“Because those in a position to change the system do not” and other downsides of academia
I’m nearing the end of my PhD and starting to seek jobs, and I’ve been asked over and over again whether I’ll be staying on academia or I’ll be moving to industry. I haven’t signed a contract yet, so it’s still an open question for me. However, the fact that my own future is still nebulous might be why the following articles have stood out for me. They’re all about the downsides to academia, and reasons to leave it, written by women. The thing about these posts is that they’re not really just about academia: those of you in the tech industry are going to see some parallels. Those of you in other industries likely will too.
First, here’s a segment from Paraphernalian’s post about leaving the academy “Because: a manifesto”
Because my talents, accomplishments, experiences, and hard work are not acknowledged or rewarded in this system.
Because I am not not nurtured, encouraged, or valued in this system.
Because those in a position to change the system do not.
Because I refuse to believe that a system that does not value me is the only one in which I can have worth.
Because I am enduring personal, financial, and professional hardship to no perceivable purpose.
Because I am being limited personally, financially, professionally, and creatively.
Because I already got what I came for–three advanced degrees and immersion in a subject I love.
Because I want to continue to love it.
And here’s a fragment from Laruian’s post about going to industry.
Here is the rub. I think many people are surprised that I didn’t go into academia… or, that I didn’t go to a research lab. Well, I don’t think. Many people said, “I’m surprised.†My advisor, in particular seems, well, for the lack of a better word, miffed.
Laurian lists several things that contributed to her decision:
- Teamwork. The odd joint grant is not the same as working with a team to produce a product.
The problem is that from what I’ve seen in academia, when you become a professor there isn’t much team spirit. Yes, you collaborate on grants. Yes, sometimes you co-teach. But there doesn’t actually seem to be much team work. Meaning that what little benefits I see in being the second, third, or, god forbid, even a forth female faculty member are out weighed by the fact that most of my work is going to be individual.
- There’s no tenure track grind in industry.
From what I’ve been told, you’ve got a whole bunch of stodgy white dudes in suits sitting around a table assessing if you are good enough for the university to invest in you for the rest of your career. It is fantastic if you get it. What job security! But, if you don’t, you no longer have a job.
- Sick of fighting the system
In the ten years I’ve been gathering my various degrees the battle to change institutional policy has been one that has tired me out.
- Lack of role models
My entire time at Virginia Tech I saw *one* female professor have a baby. I’m not just talking about in my department. I’m talking about the whole flipping university. One. Later I met a couple or women who have had kids while running for tenure here at Virginia Tech, but their stories were not encouraging. I had zero positive role models that said to me, “It is the best thing I’ve ever done and I have zero regrets.â€
- Work with impact
I can tell you what was my favorite moment of working at IBM Almaden. It was when the findings had been presented to Lotus, and they thought they were really important, valuable, and would contribute to future design. And then, when the final findings were given, and I get the same review. Ahhhh. Design with impact. What looked like a medium size user study actually made a difference and was implemented into the next Lotus. It was so different than what I’d experienced so far. The practicality of something that felt nebulous was a breath of fresh air. Academia doesn’t dabble much in practical.
And then the lack of impact and lack of collaboration is echoed again on College Ready Writing:
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