Preparing for the Academic Job Market: A Guide for Social Work Doctoral Students and Their Mentors

ABSTRACT

While the academic job market continues to be strong for social work doctoral graduates relative to graduates of other fields, there has been relatively little guidance for students and their mentors on how to prepare for and obtain these positions. Research in doctoral education across disciplines shows that students need help transitioning from their role as doctoral student to navigating the academic job market. This article describes the academic job search process specifically tailored to the social work job market, which is unique both in its chronic undersupply of candidates and in its emphasis on practice. Topics covered include early preparation for the job search, preparing job application materials, the selection process, negotiating offers, and finding the “right” faculty position. The need for the development of career services in doctoral pedagogy to help students prepare for the academic job market is also discussed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Lightfoot

Elizabeth Lightfoot is a Professor and the Doctoral Program Director at the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota.

Cynthia Franklin

Cynthia Franklin is Associate Dean for Doctoral Education and Stiernberg/Spencer Family Professor in Mental Health at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.

Raiza Beltran

Raiza Beltran is a Doctoral Candidate at the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota.