Becoming an Academic

Academic work is changing. Becoming an Academic looks at the policies that are driving this change and the inadequacy of many programmes to prepare new academics for the realities of an academic career. The dominance of 'skills training' is challenged in favour of also focusing on identity and purpose. This perspective is supported by research into the experiences of doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers and newly-appointed academics in Australia, Canada, the UK and US.

Each chapter develops research-informed implications for early career academics, academic developers and policy-makers. Viewing preparation for academic practice from a personal identity perspective offers a distinct and nuanced lens through which to develop approaches to the preparation of future academics.

Key features:

differentiates US, UK, Canadian and Australian academic systems

discusses doctoral candidature, postdoctoral research positions and first academic appointment as a developmental continuum

highlights the integrative role played by academic identity and purpose

features commentaries by early career academics, developers and administrators