Drawing from their combined experience of many years as faculty and administrators, Gray and Drew (2008) assembled a 199 helpful guide for success in academic career – contributing to and getting the most from the academe. The guide covers issues ranging from getting the PhD as a licence to reproduce, landing the first job, determining the culture, teaching and servicing on committee, doing research and applying for tenure, academic remuneration, life as an institutional citizen.

The aspect regarding publications being the only form of portable wealth and not serving in a committee where one is an expert struck me. In spite of teaching being an act of doing public good, publications are the only portable wealth. They are evidence based documents containing selected information and artifacts and establishing significance and activity effectiveness.  Committees, one should refrain from serving in committees where one is an expert because such service might not increase one’s visibility. why? This runs at variance with my cognition.

I found writing hints packed in appendix C very useful. I have started using the reference ever before this assignment blog and I can reflect satisfactorily on my writing progress.

The two books - Davis and Parker (1997) and Gray and Drew (2008 - called my attention to reflect on my learning and teaching philosophy, styles and approaches, and management of my candidature. They are great guides and I will be referencing them from time to time.

Reference
Gray, P. and Drew, D. E. (2008). What they didn't teach you in graduate school: 199 helpful hints for new and future faculty on how to succeed in academic. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.