What do people think about Academics (University lecturers)?

Question

After completion of my MBA degree, I am thinking of going into Academia. I am 24 female.

Answer 1

Dull, boring.
Wouldn't want to be stuck with one on an island.

Answer 2

I used to look on professors and lecturers with awe, I thought the were very clever people!
I have always been interested in history and religion!
Then I was working in Scotland one time, the guy that owned the local village pub was also a professor of history at Aberdeen university!
I was right onto his case, I had all sorts of questions for him, such as "Was there ever any concrete proof that a man called Jesus ever really existed? Did the Romans really keep accurate records"??? Etc etc.
It didn't take me long to discover this professor knew non of the answers, I was told that all lecturers and professors only covered a certain time span over a historical period, what a cop out, big deal!!I am no longer at all impressed!
Anyone could learn 'parrot fashion' a given period of time span, or repeat a memorised speech on any given subject !
So I suggest you go for it nice cushy little number!

Answer 3

I'm thinking about going into that field too, but don't think it's healthy to get into an academic 'bubble' and not experience the non-academic world first. Maybe you should consider taking a couple years off to get out there and try a new job etc - it might make you more accessible to your students. And is always good to try a couple of jobs so you can be really really sure you know what you want to do (it sounds like you may have a few doubts).

Answer 4

I think university lecturers are awfully clever, but being a twenty four year old I would think you would need to have a little more experiance first. That and you would need to have a little age over the students. If I were you I would get a job in your chosen subject and then go back to university lecturing, as you would probably make a far better teacher if you could offer some personal advice on your own experiances.

Answer 5

most university lecturers are cool: they are very bright and intelligent, hardworking, dedicated to their role, articulate and able to engage students in an incisive and intriguing manner,of whom can express themselves, verbally and who don't judge other students. its such a shame that they are so undervalued in this country; alas, the pay that they get is so minuscule in comparison to school teachers- yet they have to do just as much work as them. although i realise also that many of them are in the teaching profession, not because they are motivated by money but because teaching is huge part of their lives and they are determined to make the best, as well as most out of the experience. they dedicate so much of their time trying to making us become better students and passing on the knowledge, their understanding and skills onto us.

if you are considering a career of being an academic yourself, then you should consider the following: be open and understanding to other students views, thoughts and feelings. engage students, make yourself stand out and make them listen to you but more importantly, always be yourself. this is because i have come across some lecturers, as well as tutors and teachers who were totally devoid of all or most of these qualities. i've been in education for around 22 or so years as a pupil at school, and as a student at college and university, and i have my own views on certain tutors and lecturers of whom i've met and on whether i think they do or have done a good job of it or not.

Answer 6

Well the majority of university lecturers I have come across are very good at the subject they teach.

Answer 7

There's nothing like questions from students wanting learn more to keep you on your toes and interested in your subject. It's the different perspectives that make life interesting.

Answer 8

go. if you are thinking of doing it then do it, and dont worry about what other people think of you. the only person who matters is you. once you hit the other side of the academic world you will only need to chat to the other academics who i am sure think they are all pretty cool. follow your interests

Answer 9

They know a great deal about one subject and seem to be unable to function by themselves out in the real world.

Answer 10

Most of them are very human and caring underneath the hostile exterior. Do you blame them having to put up with undergrads ?

Answer 11

hey if ur dat clever go 4 it do wot makes you happy regardless what others may think. but i heard the pay aint dat brill tho could be very wrong