Research/Academia Career

[MiaWallace]

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Hi everyone, my question is regarding a career in academia.

If one trains in a counseling Phd program with a equal emphasis in research/practice, is it possible to successfully seek a career as a researcher?

What would be the best way to make one competitive (along with publishing which would be a given)?

I would appreciate any input. Thanks!

 

[Ollie123]

Of course its possible. Success depends on your success in proving yourself.

After publishing I'd say next in line is securing significant extramural funding (i.e. not just a few hundred from the university - though that certainly won't hurt either - but tens of thousands from a external agency like NIH/NSF/non-profits/pharmaceuticals/etc.). Actually these days, getting funding might even be more valuable.

 

[wigflip]

We just went through a faculty search (though keep in mind my department isn't psych). Two of the buzzwords were "fit" and "trajectory":

"fit" = are you a good fit for the department (methods, theoretical orientation, personality)

"trajectory" = have you merely ridden the coattails of mentors, or have you demonstrated that you are an independent scholar with potential for high productivity (first authorships, solo authorships)

plus, as Ollie said, have you acquired nationally competitive funding.

 

[EmotRegulation]

Program probably matters a little (academia is a "downwardly mobile" profession, for the most part, where people get jobs at institutions/programs at less prestigious places than they went to grad school), but as Ollie said, your own effort matters far more.

At a balanced program you should have opportunities for both research and clinical training. If you take the research opportunities and develop yourself into an independent scholar (ala wipflip's note), you can apply for academic jobs. I went to a fairly research-heavy program, but I devoted a lot of time and energy to clinical work and teaching as a grad student. I was also the master of my own destiny (I feel there should be a spandex costume for this!) and ran several of my own studies in addition to collaborating with people outside my lab. I also chose to go to a clinically focused internship, and I got a tenure-track academic job.

In terms of other things to do to make yourself competitive, you could consider running for a student spot in a national organization. I spent two years as a student rep for a training organization, and it was a fabulous experience for me. There are many opportunities--most psychological organizations have student reps, and these are great ways to network and increase visibility, plus get some administrative experience that might set you apart from other applicants.