Strategic
Career Planning for
Women Faculty
An Intervention
and Training Program
Rationale
"Successful
[male] executives spend about 40 percent of their time planning
and promoting their careers." Successful
individuals in many fields appear to be well aware of the need
to plan and promote their careers, as the above quote suggests.
It conveys a point that has been found to be critical to the
success of women faculty, as well. A research career in academe
requires self-conscious planning and deliberate attention to
building a professional reputation as much, if not more so,
as the business world, particularly for women.While
many women faculty will not aspire to the 40% time expenditure
of male executives when planning their careers, many are able
to improve their publishing record and chance of receiving tenure
by giving even a little more attention to developing a career
strategy.Research
on women faculty has found that women are at a disadvantage
in academe compared to men because they usually do not have
a network of high status men to promote their careers for them.
Thus, it is even more crucial to women’s success than men’s
for them to develop a career strategy that enhances their opportunities
to publish. At the senior level, women faculty also need to
develop strategies for enhancing salary and career development
in light of continuing career barriers.
Components
of the Strategic Career Planning Program
The Strategic
Career Planning Program addresses the essential features of
career planning and is specifically aimed at women faculty.
The components of the workshop include how to know and do the
following:
- Criteria
for success (both formal and informal);
- Information
relevant to building a research program and getting tenure;
- Timetable
to accomplish goals;
- Curriculum
vitae enhancement;
- Asserting
your reputation, competence, and rights;
- Life
conflicts and how to meet the challenge (career vs. family
conflicts, etc.)
Additional
components of the workshop address how networking and mentoring
can help women publish. The Strategic Career Planning Program
is tailored to the needs of the individual participants and
makes the best use of faculty time. The program is most effective
under the following circumstances:
- Preliminary
Work: Participating faculty complete a preliminary survey
detailing their concerns and send to the facilitator to
review and compile.
- Day
1: Facilitator arrives and meets with participating faculty
individually for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Day
2: Participants attend day long Strategic Career Planning
Workshop offered by facilitator(s) and develop an individualized
publication and career plan.
- Consultant submits a brief report assessing the institutional
climate for women in science.
- (Optional)
Follow-up return visit by facilitator to evaluate progress
and revise/fine-tune career plan.
Individualized
attention is particularly important for women faculty. Academe
is a peculiar culture compared with other work environments
such as corporate cultures and advice is not easily applicable
from one situation to the other. Corporate success does not
depend on developing an independent endeavor, for instance.
Yet that is what faculty must do- develop a nationally respected
research program - yet be evaluated by colleagues within a department
who may know little about the particulars of a faculty member’s
specialized area. It is a unique situation. Departments also
differ quite a lot in terms of their expectations. For an intervention
to be successful at helping women faculty, these factors must
be taken into account. The intensive intervention that is part
of the Strategic Career Planning Program is aimed at giving
women faculty the attention they need and deserve to succeed.
Qualifications
Suzanna
Rose, Ph.D. is Senior Associate Dean for the Sciences, College
of Arts and Sciences, and Professor of Psychology at Florida
International University. She has consulted with women faculty
extensively across the U.S. about their careers in academe
and has given numerous presentations at professional conferences
on career development. She also has done research on women's
academic careers in biology and psychology focusing specifically
on the development of a professional reputation. In addition,
she has edited Career Guide for Women Scholars, a well-respected
book giving advice concerning how to get tenure and authored
a chapter on “Money Matters: The Art of Negotiation for
Women Faculty” for Arming Athena: Career Strategies
for Women Academics (Sage,1998).
CONSULTATIONS
- 2009
University of Virginia & Virginia Commonwealth University,
Women in Engineering, NSF Project
- 2009
Florida Atlantic University
- 2008
University of Michigan, NSF/ADVANCE Grant
- 2007
San Diego State University
- 2007
University of Virginia & Virginia Commonwealth University,
Women in Engineering, NSF Project
- 2006
University of Michigan, NSF/ADVANCE Grant
- 2006
Leadership Institute for Women Faculty in Pennsylvania Higher
Education System
- 2006
Women in Engineering, Mid Atlantic States, National Science
Foundation, Charlotteville, VA
- 2005
Leadership Institute for Women Faculty in Pennsylvania Higher
Education System
- 2005
National Symposium on the Advancement of Women in Science,
Harvard-Radcliffe
- 2005
College of Engineering, Mississippi State University
- 2004
Leadership Institute for Women Faculty in Pennsylvania Higher
Education System
- 2003
University of the Western Cape, South Africa
- 2003
Engineering Information Foundation, Untenured Women Faculty
Program
- 2003
University of Nevada-Reno
- 2003
University of Granada, Spain
- 2003
University of Missouri-St. Louis, 4th Shibusawa Foundation
Conference
- 2003
Colby College, Maine
- 2003
Shibusawa Foundation, Japan
- 2002
Texas A & M University
- 2002
University of the Western Cape, South Africa
- 2002
University of Granada, Spain
- 2002
Colby College, Bangor, Maine
- 2002
Mississippi State University
- 2001
University of the Western Cape, South Africa
- 2000
University of Missouri-Rolla
- 1999
Miami University-Ohio
- 1998
University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
- 1998
University of Nevada-Reno
- 1997
University of Nevada-Reno
- 1995
Old Dominion University
- 1994
University of Nevada-Reno
- 1993
University of Illinois-Champaign
- 1992
Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland
- 1992
University of Ulster, Coleraine, N. Ireland
- 1992
Colorado State University
- 1990
Westminster College
- 1989
University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Fees
Contact Suzanna
Rose for fees (srose@fiu.edu; 305-348-1975.
