Steps to Becoming a Professor: Education, Skills, and Career Path

Have you ever wanted to inspire and teach the next generation of students? Do you love researching and learning about your favorite subject? If so, becoming a professor might be the perfect career for you. Professors don’t just teach—they shape minds, advance their fields, and contribute to the growth of knowledge in society.

This guide will take you through all the steps you need to follow, from getting the right education to finding a job and advancing in academia. Let’s explore how you can turn your passion for learning into a successful career as a professor!

What Does a Professor Do?

Professors have a big role in higher education, combining teaching, research, and service to their academic communities. Here are some of the key responsibilities:

Teaching: Professors teach undergraduate and graduate students in their area of expertise, developing lesson plans, delivering lectures, and grading assignments.
Research: Professors are often involved in conducting original research, writing academic papers, and publishing their findings in scholarly journals.
Mentoring: They provide guidance to students, especially those working on advanced research projects like theses or dissertations.
Service: Professors also serve on university committees, attend academic conferences, and sometimes engage in public speaking.

There are different types of professors, such as tenured professors, who have long-term job security, and adjunct professors, who work part-time with shorter contracts. You’ll also hear about assistant, associate, and full professors, which are academic ranks that reflect the progression of a professor’s career.

Did you know? The median annual salary for postsecondary teachers in the U.S. is about $80,560, with the field projected to grow by 9% by 2030.

Educational Path to Becoming a Professor

To become a professor, you’ll need several years of education and training. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect.

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Your Field

The first step is to complete a bachelor’s degree in the field you want to teach. Whether it’s history, biology, or literature, building a strong foundation in your subject is essential. This degree will help you decide what area you want to specialize in as you move forward in your academic journey.

2. Pursue a Master’s Degree (If Necessary)

Some fields require you to earn a master’s degree before starting your PhD. During this time, many students also gain experience as teaching assistants (TAs) or research assistants to help build their skills in teaching and research.

3. Complete a PhD or Equivalent Terminal Degree

In most cases, becoming a professor means earning a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), which is the highest academic degree available in most subjects. PhD programs typically take between 5 and 7 years to complete and include coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation.

For some fields, a terminal degree other than a PhD may be required. For example, law professors usually hold a Juris Doctor (JD), and art professors may need a Master of Fine Arts (MFA).

Building Experience and Skills

While working on your PhD, you’ll also need to gain experience and develop important academic skills.

Research and Publications

Professors are expected to contribute to their field through research. During your graduate studies, you’ll conduct original research and write papers that may be published in academic journals. The more you publish, the stronger your application for future faculty positions will be.

Teaching Experience

Most PhD students get the opportunity to teach undergraduate classes as part of their training. This teaching experience is invaluable when applying for professor positions. You may also seek part-time teaching jobs as an adjunct professor to gain more experience.

Networking in Academia

Networking is important in any career, and academia is no different. Attend conferences, join academic societies, and stay in touch with professors and peers in your field. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and build your professional reputation.

The Job Search: How to Find a Faculty Position

Finding a job as a professor can be competitive, but with the right preparation, you can improve your chances of success.

Prepare Your Academic Portfolio

When applying for academic jobs, you’ll need a strong curriculum vitae (CV). This is like a resume but focused on your academic achievements, such as your education, publications, and teaching experience. You’ll also want to include a teaching philosophy statement, which explains your approach to teaching, and a research statement outlining your future research goals.

Apply for Academic Jobs

There are many websites where academic job openings are posted, such as HigherEdJobs or ChronicleVitae. Be prepared to apply to multiple positions, as the job market can be tough. Some candidates apply for tenure-track positions, which are permanent roles, while others start with adjunct or temporary roles to gain more experience.

Ace the Interview Process

If you’re invited for an interview, you may be asked to give a teaching demonstration or present your research. This is your chance to show off your skills and knowledge. Practice your presentation skills and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the university’s teaching and research goals.

Advancing Your Career: The Tenure Process

One of the main goals for many professors is to earn tenure, which provides job security and academic freedom. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Tenure is a permanent academic appointment, meaning that after a certain number of years, a professor can’t be easily dismissed. To achieve tenure, professors must excel in teaching, research, and service to their university.
Professors start as assistant professors and work their way up to associate professor and then full professor. Promotion depends on your publication record, student evaluations, and overall contributions to the academic community.
Not all professors stay in teaching forever. Some move into academic administration as deans or department chairs. Others may work as researchers or take on consulting roles in their fields.

Tips for Succeeding as a Professor

If you want to thrive in academia, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Balance Teaching and Research: Professors must juggle many responsibilities. Time management is critical.
Stay Current in Your Field: Continue researching and attending conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and discoveries in your subject.
Create a Positive Learning Environment: Build strong connections with your students and create a classroom environment that encourages curiosity and engagement.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Professorship Today

Becoming a professor is a long and challenging journey, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the minds of future generations, conduct research that makes a difference, and contribute to the academic world.

If you’re ready to start your journey toward becoming a professor, explore graduate programs in your field or talk to a mentor who can guide you through the process. The path is long, but the rewards are worth it.