Editor's Note: This article was published in 2001 under the title "A Timeline (With Web Resources) for an Academic Job Search in Mathematics." It should be obvious from the title that this is not about mathematics, or education, or applications. Well, it's about job applications, but that's not what our Journal is usually about. Nevertheless, this piece represents a use of the World Wide Web that is sometimes of intense interest to mathematics faculty, especially to the younger members of our profession. Since it's in everyone's interest to have the right people in the right positions, we present the article as a contribution to the profession.
Are you in or going to be in the market for a job? Here is an idealized timeline -- the particular months indicated are subjective, but they will give you the general idea. If you start later, it can still work out -- you'll just need more coffee. Good luck!
Cameron Sawyer is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science at Southwestern University.
Editor's Note: This article was published in 2001 under the title "A Timeline (With Web Resources) for an Academic Job Search in Mathematics." It should be obvious from the title that this is not about mathematics, or education, or applications. Well, it's about job applications, but that's not what our Journal is usually about. Nevertheless, this piece represents a use of the World Wide Web that is sometimes of intense interest to mathematics faculty, especially to the younger members of our profession. Since it's in everyone's interest to have the right people in the right positions, we present the article as a contribution to the profession.
Are you in or going to be in the market for a job? Here is an idealized timeline -- the particular months indicated are subjective, but they will give you the general idea. If you start later, it can still work out -- you'll just need more coffee. Good luck!
Cameron Sawyer is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science at Southwestern University.
Your first step is to read the article The Academic Job Search in Mathematics by Thomas Rishel. You should do this NOW, no matter where you are in graduate school or your job search. It helps to know how to prepare for each stage ahead. This article gives advice on the entire job process from your application packet to the job offer. (For other comprehensive articles see the Additional Reading section on page 13 .) Rishel's article also gives suggestions of things to do while in graduate school to improve your curriculum vitae (CV). A few additional suggestions of things you should do while in graduate school:
If you are still (or just starting) in the job market don't despair. As I mentioned before (see September/October), departments do end up hiring unexpectedly, and this often occurs late in the season. These are frequently only temporary positions, but many have potential for becoming tenure-track.
Remember to revisit Thomas Rishel's article at each stage of the process.
Keep in mind that the employment situation has improved since many of these articles were written.
Thanks to Carl Cowen, Bill Cunningham, Aimee Ellington, Jeff Hildebrand, David Pike, Laura Taalman, and the referee for their suggestions.