Hi there. I'm presently putting things in order for grad school, but I'm trying to come up with a long-term plan of what I'd like my future to look like. I very much want to do research, and the kind of thing I'd most like to work with is not particularly profitable or valued. (I'm studying plant/myco ecology, and the reason I'm thinking academia is one of my best options is because I would rather die than work in agriculture, management of lands/wildlife, etc. I do not want to forsake my very deep and special love for the natural world!) I also just thrive in academic environments, and have continually been told that it would be a great loss if I were to not become involved in research.
Thing is, I am hoping to get into a completely different line of work than research now. The job is a seasonal one (varies but generally mid April to mid August), but I'm pretty much dead-set on it because it fulfills me in other ways and will allow me a lifestyle that aligns with my fiance's. The seasonality of this job happens to be during the time most colleges, universities, etc have the summer break, but usually begins a bit early. I've looked at many academics calendars and the tail-end of spring sessions tend to overlap with the start of the summer seasonal job!
My questions..
- Do academic institutions hire adjuncts / other teaching positions who can only work a single session annually? ie only fall sessions, as I am assuming spring sessions here would not be possible for me since the seasonal job starts up mid to late April..
- If they DO, are people in these positions generally able to be involved in academic research? I don't necessarily care about directing my own independent research, just being able to participate in projects that feel personally meaningful.
- If they DO NOT, are there any seasonal positions I could try for within academia that would allow me to participate in research, that aren't necessarily professorial in nature? Any outside of academia?
- Lastly, how competitive are these kinds of positions relative to typical full-time faculty/professorial positions?
Just trying to figure things out here, and assess whether I should go for a PhD or not. I intend to acquire a Master's regardless. If it comes down to it, I will just settle for the seasonal job and try to fulfill my research interests/potential through other channels, like becoming very involved in a botanical/mycological society or something on the off-season, but if this dream of mine is actually attainable/possible then I want to keep dreaming! For context, if I have said anything that sounds totally silly and clueless, I am still a young undergrad. Please do not be mean!
Submitted July 31, 2019 at 08:40PM by plushfox
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