Navigating the Challenges of an Academic Job Search: Balancing Friendship and Career Goals
In the summer of 2023, Herrison Chicas, McKenzie Preston, and Zachariah Berry embarked on the academic job market journey with the shared goal of securing faculty positions in the field of organizational behaviour. Despite being scattered across the United States, their friendship and support for each other remained strong. They had met in 2018 through the PhD Project, an organization that supports doctoral students from historically under-represented groups in business programs nationwide.
Throughout their friendship, they had been there for each other through various life events, providing emotional support and guidance. As they entered the competitive academic job market, they realized that they were now competing for the same limited number of positions. The pressure of potentially disadvantaging each other by sharing job-market information weighed heavily on their minds and their friendship.
To address this challenge, Herrison Chicas initiated a heartfelt phone call among the three friends to discuss how they could navigate the job market while maintaining their friendship. During this conversation, they collectively decided that they wanted to support each other and stay friends throughout the process. This marked the beginning of a collaborative and supportive approach that ultimately led to each of them securing assistant professor positions at prestigious institutions.
Developing an Interdependent Mindset
One of the key realizations that emerged from their discussions was the shift from a zero-sum mindset to a collective outlook. They understood that each of them had unique qualities and contributions to offer, and that their success was not mutually exclusive. By committing to open communication and vulnerability, they were able to support each other through the challenges of the job market.
Their decision to prioritize collaboration over competition proved to be beneficial, as it expanded their collective network and knowledge base. By sharing resources, insights, and experiences, they were able to navigate the job market more effectively and increase their chances of success. This shift in mindset not only strengthened their friendship but also enhanced their individual job search efforts.
Navigating Uncharted Waters
As they entered new territory in their academic careers, Herrison, McKenzie, and Zachariah recognized the importance of adapting to each other’s evolving needs and preferences. They established communication norms early on, which allowed them to stay connected and provide support throughout the job search process.
Their transition from regular Zoom check-ins to group text exchanges enabled them to celebrate successes and offer support in a more informal manner. This flexibility in communication methods allowed them to maintain their connection despite their busy schedules and varying job-search timelines. By establishing clear interactional norms, they were able to navigate the uncertainties of the job market while preserving their friendship.
Sharing Helpful Information and Resources
Transparency and collaboration were at the core of Herrison, McKenzie, and Zachariah’s approach to the job market. They committed to sharing useful information, resources, and updates that could benefit the group as a whole. By creating a shared drive for exchanging application materials and conducting mock interviews with each other, they were able to provide valuable feedback and support throughout the job search process.
Sharing insights from interviews, campus visits, and job applications allowed them to learn from each other’s experiences and improve their own job search strategies. This level of open knowledge-sharing proved to be instrumental in their success, as it enabled them to leverage each other’s strengths and expertise. By working together and pooling their resources, they were able to navigate the challenges of the academic job market more effectively.
Create and Preserve Memories
Despite the intense nature of the academic job market, Herrison, McKenzie, and Zachariah made a conscious effort to document their journey and create lasting memories. By capturing screenshots during their Zoom calls and meeting up in person during campus visits, they ensured that they could reflect on their experiences in the years to come.
These shared experiences not only strengthened their friendship but also provided moments of respite during the stressful job search process. By taking the time to celebrate each other’s successes and support each other through setbacks, they were able to create a supportive and nurturing environment that contributed to their overall success. As they look back on their journey, they can appreciate the value of their friendship and the collaborative approach they took to navigating the academic job market.
In conclusion, the story of Herrison, McKenzie, and Zachariah’s journey through the academic job market serves as a testament to the power of friendship and collaboration. By prioritizing their relationship and supporting each other through the challenges of the job search process, they were able to achieve their career goals while maintaining a strong bond. Their experience highlights the importance of developing an interdependent mindset, navigating uncharted waters together, sharing helpful information and resources, and creating lasting memories along the way. As they embark on their new roles as assistant professors, they can carry forward the lessons learned from their journey and continue to support each other in their academic careers.