The dissertation ... and beyond: developing your academic career.

Abstract

Completing the dissertation is not the end of a long journey; instead, it is the beginning of a journey that offers unlimited adventure. That adventure unfolds to become the individual's academic career. The skill with which that trip is planned can mean the difference between a challenging, but rewarding career or years of floundering and frustration. The road to the dissertation involves at least six traveling companies: the student, their mentor/dissertation chair, and the dissertation committee members. Careful selection of the dissertation chair is the first step to the successful completion of the dissertation. Forging that career-long partnership must be one of mutual benefit. Tips to aid in that selection are presented. Each committee member should be selected for their expertise and ability to support some aspect of a student's dissertation research. Strategies for the selection and evaluation of committee members are outlined. Finally, advice is offered on how to fund your dissertation research, enhance your scholarly development--pre- and post-doctorally, and seek post-doctoral opportunities.