I would also suggest that people who graduate new PhDs in History (which — I am very happy to say — I do not do) keep this graph in mind, too! I know some of you do. But I also know some of you don't.
Show this thread
Mandatory graph for anyone thinking of starting a PhD in History — have realistic "Plan Bs" in mind. Job ads "have declined for the fifth straight year and are now at their lowest level since the mid-1980s" — worse than 2009. http://blog.historians.org/2017/11/another-tough-year-for-the-academic-job-market-in-history/ …pic.twitter.com/3eueGhUonD
-
-
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
Can you give an example of good Plan Bs?
-
Depends on the field and the person. "Plan B" just means "a job that you like that is not only the tenure track" (hence my scare quotes).
-
Of my grad school colleagues, there are: teachers at elite private high schools; diplomats in the State Department; a research director in public radio; the curator of a museum; lecturers who are not tenure track but are also not in "adjunct hell" — to just name a few.
-
To say nothing of think tanks, private corporations, consulting, etc. These things might or might not be one's cup of tea. (Ditto academia, once you get to know it!)
-
Government or 501c3 "think tanks" are overwhelmingly ideological nests. :D
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
But let’s also change the rhetoric...if grads think abt skills, interests, & overall happiness, work outside professoriate might be plan A
-
Agreed 100%!
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
Not exactly my field, but I’d say it’s the disparity between PhD production and new jobs which matters even more so than the absolute level of new jobs. By that measure, the last ~5 years are the worst on record.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
All academically oriented grad work requires careful thought beforehand.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
-
-
Plan B for any undergrad major in history: Dbl-major & get 2nd Bach if inst'n allows. I wanted history grad-school, couldn't afford. Stumbled into support for M.A. in 2nd major poli sci, went on to poli sci PhD at inst'n where had wanted to do history. Still marvel at good luck.
Thanks. Twitter will use this to make your timeline better. UndoUndo
-
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.