Is an Academic Career for Me?

The job of an academic involves research, teaching, service to the community, and participating in committees. And while teaching is the most visible part of an academic's job, it represents only a small portion of his or her work.

The Research

Today, research in healthcare requires interdisciplinary work with larger and larger teams – often at various sites across the country or even internationally. Hence, research also requires management skills. Developing collaborative relationships in such teams is very time consuming, but that is where the research funds are. These teams are composed not just of university-based researchers; they are often composed of colleagues in practice, in decision-making, or even in policy-making positions, which adds a richness and relevancy to the research.

Since research often requires external funding, researchers must be adept at pulling interdisciplinary teams together, uncovering potential research funds, and writing persuasive grant applications. And, as each phase of the research is completed, the academic must ensure that the results are widely disseminated – not just in academic journals but also for public consumption.

Being a good researcher does not necessarily make you a good teacher, but it provides a richer set of skills and knowledge that can enhance the student's learning experience. For many academics, the mentoring relationships they develop with undergraduate and graduate students are very satisfying.

Academic freedom is both a privilege and a responsibility. This freedom allows the academic to put forward learned arguments without the fear of censure. Academics are expected to challenge the status quo and force people to think of new ways to do things.

The Committee Work

And as an academic, just when you have a few hours to devote to your research (which by the way is done with many interruptions), you're asked to join Mary Smith's tenure committee. On this committee, everything that Mary has ever written must be read and outside reviewers' comments as well as teaching evaluations over the past seven or eight years need to be assessed. Then you're asked to be on the New Building Committee and the Department Head Replacement Committee. And to submit to requests, such as "We're thinking of starting a new PhD program in mental health nursing, do you think you could do a feasibility study and make a presentation to the dean?" Not to mention the external academic demands: Can you be an external reviewer for this PhD student? Can you provide comments on this paper from your colleague at another university? Can you review these grant applications? Can you accept a few more graduate students to supervise?

Academics don't really have much choice, when it comes to research, teaching, and community service. They must do all three. But when it comes to getting promotions, getting tenure, and getting paid, research and teaching are the drivers, particularly at universities that confer graduate degrees.

Faculty shortages point to opportunities for healthcare professionals who have an interest in working in a university or college setting (see Are There Enough Nursing Profs?). An academic career is not for everyone, but for those who like this type of work, it can be incredibly rewarding.

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