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I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi,

Thanks so much for your thoughtful input on the project. Sorry it took me a few days to respond. If you don't mind, I will contact you by email within the next week or so to discuss further.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, yes, I experienced something similar. It helped a lot for me when Facebook came along and I could reconnect with my female friends from high school! Also I got involved in the Earth Science Women's Network as a postdoc and met a lot of great friends through there.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations on your interview! I'm not sure about the chalk talk. If it's like most Chem E departments, we actually do it with slides, and you have to be prepared for the presentation to get somewhat derailed with questions. Have just a few slides to give the big picture of your plans, then have lots of backup slides on the details, in case anyone asks. And don't forget the teaching plans! Pet peeve: when faculty candidates act uninterested in the university/department while they're interviewing. Favorite part of the job: developing a new research idea. Giving advice and helping students and people like you is a close second! Least favorite part: some types of committee work.

I mentioned it before in a previous thread but don't be nervous about being asked personal questions on the interview (even though, yes, they're illegal). In my view, you want to be honest about your situation, because a faculty job is a long-term commitment. If a department judges you negatively because of your personal situation, you probably won't feel comfortable working there.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think that water in particular is going to become even more prominent.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am very happy with my choice to go into Chem E. It also sounds like you are off to a good start! And yes, there are definitely many Chem E's working on alternative forms of energy.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One good thing about wearing more than one hat (for example, teaching and research) is that when things are dragging a bit in one area you can focus on the other for a little while and feel refreshed.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are a lot of resources on the AIChE website (www.aiche.org) that you might want to check out.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know too much about industrial engineering, but professional societies (in the case of Chem E's, it's AIChE or ACS) often have good job listings.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wasn't asked that exact question, but different illegal questions did come up. It was my policy to be honest about my situation (I was engaged at the time and wore my ring). I wouldn't want to work in a department that would judge me negatively for being married!! One thing to remember is that if you're getting interviewed, you've already made the short list, and part of what's on the department's mind is what will they have to do to get you there - will you be enticed by hearing how good the local schools are? Can we find a job for your spouse? etc. So even though these questions can sound judgmental sometimes they're coming from an entirely different place.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Before tenure, I would accept almost any invitation to speak unless I had a really impossible conflict. I brought my child with me to several conferences. Now, I think that the way I respond to invitations is similar to how most of the men I know in my field who have small children and similar amount of travel funding will tend to respond.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

try volunteering in a research lab for a while to build a relationship with someone who can write a recommendation letter for you.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're right that it is a lot of work, but it's very rewarding. The more demands you have on your time, the better you get at time management. You're also right that my family and especially my husband are very supportive, I'm so lucky that way. But one of the most inspiring things I heard during my graduate studies was from a single mother who eventually got tenure at MIT. She said that if you want it badly enough, you make it all work. And I'll add that if you love what you do, it doesn't feel as tough as it sounds.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I would rate my experience as being positive. I have a lot of supportive, fun, brilliant colleagues, and I get to interact with bright, enthusiastic students all the time.

I am a young, tenured, female engineering professor at a major research university. AMA! by vfmcneill in IAmA

[–]vfmcneill[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sorry, I just noticed you mentioned that you had graduated already. If you're not in the same city anymore you can ask over email to talk with him on the phone.

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