While I have had several conversations with professors that I consider mentors in the past about career and research goals, what most intrigued me about this class as a whole was the ability to discuss the questions and concerns I have about academia and the role of networks and professionalism in such settings. It is rare to have such safe spaces to openly discuss and learn about other people’s thoughts outside of some (frequently) negative experiences where the “what not to do” is explored. I appreciate the opportunity to consider such issues while in the midst of being able to change potentially poor behaviors.
Personally, I am the most interested in ways to leverage my existing skills in finding my own niche within academia and how I can use my current networks to both find and give support to others. As someone who has moved across very different departments in recent years, I can state with a high degree of certainty that the best way forward for academia is through interdepartmental development and programs where experts in different fields can discuss problems and find solutions together.
Dan:
I also have a varied background – undergrad degree in engineering, MBA, then PhD in public administration – that has given me a greater appreciation of different perspectives. When I considered academia, it was almost exclusively oriented towards research institutions, because I really wanted to be able to explore topics/issues with other researchers in a multidisciplinary collaboration. Not that I don’t appreciate the teaching, but one thing I learned about myself is that research is my passion. It is a struggle for me sometimes as a faculty member at ODU to balance teaching and research demands.
I agree that it is a great benefit to have a safe place to discuss issues with your peers. Last semester, I took Acting for Scientists, a public speaking and science communication course, and it was really helpful to be able to give speeches to a small group of people that we got to know very well and to get honest feedback in a safe environment. I hope that this course is similar.