Today I am officially starting the search for something new to do (sorry about the rhyme).
First, I should mention that there are a number of websites that will be the foundation for my search. I plan to check back at each website each morning to look at what new jobs have been posted that I might apply for. They are:
The first four are also excellent for keeping up with what's going on in science these days and in the job market. Additionally, the Chronicle is a fantastic resource full of blogs and articles that are great to read in order to stay informed with trends in undergraduate education. USA Jobs is the government's website for job opportunities. And finally, Craigslist - yes, I realize I won't find the career of my dreams here, but it is a decent source for finding tutoring jobs which might fill some time and some monetary need. I'm also checking the career pages on websites of local colleges just in case they don't list their positions with one of the above websites.
There are also a few more concrete things that I'm doing today as far as the job search. First, I e-mailed the director of the graduate career center where I did my graduate work to find out how she got her job and what extra things she may have done to get her position. (I should mention here, that while teaching is my main goal, I would be happy doing a number of service-oriented jobs aimed at helping scientists get on the correct career path). She was more that willing to help me, and even suggested that chatting on the phone would be easiest - so I have a call with her set up for later on this week.
Next, I e-mailed the dean of the sciences division of a local technical college. I am fortunate to work across the hall from a graduate student with similar career goals and she has taught classes at this institution. She said they're often looking for teachers and that it would be worth my while just to make them aware that I exist and ask that I be kept in mind should any instructors be needed. We'll see where that gets me.
Finally, there are two positions that I am actually applying for. Both are at small-ish liberal arts colleges in the area. For one school I am simply filling out their generic adjunct teacher form and passing along my transcripts. For the other college I am applying in response to a specific job call. It has been open for a while and so I fear that the position may already be filled. Additionally, it is for a full time professorship - my dream job, but I'm worried that the teaching experience I have may not be enough. I have nothing to lose though and of course there's that whole "nothing ventured, nothing gained" thing. Besides, it's impossible to predict what about me will make certain people decide not to hire me and other people decide I'm the perfect candidate.
That's it for today - 2 fishing e-mails and two real live applications that will be in the mail tomorrow. And so it begins...........
Good for you! Though I doubt anyone would blame you if you wanted to wallow in self-pity a little while longer!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Caity on this one - completely entitled to wallow longer :)
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