| Surviving and Thriving in Academia |
Opportunities for work in psychology are expanding in scope and number. Teaching, research, and clinical service, which constituted the primary occupations of psychologists in earlier eras, are now only three of many open to psychologists. In 1973, colleges and universities employed the majority of psychologists (56% of full-time employed psychologists). In 1991, academic institutions were still the top employer of psychologists, although their share had dropped to 38% (American Psychological Association, 1995).
Academic careers can be extremely rewarding and offer the opportunity to teach, interact with developing professionals, and in most cases, conduct important research. The availability of jobs in academe, however, has fluctuated dramatically during the last 3 decades. Consequently, competition for academic jobs has increased.
To be competitive, individuals preparing for academic careers should begin early. If you do not have a teaching or research assistantship when you begin your graduate work, try to get one. Each gives valuable experience that will be useful in your later job search. Research assistantships are particularly helpful because they put you in a position to work with an established researcher and likely receive valuable experience and opportunities to publish. It is important to begin your publication history while in graduate school.