Anytime you consider changing careers, you must transfer your experience and skills to the new position. If you’re applying for adjunct and teaching positions, you need to “show your work” on your CV. Sometimes this means developing and demonstrating you’ve put the work into reskilling and upskilling.
“If a candidate really wants to stand out, schools want to see how you take your real-world experience and bring it into the classroom,” says Miraglia. She also says professors must add skills beyond their industry experience to compete in today’s job market. She says, “The market has changed so you need to show you can do more than just teach. Many instructors are diverse and write and design courses now.”
Miraglia also says people need a CV instead of a resume. She notes many people think they have a CV. Still, the documents she and her team review often need improvement, which could be why candidates are not getting interviews. Colleges and universities expect a CV, which is much more comprehensive than a resume. “Most people could benefit from an outside review of their documents to ensure they have a properly formatted CV that truly highlights their professional and teaching experiences and skills.”
In addition to technical expertise in their field, instructional design, and online and hybrid teaching experience, professors must possess various soft skills to excel. Some essential soft skills that colleges and universities may look for when hiring professors include:
Communication skills: Professors need to be effective communicators to convey complex information and ideas to students in an easily understandable way. They must also communicate effectively with colleagues, administrators, and other stakeholders.
Collaboration skills: Collaboration is critical in academia, and professors must be able to work effectively with colleagues on research projects and other initiatives.
Leadership skills: Professors may be expected to serve in their department or university leadership roles. They should be able to motivate and inspire students and colleagues and have the ability to manage conflict and solve problems.
Time management and organizational skills: Professors must balance teaching, research, and administrative duties and be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.
Adaptability: The academic landscape is constantly evolving, and professors need to adapt to new technologies, teaching methodologies, and research methods.
Interpersonal skills: Professors should be approachable and able to build positive relationships with students and colleagues.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Professors must be able to analyze complex information and develop creative solutions to problems.
Overall, colleges and universities look for professors with the technical expertise required for the role and the soft skills needed to excel in their job and contribute positively to the academic community.
How to Get Started
Miraglia recommends working as an online tutor if a person has yet to gain prior teaching experience. She also suggests, “Reach out to your community college, present at conferences, design a course, write articles to publish on LinkedIn, work as a subject matter expert (SME) and alert your network that you’re looking to get into teaching.”
How a Mentor Can Help
Shifting careers is a challenge! Miraglia and the mentors at Professor Services have made the switch from experts in their fields to professors. They are now experienced at crafting CVs, working with higher ed hiring managers, and helping people transition to new careers in education. She says, “A mentor can teach you about the industry, marketing yourself, how to showcase your online teaching skills, and prepare you for interviews.” She says mentors can share their experiences with networking and add to your network. She adds that the Professor Services network works with schools nationwide and can help candidates determine where to apply.
Finally, Miraglia says to stick with it! “If you’re motivated to get into the education and higher ed field, it’s not always easy. It takes patience, dedication, and perseverance.”
Have questions for Miraglia on taking your career to the next level? Ready to work with the Professor Services team? They are here to help!
Angela