Survive and Thrive. Wendy C. Crone
develop my professional reputation, and contribute to the future direction of my field.
One of these societies I have been a member of since my undergraduate days. My first conference participation was with this society in a student poster session. Over the years, this has grown into a connection that is almost like a second family. Not only are the other researchers friends who I enjoy seeing regularly, the society staff members are also wonderful people I enjoy interacting with year after year. At a recent conference I attended, I had lunches and dinners with several groups of friends, heard some great talks, connected with another researcher about a technique he developed that I am try on the material I work with, presented my own work, and got an invitation to write a journal paper for a special issue. So, sometimes these meetings can be fruitful in a wide variety of ways!
2.3.3 DETAILED QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS TO CONSIDER
1. What are the important professional organizations in your field? Have you identified groups/organizations both inside and outside the university?
2. Can you afford the time and money to join all the “right” professional groups? Can you afford not to join them and attend meetings/conferences? What are your options if you do not have the financial resources to participate in these organizations? Will your department or college help support travel costs or membership fees?
3. Do you have a plan for which professional association conferences you should attend? If not, do you know where you can get this information?
4. Which scholars are highly regarded in your field? Are you familiar with their work? Can you create opportunities to interact with them at conferences?
2.4 JOURNAL ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER SCHOLARLY PRODUCTS
2.4.1 OVERARCHING QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
• What scholarly products are most highly regarded by your colleagues and your institution?
• Have you sought advice on the best places to publish or disseminate your work?
2.4.2 MENTORING CONVERSATION: ON WRITING
Every faculty position involves the production of intellectual products of some sort. Various contests and venues may be involved depending on your discipline, but written expression in some form is almost always required. There are a number of challenges we face when we approach writing. It seems especially difficult because some of our colleagues make it look so easy. I have found that writing has become easier with time, but I expect that even the most seasoned of us will at least occasionally face barriers.
The first common barrier is simply that of getting started. My personal strategy is to start on whatever part is easiest for me. As an experimentalist, it is quite easy to write the experimental techniques section of a journal article. If I am writing a research proposal, however, I usually start writing about the big picture first: what my grand goals are and how I think there will influence my field of research. For you, and depending on what it is that you plan to write, it may be different. You may also need to experiment to see what works best for you.
Writing can also be influenced by environmental factors. There are some things that I can write directly on a computer, while others demand pen and paper for the first draft. Changing the setting can also help me to overcome writing blocks. Leaving my office and walking over to a coffee shop with my computer can often get me started again. For other people, regiment is the most helpful thing. You may need to devote a specific time of day every day in the same location to get into a rhythm for your writing.
Advice on writing, particularly if you are approaching a format that is new to you, is also something you should consider seeking out. Senior colleagues as well as your peers can be valuable resources. They can provide guidance, samples of successful writing in the same format, and reading of your drafts. You could also consider joining or starting a writing group. This strategy can provide you with motivation for and feedback on your writing.
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