HOW TO BECOME A COLLEGE PROFESSOR -- BY. MWL. JAPHET MASATU.

HOW  TO   BECOME   A    COLLEGE   PROFESSOR.

INTRODUCTION.

Teaching at a university is a rewarding career path, though much hard work and sacrifice is required. Here is how to become a college professor.

Steps

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   Complete your compulsory education. In the United States, this is finishing 12th grade and obtaining a high school diploma, or receiving a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Strive to attend the most academically rigorous college/university you can. It doesn't have to be an Ivy League school, but following the advice in How to Get Into an Ivy League School will help you get into any institution.
   • Keep in mind that you will also need to pay for graduate school, so minimize the amount of student loans you need to take with scholarships and grants. Accumulating significant student loans during your undergraduate years will add to the loan payments you'll need to make when you're finished with grad school and ready to move on to the professional world. With this in mind, you'll need to weigh a school's academic reputation and its cost.
   
   
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   Get a bachelor's degree in the discipline you'd like to teach. Follow the steps in How to Prepare for a PhD as an Undergraduate. Do your best to maintain high grades to qualify for honors programs and to graduate at the top of your class. Universities want to hire professors who love learning, the educational environment, and who excelled at school themselves.
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   Apply for Ph.D. programs. If you want to teach in a two year college, you will need a master's degree (and often a Ph.D.) in the subject you want to teach. If you want to teach at a university (four year institution), you definitely need a terminal degree in that discipline, usually the doctorate.
   • Doctoral programs take about 6 years to complete after obtaining a bachelor's degree. This includes time used for earning a master's degree and completing a dissertation. ^[1]
   • As a requirement to obtain a Ph.D., you will need to produce a dissertation, which is a paper that describes your original research. Your thesis must propose a new hypothesis or establish a new testable model. ^[2]
   • Doctoral programs take an average of 6 years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree, including time spent completing a master's degree and a dissertation. Some programs, such as those in the humanities, may take longer to complete; others, such as those in engineering, usually are shorter.^[3]
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   Do postdoctoral research. If you want a faculty position at a research-oriented or Ph.D.-granting university, typically you will need to do at least one postdoctoral fellowship after completing your Ph.D. During this time, typically 2-3 yrs, you will need to publish as many papers as you can in the top ranked journals of your discipline.
   • You will also need to develop an independent research plan that is first and foremost at the leading edge of your discipline, one that is "fundable" by federal agencies such as the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), and Department of Eduction (DOE), etc., and will attract graduate students as postdocs to your group.
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   As a graduate student, apply to become a teaching assistant for a full-time professor. You will most likely TA for an undergraduate professor. This is the best opportunity for you to gain work experience before you apply for the actual professor positions, and it's also a good chance for you to make sure that teaching is what you want to do for the rest of your life.
   • Teacher's Assistants often help the professor prepare for class, lead classes, communicate with students, grade tests and assignments, and assist in data entry.
   • Professors who teach large classes of hundreds of students will usually have multiple Teacher's assistants who break each lesson down with small groups of 10-30 students after class. These are great opportunities for you to basically teach your own class.
   • While you are a TA, work closely with your professor and stand out to him or her. Be as helpful as possible and make sure that the professor knows what you are passionate about. They will be a huge asset in your ability to find a job later on, not just as a reference but also as someone who can recommend you for positions.
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   Consider a position as adjunct professor. Like regular, tenured professors, an adjunct professor must fulfill the same education requirements. But being a part-time professor might be a better fit for your situation. Adjunct schedules are flexible and not tied to academic administrative requirements. Plus, you may have experience in a specialized field that the university lacks in its curriculum.
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   When searching for a full-fledged professor position, apply everywhere. The more places you apply, the better your chances of getting a job. This only works if you are willing to move anywhere (possibly cross country) with short notice.
   • Start by looking at universities that are looking to expand the department you are interested in becoming a part of. Because most professors become tenured, it is unlikely that there are openings at top research universities if the department isn't also increasing the number of professors it's hiring.
   • As with any job application, it's important that you follow up in all places you submit your resume to. It keeps you at the top of your employers' mind and gives off a better impression of you. Remember that employers are also human and that you want to make their job easier -- give them reasons to remember you and to pick you for the job.
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   Aim for earning tenure. Most colleges and universities allow professors to work full time and earn tenure. Tenure provides those in the academic profession with some benefits, including protection from termination without due process or without cause.
   • Typically tenure at a top-ranked research institution requires some degree of demonstrable funding (especially in sciences and engineering disciplines) and a strong record of publications. There is also a 7-year trial period to determine whether you are eligible for tenure. Being a good teacher with a undistinguished research record will typically not get you tenure.
   • In sciences and engineering, starting assistant professors are typically given funds to build a lab, buy specialized equipment and supplies, and get their projects off the ground. This would usually be thought of by the junior faculty members as an investment that their university has made in them. They should try very hard to make good on this investment through securing their own funding, typically 2-3x their startup, before coming up for tenure.
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   Stay on top of the latest research in your field and attend business conferences. You should be reading publications in your field every day -- which shouldn't be too difficult if you have a true passion for that area. (And if you don't, you may want to reconsider becoming a professor for that subject.)
   • You need to continually expand your specialized knowledge in that field if you want to become a good professor. Things can change from what's printed in the textbooks, and you want to be able to share that information with your students. It's better not to be one step behind your students and peers.
   • Networking with the experts in your field will also bolster your own research endeavors.