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Participants'
Comments from Career Development Program
University
of Michigan 2008
• Great facilitator – positive attitude –
reminded us to be grateful, that we have a great job and that
if something is not being done, it’s because we’re
not making it happen. We have power.
• Excellent program to give me a “time out”
to look at my career and life and how to keep it on track
• Facilitated discussion and made it applicable to all
of the different career levels
• Facilitating career case studies
• Asking deep questions that made me think, especially
about the personal and professional both mattering but not
in a clichéd way
I took
your advice seriously and implemented it right away and guess
what? I was able to swap a faculty member a lower level course
for a senior level course. I am very pleased. Thank you so
much. Your advice was and still is very appreciated. Thank
you! Also, I will definitely try the mid-semester survey.
Gymama Slaughter, Assistant Professor
Engineering & Technology, Computer Engineering, Virginia
State University, 2007
Dr. Rose
provides insightful advice. She is an excellent facilitator
and gets the participants to truly reflect on all aspects
of one’s career and look forward to the possibilities
of one’s future.
Rosalyn Hobson, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
Electrical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University,
2007
Suzanna
provides clear insights and positive impact to all her workshop
participants. Highly recommended!
Stephanie Guerlain, Associate Professor
Systems & Information Engineering, University of Virginia,
2007
Her personalized
case study analysis on the most important aspects related
to mine/peer career development was extremely helpful. The
information obtained through it makes me feel empowered to
be out there.
Dhireesha Kudithipudi, Assistant Professor
Computer Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology,
2007
The workshop
helped me to look at my career situation from a different
perspective and develop some strategies for change. It was
also helpful to practice useful workplace behaviors.
Kristen Sanford Bernhardt, Assistant Professor
Civil & Environmental Engineering, Lafayette College,
2007
This
was an exceptional workshop. I learned some great approaches
for advancing my career.
Elizabeth Loboa Assistant Professor, Joint Department
of Biomedical Engineering
UNC-Chapel Hill & North Carolina State University, 2007
The workshop
was perfect for me: it allowed me to focus on my career priorities,
it forced me to spell out my professional dreams, it helped
me understand my objectives.
Nathalia Peixoto, Assistant Professor
Electrical & Computer Engineering, George Mason University,
2007
Outstanding! Thank you!
Amy Throckmorton, Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University,
2007
It gave
me a new way of looking at my career. The inspirational comments
were fun. Tailoring the critical issues to the attendees was
an unexpected benefit. The specific salary negotiation discussion
was very useful.
Anonymous participant, Women in Science and Engineering
University of Michigan, 2006
Fantastic
help! I highly recommend this workshop to all women faculty.
Beverly Strassman, Associate Professor, Anthropology
University of Michigan, 2006
The individual
interview helped me sort through the real an imaginary issues
to find the areas that are really important versus those not
worth time or effort.The workshop helped us realize there
are others in our environment that we can rely on for help
and advice.
Anonymous participant, Women in Science & Engineering
University of Michigan, 2006
The analysis
of my vita was very informative. The reflection on where I
wish to take my career was very useful and empowering.
Karen Butler-Purry, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Assistant
Dean
Department of Electrical Engineering, Texas A & M University,
2003
I was
so glad that someone is working in this area particularly
regarding salary negotiations.
Fran Gelwick, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Dept. of Wildlife
and Fisheries Sciences
Texas A & M University, 2003
This workshop
was well worth my time. Great Job!
Chanda D. Elbert, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Dept. of Agricultural
Education,
Texas A & M University, 2003
The workshop
was both inspirational and of great practical use. I received
practical advice on improving my c.v. and addressing institutional
policies such as equity of space allocation. I gained inspiration
and confidence about attaining research goals and promoting
my research connections.
Judy Stone, Ph.D., Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor,
Biology
Colby College, Maine, 2002
Dr. Rose
came prepared to help us with our issues in a knowledgeable
way. She was positive yet realistic and made me realize that
I do not have to sit back and passively accept what meager
rewards I am offered.
Julie Millard, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemistry
Colby College, Maine, 2002
It was
a liberating and empowering experience to find out that I
already had all the answers. I'm looking forward to testing
the rules; I'll never take the rules for granted again. We
need to accept our own creativity and focus on getting what
we want. It is that easy!
