I've applied for over 40 positions in the field of higher education since January. I've received at least 15 rejection letters or "We're sorry we're just not that into you" as I like to call them, which can be a big downer. On Sunday I was having a text conversation with one of my cohort members about the struggle of finding employment after graduation. She has applied for over 80 jobs. We were discussing her first on campus interview following a successful phone interview with a college on the East coast. I was very happy for her, while wishing I had some good news of my own to share. When she asked about myself I informed her that I was tired of applying and was going to focus my energies on the things that were going right in my life such as my private practice and finishing these two books that have been sitting on a jump drive since forever. I'll never forget her text, "What? That's not like you. You never give up!" Well as faith would have it that night I prayed that God would place me were I needed to be, in a place that would allow me to touch others and make a difference. The next morning I received a phone call from Southern University in New Orleans to interview for a professor position. All I could do was smile and look towards heaven. Later that same day I received an email from Tennessee State University asking if I was still interested in a professor position that I had applied for. I told them yes using my most professional voice, but inside I was screaming "hell yeah!"
On Thursday morning I had my first post Ph.D. interview! Although they couldn't see me because it was a conference call, I still took the liberty of dressing professional. I had to get myself in the mood, lol. I had to take the call while driving home to take my 17 year old to work. Despite the traffic and the humming of cars and sweating like I had run a country mile, I think I did okay. The questions weren't as difficult as I thought they might be. The committee asked me about my perception of the ideal professor, classroom management, teaching techniques, teaching theories that I use, ethical issues I've encountered in practice, and community service. I think the question that I "wowed" them with was my response to the teaching theory that I identify with. Of course I told them about decolonization, which was the focus of my dissertation which was inspired by my teaching experience while employed at Southern University at Baton Rouge. I know I wowed myself because I didn't realize just how engrained the information was in my brain. (9 months of working on a dissertation will do that to you). When we ended the call they informed me that the finalist would be asked to come to the university for their second interview. Then they asked if I would be available in the next few weeks and of course I said yes.
Okay so maybe I gave up too soon! I'm excited about the next interview and all of the universities that are about to call me (yes, I have hope now, lol). But I'm still going to focus on increasing my private practice and completing those books, but I'm also going out and find the perfect in-person interview outfit, one made for a PhDiva :)
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