Tips

• Take elective courses (while earning the Bachelor's degree) in collateral areas.
• Make sure that you enjoy teaching and are a personable person who can relate to college students.
• Go to conferences offered by the national organization for the discipline that interests you to continually expand your knowledge.
• Be prepared to work as a TA or adjunct professor to get your foot in the door. Most universities require experience before hiring.
• Remain humble. Don't succumb to "professor's disease." Just because you spend your days in front of students who, by definition, have a lot to learn, doesn't mean you are omniscient or have an exalted place in the universe.
• If you go to a two-year school, junior college, or community college, make sure that your degree path is intended to transfer to a four-year college or university. Some degrees at the two-year institution are not intended for transfer, but rather to prepare the student for the job market (vocational).
• Remember that the teaching rewards will be great. Teaching in a college environment means that your students want to be where they are, where as normally in elementary through high school classrooms, students are there because they have to be, not because they want to be.

Warnings

• Don't base your decision on where to teach solely by prestige of university. Some smaller universities can be top-notch niches in certain fields, and others can have excellent faculty and resources to work with.
• It may be difficult to balance cultivating a strong family life while conducting extensive research. Moving to places to meet job opportunities can also take a toll on your family.
• The pay is not always great, and the work can be isolating. When you seek the tenure track, the first 6 years on the job are intense.

HOW TO EARN / MAKE AN EXTRA MONEY . BY. MWL. JAPHET MASATU.

How to Earn Extra Money

Find WorkSell or Rent Your StuffEarn Money by Saving Money

Edited by Divya, DifuWu, Elizabeth Knudsen, Krystle and 22 others

You're looking for a way to earn extra money, whether you need spending money while you're in school, to save up for a trip, or to pay for a pricey hobby. Whatever your reason, you can get it by snagging a part-time job, selling your stuff, or even by saving money. If you want to know how to earn extra money, then follow these easy tips.

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Edit Method 1 of 3: Find Work

