Path to Becoming a College Professor

I'm currently a high school junior, and I'm already thinking about my long-term career goals. I might want to become a college professor one day. What are the requirements and steps to take in order to pursue this career?

To become a college professor, you will typically need to complete the following steps:

1. Undergraduate Degree: First, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. It's crucial to focus on maintaining a strong academic record and gaining in-depth knowledge in your subject area. Consider taking as many courses related to your future field of expertise as possible, completing research projects or internships to become familiar with the subject matter, and connecting with professors in that field who can suggest opportunities that might make sense for you to pursue.

2. Graduate Degree: After completing your bachelor's degree, you will need to pursue a graduate degree in your field of interest, typically a Ph.D. Some colleges might hire candidates with a master's degree for certain positions, but Ph.D. holders generally have more opportunities in academia. During your time in graduate school, be sure to engage in research and develop a strong research profile, as that will be crucial for your future job applications.

3. Teaching Experience: During your time in graduate school, try to gain teaching experience as a teaching assistant (TA) or instructor. This experience will not only provide you with an insight into the life of a professor, but it will also make you a more competitive candidate when applying for academic positions.

4. Publishing and Networking: Publishing research articles in academic journals and presenting your work at conferences can help establish your reputation within your field. Networking with other researchers and academics can promote future collaborations and job opportunities. Participating in academic conferences and workshops is an excellent way to connect with professionals in your field.

5. Postdoctoral Experience: After finishing your Ph.D., you might want to consider obtaining postdoctoral experience as a research associate or lecturer. This step can provide you with further research experience and professional connections, which will be valuable when applying for tenure-track positions later on.

6. Apply for Tenure-Track Positions: When you're ready, start applying for tenure-track positions at colleges and universities. If hired, you will typically hold the position for several years as an assistant or junior professor. During this time, you will be expected to produce research publications, teach, and contribute to the department. After a few years, you will apply for tenure, to become an associate professor, and can then apply to become a full professor a few years after that.

Keep in mind that the academic job market can be competitive, so be prepared for a potentially long and challenging job search. It's important to be flexible in terms of the location of job opportunities and to consider alternative possibilities such as teaching at community colleges, working at research institutes, or pursuing careers in non-academic fields related to your expertise. But if you're willing to persevere through the inevitable twists and turns in this path, working in academia can be highly fulfilling, and give you unparalleled opportunities to pursue what truly matters to you. Good luck!