As a young faculty member, I envied faculty from Asia, Europe, & further afield. They had high social status & throngs of Ph.D. students - yet did not have the publications required to #tenure at my home institution in the United States.
I felt envy, but didn't take the time, to learn why they were so well respected - I was too busy doing my own thing - trying to tenure, raise a kid, & figure out how to be an effective teacher - I filed the envy away as something to investigate once I had my own career figured out.
These past ten years, I have been lucky enough to learn about the many schemes, incentives, & benchmarks that frame academic lives in China, Germany, Denmark, Finland, & other locations.
As my understanding has grown, my early career envy feels foolish - even naive - & my respect for the accomplishments of my colleagues across the world has grown - & made them more desirable, valued, & fun collaborators.
For people interested in global collaboration, a few lessons.
First, everywhere you go teaching matters. Every professor takes tremendous pride in describing their relationship with the kids. The teaching cycle determines when it is best to try to schedule work.
Second, we focus on different service. Active US researchers often shun local service, in favor of editorial work. Outside the US, many prominent faculty often serve as department chairs, deans, & even university presidents. Because of this different focus, global collaborators can teach you a lot about how to manage academics.
Third, definitions of research success differ. In the US, many faculty value "top journal" publications. In Europe, reports for government & industry have just as much career impact. Just because a scholar has not published in a top journal, it does not mean they aren't capable, it simply means they have not focused on them. Be open-minded as you evaluate potential collaborators.
Fourth, industry access is better abroad. In the US, business faculty seem disconnected from industry. In other places, industry connections define career success - they fund research, offer access to data, & supports programs. Global collaborators bring great insight & access to industry.
Fifth, while good PhD students are hard to come by, you can find good students everywhere. You will rarely have more fun than working on a global team with PhD students. The diversity of young voices & values will push you to grow.
Sixth, impact matters - all of us are being asked to positively change the world - through publication, teaching, or other activities. A global #mentor can help you see new ways to create value.
While I have still not figured out my own career, I am lucky to have global #collaborators, they help me appreciate our differences & cherish the value we all create for our world.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_tenure-mentor-collaborators-activity-6865737027862753280-W35q?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
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