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   Get a part-time job. The easiest way to earn extra money is to get a part-time job to supplement your income. Even if you only work a few hours a day or a week, a part-time job can make a big difference in your bank account. Here are some examples of part-time jobs you could do:
   • Deliver pizza. If you have a reliable car and are a good driver, you can make extra money by delivering pizza. You won't make a lot of money by the hour for delivering pizza, but you can earn extra cash in tips.
   • Wait tables. Working in the service industry is a good way to gain experience, interact with customers, and get tips.
   • Be a bartender. Some venues allow bartenders to be new to bar tending, or accept applications from anyone over 18. Not all bars require experience or require for you to be over 21, so it's worth checking out! Plus, in large venues where the bar isn't the main attraction, the work is laid-back, if not a little boring.
   • Deliver papers or phone books. Delivering papers or phone books isn't just for teenagers. Anyone can do this to make a little money and get to know his neighborhood in the process.
   • Be a personal shopper. Find a person who is low on time, or who has difficulty leaving the house, and offer to do his/her grocery shopping or run errands for them.
   • Check out the part-time jobs listed on craigslist or reputable websites that are specifically tailored for people who are looking for part-time jobs. ^[1]
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2. 
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   Make money by sharing your knowledge and skills. Getting a random part-time job can be fun, but if you can get a job that allows you to make use of your skills, then you may be able to earn a bit more money than you would during an ordinary part-time job and to build your resume in the process.
   • Teach. If you're an expert in a certain subject, see if the community, local colleges, or even the private high schools in your area are looking for a teacher in your field. If you can pick up just one night class per week, it can make a difference in your income. Though you'll need certification to be a traditional teacher most of the time, to teach part-time you may only need a Master's degree and proof of your expertise.
   • Be a tutor. If you can get a private tutoring gig in a subject you know well, such as American History or Geometry, you will be able to make a fair amount of extra cash. If you had a great SAT score, try getting a tutoring job at Kaplan or Princeton Review.
     • It may be easier to find work if you snag a job at a tutoring company, but if you can find clients yourself, you'll be able to set your own rates and make more of a profit. To advertise your skills, you can post on craigslist, or post ads in coffee shops or other places where students are likely to be.
   • Be a coach in your area of expertise. If you've been helping your friends accomplish a variety of skills for free, start charging for your services. If you've been helping your friends organize their closets, buy the perfect wardrobe, or cook amazing meals, it's time to get some money for your skills. If you're uncomfortable about asking your friends for money, ask them if they know anyone who could use your skills and would be able to pay.
   • Be a mystery shopper. To be a mystery shopper, you just have to be a savvy shopper and be able to communicate clearly and give your honest opinion. You can find mystery shopper gigs online. ^[2]
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   Be a care-taker. Taking just a few hours of your week to care for your neighbor's kids, pets, or homes can make a big difference in your income. People who are going out of town and need people to take care of the things they've left behind may be willing to pay a generous amount of money for your help as well. Here's how you can make money by being a caretaker:
   • Baby-sit. If you're comfortable with children, spend a few hours a week or a weekend to take care of them. Spending time with children is a lot of fun. If you end up babysitting for a child who sleeps a lot, you may find some time to do work.
   • Be a dog-walker or a dog-sitter. Walking dogs in your neighborhood can help improve your health and give you a comfortable routine to follow. If your neighbors are out of town and need you to walk and take care of their dog, you can earn a lot of money.
   • Cat-sit. Though cats don't require as much maintenance as dogs, if your neighbors or someone you know are going away for a while, you can earn some money just by checking up on their cat once a day.
   • House sit. Some people who go on vacation for an extended amount of time don't want to leave their house unattended, so if you offer to check on their house from time to time and water their plants and do whatever else they need, you can earn some quick and easy spending money.
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   Get more money at your current job. If you're looking for ways to make extra money, then chances are that your current job isn't giving you the pay that you need. Though you may not be able to earn more money at your current position, there are a few things you can try.
   • Ask if you can take on more hours at your job, whether you want to convert part-time work to full-time work, or just to work overtime.
   • Talk to your boss about getting a promotion. If a promotion comes your way, you will be earning more money.
   • If you can only get a promotion at your current job if you get an additional degree, this can be worth pursuing, and your company may even pay for it.
5. 
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   Earn money online. Finding jobs online is an excellent way to supplement your income. If you know where to look, you can earn money by sharing your skills from the comfort of your home. Here are a few things to try:
   • Teach online. Many colleges have online components. See if you can snag a job at one of them.
   • Use your writing skills online. If you have strong writing skills, you may be able to find work as a proofreader, freelance writer, or an editor online.
   • Be a blogger. Though blogging is hard work, there are companies that will pay for you to write a substantial blog on a topic you know a lot about.
   • Write online reviews. There are companies that will pay you to write reviews of their products.
   • Beware of scams. Online "get rich quick" schemes are incredibly common. Beware of any company that asks you to pay a fee or give out your credit card information before you get to work.