Lindsay Clowes, Ph.D., Acting Director, Women and Gender
Studies
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, 2002
The individual
consult helped me to focus on and crystallize my career goals
(and the fact that I have any); the workshop helped me to
realize that I am entitled to the best, and that this is also
good for other women in academe.
Trish van der Spuy, Lecturer, Women's and Gender Studies
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, 2002
You have
the ability to show me how to make use of our skills, knowledge,
and ability to change one's situation. This has been a great
opportunity to ____. Thank you so much.
Denise Jones, Senior Lecturer, Education
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, 2002
This workshop
assisted in re-thinking own position as well as women's worth
in the academy. The session was an "eye-opener"
on what we are able to negotiate within the structures and
policies as only a framework for negotiation not that these
structures are "cast in stone" but flexibility exists.
Anita Maurtin-Cairncross, Senior Lecturer, Psychology
University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, 2002
Thank you so much for coming to Mississippi State and providing
your workshop for the women faculty within the College of
Engineering. I've heard great things from all the women who
participated. Your frank, open, one-on-one discussions were
a needed morale and professional development boost that many
of us needed. Your insights into our informal infrastructure
and areas for improvement were also very helpful. We really
appreciate your willingness to give a frank evaluation of
where we are and where we could be. Keep fighting the good
fight for women faculty everywhere.
Noel Schulz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
Mississippi State University, 2002
Dr. Rose's
presentation on the art of negotiating was extremely helpful.
I'll be sure to use her practical tips and suggestions during
my next opportunity for negotiations.
Lori Mann Bruce, Ph.D.,Assistant Professor, Electrical
& Chemical Engineering.
Mississippi State University, 2002
Very helpful,
especially for new assistant professors like me. I got a lot
of information. It's a great session.
Rose Hu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Electrical &
Chemical Engineering
Mississippi State University, 2002
I was
particularly happy with the atmosphere of the workshop set
by Dr. Rose. It promoted good group discussions and everyone
had the attitude that they were there to learn and improve,
not complain.
Susan Hudson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Mississippi State University, 2002
One faculty
participant told me, 'My hour with Suzanna Rose was the most
important hour of my professional life - and the most lucrative.'
Kathy McMahon Klosterman, Ph.D., Affirmative Action Director
Miami University-Ohio, 1999
Thank
you again for your wonderful workshop....Your presentation
gave credibility and validity to many of the feeling I have
had for the past several years. I feel encouraged and revitalized
as a result of it and I am implementing some of your excellent
suggestions immediately!!
Phyllis Callahan, Ph.D., Professor of Zoology
Miami University-Ohio, 1999
This workshop
was a wonderful clarification and synthesis of what had previously
been vague notions about best practice for career development.
Dr. Rose reminded me that balance and professional success
can coexist! I found her information on goal setting and her
suggestions for improving my vita particularly useful.
Victoria Manion Fleming, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of
Educational Psychology
Miami University-Ohio. 1999
Suzanna
Rose led two outstanding workshops and on site consultation
visits for our NSF-funded, 5-year Women in Science and Engineering
Program. She was informative and thought-provoking. Her visits
left us with new knowledge of the "system", of ourselves,
and of how to enjoy and promote our careers. Through a heightened
combination of external AND internal awareness, we can make
progress where once we were simply confused, discouraged and
exhausted.
Dorothy Hudig, Ph.D., Professor of Cellular and Molecular
Immunology
School of Medicine, University of Nevada-Reno
University of Nevada Outstanding Researcher 1998
Suzanna
Rose's workshops and one-on-one sessions on "Career Development"
helped me greatly in putting things in my hectic life involving
work and family in the right perspective. They helped me arrange
my priorities with respect to what I should be doing in order
to get promoted to full professor. I believe she understands
thoroughly what problems are encountered by a lot of women
in academia and is able to get them thinking about avenues
that will enable them to succeed.
Indira Chatterjee, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Electrical
Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno. 1998
Suzanna
Rose's Career Guide for Women Scholars provided a blueprint
for my first job search and successful salary negotiation.
Ever since, I have relied on her for developing professional
advancement strategies. In addition, I always recommend her
work to my female graduate students who are launching their
own careers.
Carol J. Pierman, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Women's Studies
The University of Alabama, 2000
Other
Comments from Participating Faculty:
- Relaxed,
clear, organized presentation.
- Encouragement
to develop individual plans.
- Helped
reinforce the importance of research to career development.
- The
program provided a chance to get personalized advice on
my career situation, including advice on my C.V. and on
strategies to deal with these issues.
- Good
overall coverage of issues facing women in career development
peppered with relevant examples.
- Gave
concrete advice/suggestions. She's great!
- Dr.
Rose was especially good at linking work issues with larger
life issues.
- Interacted
exceptionally well with the group; helped the group to gel
quickly.
- I liked
the tone she set, and the openness. She helped to ensure
that everyone participated.
- Her
personal style was warm and inviting.
- Helped
me to realize my limitations - 24 hours in a day!
Career
Consulting
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