The Reality of Academic Employment Post-PhD: The Norm of Temporary Jobs

Graduating with a PhD in the humanities can be an exciting yet challenging time. Many individuals strive for that terminal degree, often with the goal of securing a permanent academic position. However, the reality of finding such a role can be disheartening. In sharing my personal experience, I aim to shed light on the norms and challenges of the academic job market post-PhD.

The Academic Job Market Landscape

After successfully completing my PhD in the humanities, I entered the academic job market last year with a competitive resume. My profile included published work, competitive fellowships, extensive teaching experience, and a variety of extracurricular activities that enhanced my candidacy. Despite these strengths, my job search was far from straightforward.

I applied to 38 full-time positions, a diverse mix of roles such as lecturer, post-doc, instructor, Visiting Assistant Professor, administrative positions, and Tenure-Track Assistant Professor. My applications reached community colleges, private liberal arts institutions, and research institutions. I approached the process with a wide net, realizing that securing a permanent job is a matter of both preparation and luck.

The Job Application Process

Each application required hours of effort, from customizing job descriptions to crafting tailored cover letters and CVs. My efforts culminated in six callback interviews and three second-round interviews. However, the competitive landscape was relentless. Many institutions received hundreds of applications for each opening, making selection a daunting process.

Among these, the job I ultimately accepted was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Integrated Humanities position. This position, created at a new institution over the summer, remembered my research and invited me for an interview. The position offers a full-time, renewable contract likely for at least the next two years. For now, I have a full-time gig with a decent salary and benefits. This is about the best outcome one can hope for straight out of a PhD.

The Norm in the Academic Job Market

My experiences reflect the reality of the academic job market. To secure a permanent position, one needs to present themselves as an exemplary candidate, craft stellar job materials, and apply aggressively, being willing to go wherever the jobs are. Even with these efforts, luck often plays a significant role. The number of full-time positions is far fewer than the number of candidates, making it a competitive race.

Adjunct positions, which lack job security and benefits, are indeed the norm. Many individuals end up teaching part-time without permanent employment due to the limited number of full-time positions available. I would strongly advise against accepting such positions unless you can survive financially and without benefits. Many find it more viable to seek careers in private industry or non-profits, where living wages and benefits are more readily available.

Conclusion

The academic job market is a challenging landscape, especially for those with PhDs aiming for permanent positions. While it is understandable to feel disheartened by the lack of full-time opportunities, it is essential to approach the job search realistically. By understanding the norm and making informed decisions, one can maximize their chances of finding sustainable and fulfilling academic or non-academic careers.