Edit Method 2 of 3: Sell or Rent Your Stuff

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   Sell your stuff. You can also make a little extra money by selling your old things. There may be a lot of items sitting around in your house that you hardly ever think about, but which can earn you some serious cash. You shouldn't have to part with anything you love or need for sentimental reasons, but if you can get rid of some things you don't really care about, you can earn some extra cash while also doing some inadvertent clean-up around the house. Here are a few things to sell:
   • Sell old books you haven't seen in years to a used book store.
   • Sell your gold jewelry to a reputable store.
   • In a pinch, you can sell your stuff to a pawn shop.
   • Sell Girl Scout cookies or brownies, or set up a lemonade stand in your neighborhood.
   • You could also sell some of your old stuff in a garage sale, or online at a site like Ebay.
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   Sell parts of your body. This doesn't mean that you should do anything scandalous, but that you could earn good money and help the health of others if you sell your blood or other parts of your body. Here are some things to sell:
   • You can get money from giving plasma, blood and maybe even hair, if you have long, healthy hair.
   • Sell your sperm or eggs, but be aware that it can be a painful process and that you should only do this in a very safe environment.
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   Rent your stuff. There's also something to be said for renting your stuff. This is an easy way to make money and to make use of the space or things you don't really need. Here's what you can do:
   • Rent out a empty room. If you have an extra room in your house that you don't really need, rent it to a person you trust.
   • Rent half of your space. Instead of renting a room, you can find a roommate to share your home with you. Having the right roommate will not only cut your rent costs in half, but you will have a new companion, and be able to save on your groceries if you decide to share meals.
   • "Rent" the space in your car. If you're giving your friend a ride, make sure your friend actually pays for your gas. Don't rent your car because you can get in a lot of trouble if something goes wrong when your friend is driving it.

Edit Method 3 of 3: Earn Money by Saving Money

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   Save money on transportation. Saving money on transportation is easy and can actually make your life more convenient. Though many people are reluctant to give up sitting cozily behind the wheel of their car, cutting costs on transportation can help you save a lot of extra money each week. Here's what you can do:
   • When you can, walk instead of drive. Instead of driving to the grocery store that is five minutes away, take a nice leisurely walk. This will not only save you gas money, but it will give you great exercise and will keep you from buying more than you need.
   • Take public transportation instead of driving. If this is an option, take it. Not only will you save money, but you will be able to avoid traffic and read a good book while you travel.
   • Carpool. Carpooling will save you money and it will help you get places faster if you're driving on a highway with a carpool lane.
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   Save money on shopping. You will be amazed by how much extra cash you have left over if you pay attention to how you spend money when you're shopping. Whether you're looking for a new outfit or buying your weekly groceries, there are always a few things you can do to save money:
   • Instead of shopping at a fancy name-brand store, check out the funky clothes at your local thrift store.
   • Buy things used instead of new. If you don't really care if the item is new, get the old version on Amazon or at a used book or thrift store. Buying your textbooks or books for reading pleasure used will save you a lot of money.
   • Save money on groceries. Make a point of shopping at reasonably-priced store in your area, to stock up on items you use that are on sale, and of buying only what you need.
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   Save money on entertainment. You may be spending more money than you think on entertainment such as the movies, shows, or going out to bars or restaurants. It's easy to forget how much you're spending when you're out having fun, but keeping an eye on how you spend money on entertainment will lead to some serious savings.
   • Make a point of only eating out on special occasions. If you eat out all the time, set a goal to eat out just once or twice a week, and see if you can trim down that figure as you go along. In some cases, going out for a nice dinner can cost as much as a week of groceries, and you have to ask yourself if its worth it.
   • Rent a movie in the comfort of your own home instead of going to the movies. You will save big and be about to avoid buying that ridiculously overpriced tub of popcorn that you can't live without at your local theatre.
   • Minimize your time at bars and go to house parties instead. Going out to bars with your friends is a great way to unwind, but if you do it too often, you can rack up quite a bill. Just one fancy cocktail can cost more than an hour of hard work at your part-time job. If you do go out, try to pick cheaper bars with happy hours, or to drink a little bit before you head out (as long as you aren't driving) so you don't have to spend as much money on booze when you're there.
    

Tips

• If you're looking for a part-time job, word of mouth is a great way to find one. Let your friends know you're looking for part-time work, and they'll let you know if there's an opening where they work.
• Remember that saving a little extra money can be even easier than earning extra money. For example, if you decide to eat at home instead of going out to eat, you can save the amount of money you could earn working for half a day at a part-time job.
• Go through your change to see if you have any rare coins.