At a mixer recently, I was asked, "why did you join Temple University."
I responded without thought: "I joined because I believe in its mission. "
The questioner looked stunned. He made a face & then laughed.
"Thatcher, you are my new favorite professor!"
We discussed what I believed in about Temple, that it was public, that it served disadvantaged populations, and it served the broader Philadelphia area.
I shared my belief that urban schools like Temple change the world by opening doors for people like my father to earn a college degree.
More importantly, I let my questioner know that I felt a vocation to give back by working at public schools and helping others bootstrap up by earning an education.
It was a fun conversation. It was not rehearsed. It was authentic.
And it was true.
That conversation caused me to reflect on the many reasons faculty join universities - income, location, resources, prestige, and faith - come to mind. These are all good reasons for taking a job.
For me though, it comes down to the #mission and #values. I feel a vocation to teach and research at a public school. I feel a vocation to help undergraduate students become #adults, MBA students grow as #leaders, and to help Ph.D. students become #scholars.
Temple makes that possible.
For #PhDstudents on the job market in the coming year, you will get much advice about what to ask, where to look, and how to behave. I've written a few posts on those topics.
As you weigh your job offers, don't forget to ask yourself, "which school's mission aligns with my values?"
It will simplify your decision.
There is no greater pleasure than working at a place that you believe in with communities that you love.
For me, there is no greater pleasure than working at a public research institution - the diversity, the mission, the chance to serve society - fit my values and bring me joy.
#acacemiclife#foxschoolofbusiness#templeuniversity#perserveranceconquers#personorganizationfit#personjobfit
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