Future Faculty Fellows Events

Level 1

NAVIGATING THE JOB MARKET

Tenure-track faculty share their experiences with applying to faculty jobs, interviewing, and accepting their current position. Panelists answer questions during the live Q&A.

ACADEMIC NETWORKING

Participants learn how to make personal connections, expand their professional network, and leverage their network to solve problems.

BENEFITS OF A CAREER IN ACADEMIA

Faculty panelists will share their career trajectories from Rice to their current academic positions and answer questions during a live Q&A.

WRITING A COVER LETTER THAT LANDS A JOB

This workshop helps participants prepare a cover letter that will uniquely communicate their experience and interest for a faculty position. Participants will learn what the major sections of a cover letter entail and how to tailor a cover letter to the type of position they are most interested in.

FACULTY LIFE

Tenured faculty panelists share their experiences working in academia and answer questions during a live Q&A.

TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS AND FACULTY POSITIONS

Faculty panelists will discuss the responsibilities, expectations and benefits of a faculty position at their institution.

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Level 2

PREPARING THE JOB TALK

During this workshop, participants learn essential strategies for structuring their talk, captivating their audience, and effectively communicating the significance of their work.

MANAGING THE Q&A

Workshop participants learn strategies to effectively address inquiries about their research, teaching philosophy and professional trajectory while maintaining composure and clarity.

DIVERSITY STATEMENTS

Participants learn about what makes a strong diversity statement and how to start preparing to write their own diversity statement as part of their application portfolio.

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Level 3

BEST PRACTICES IN TEACHING STATEMENTS

In this workshop, fellows will explore strategies, practical tips, and real-world examples to help them effectively communicate their teaching approach and pedagogical philosophies to stand out in the academic job market.

INTERVIEW TIPS

Fellows learn how to best approach common interview questions and effectively showcase their research, teaching, and leadership skills during their faculty job interviews.

MOCK INTERVIEWS

Each fellow will have an opportunity to schedule a mock interview with faculty in their department. They will receive personalized feedback from tenured faculty members to help them fine-tune their responses and boost their confidence as they prepare for their faculty job interviews.

NEGOTIATING FACULTY POSITIONS AND STARTING UP YOUR LAB

Fellows gain indispensable insights on navigating salary negotiations, structuring start-up packages, and establishing their research lab. They learn from a tenured Rice faculty member about leveraging offers, securing resources, and setting a strong foundation for the start of their academic journeys.

PREPARING YOUR FIRST COURSE

Syllabus design, lesson planning, and effective teaching strategies are taught during this workshop to ensure the fellows have a successful debut in the classroom. Fellows will learn how to engage students, foster active learning environments, and navigate common challenges faced by new instructors.