Establishing and Sustaining a Professional Career

The course aims to provide practical advice to develop an academic career in the social sciences. In particular, the course will focus on some of the key aspects of professional career development, including CV writing, choosing conferences and networking, publishing, applying for research funding, and gearing up to job market interviews. The course will be organized into meetings that focus on the major aspects of professional career develpment. Each thematic session, supported by preparatory readings and other materials, will include instructor and participants’ active engagement. More information on the activities required during the course will be provided at the first meeting.

Requirements

Readings and videos are recommended. Readings will be uploaded in the course folder:

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1Sx4nAs3eKvt-z09AY74bAOoQ5o5FWNdZ

Video links are indicated below.

During the course students will be required to prepare the following material. More information on the content and timing of the submission of the documents listed below will be provided during the first meeting:

• CV and research statement
• List of journals in the area of interest
• Review report (of an article that will be circulated by the instructor)
• Application to a job announcement
• Abstract for a conference and 3-4 slides for related paper presentation

 Schedule

Session 1 – Introduction. Professional expectations. Wednesday 8 November 2023, 14:00-18:00

The session will introduce the professional expectations associated with a PhD course. During the session information on the course proceedings and requirements will be provided.

Suggested readings

• Almasri, N. et al. (2022) Mental Health and the PhD: Insights and Implications for Political Science. PS: Political Science & Politics 55 (2): 347-353.
• Strange, S. (1995) ISA Presidential Address.International Studies Quarterly , 39(3): 289-295.
• Burawoy, M. (2005) 2004 ASA Presidential Address.American Sociological Review, 70: 4–28.

Session 2 – Conferences and networking. Wednesday 15 November 2023, 14:00-18:00

The session will address the issue of selecting, participating in and getting the most from conferences, seminars and workshops of different formats. Relevant examples for social and political sciences will be taken into consideration.

Session 3 – Writing CVs, research plans and statements, and addressing job calls. Wednesday 22 November 2023, 14:00-18:00

This session will focus on the preparation of CV, and research statements and plans, and dealing with job calls.

Suggested readings

• AAAS guide to writing research plan and statements
• Harvard guide to writing CVs and cover letters

Session 4 – Publishing. Wednesday 29 November 2023, 14:00-18:00

This session will focus on the process of article and book publishing.

Suggested videos:

• Demystifying the review process https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj2z2Bv3oL4
• Byatt, D. How to Publish Like an Academic Rock Star. https://www.geg.ox.ac.uk/publication/video-how-publish-academic-rock-star

Suggested readings:

• Fligstein N. (2019) Publishing in Modern Times. Sociologica, 13(1)
• Lamont, M. (2019) How to Publish, but Most Importantly, Why.Sociologica, 13(1)
• Lee, J. (2019)From Public Engagement to Publication. Sociologica, 13(1).
• Cambridge University Press guide to preparing a book proposal

Session 5 – Applying for funds. Wednesday 6 December 2023, 09:00-13:00

This session will focus on identifying and applying for research funds. Examples of calls will be analysed and testimonies of successful participation will be provided.