How to become a professor - A step-by-step Guide

It is not easy to become a college professor. A Ph.D. is often needed for entry-level work as a professor. Most professors devote a decade to their postsecondary study before teaching their first class.

Professors are in charge of offering students in colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning with high-level instruction and advice in certain fields. Being a professor can be a rewarding job, but fulfilling the eligibility requirements can take several years. Choosing educational objectives that are compatible with this career option may be beneficial to you. In this article, we'll look at how to become a professor, what a professor does, what credentials you'll need, and what the future holds for academics in terms of employment.

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How to Become a Professor

1. Choose an area of study and get a bachelor's degree.

Choose early whether you want to pursue a career in education as a professor of arts, business, or science. Pass the 12th Higher Secondary Certification exam with a minimum combined score of 80–90%. This can make it easier for you to enroll in the bachelor's program of your choosing. It is crucial to keep up a strong academic record and graduate with quite higher than the minimal requirement of 50–55 percent overall marks.

2. Pursue a master's degree

Take the GATE exam, enroll in the master's program of your choosing, and earn more than the minimum 50–55 percent aggregate grade required to pass. If you complete the master's degree program, you can be qualified to work as a lecturer or a demonstrator. Your work experience will probably help your professional progress.

3. Pass Comprehensive Exams

After obtaining a master's degree, you can take and pass the NET, SET, or CSIR NET competitive exams. The NET makes you eligible for assistant professor jobs at every college and institution in the country, but the SET only makes you eligible for assistant professor jobs in the state in which you passed the exam. These examinations, which are often referred to as qualifying exams, general exams, or doctoral exams, assess a candidate's expertise in their area of study. 

4. Obtain your doctorate

After that, you can enroll in a Ph.D. program. You might not be required to take the competitive exams if you have a doctorate and can instead apply directly for a position as a college professor.

5. Obtain relevant experience

To obtain expertise in the profession, you may consider specializing in a particular area and becoming licensed to practice. While finishing your degree, you can also get teaching experience by working as a student teacher, tutoring adults or children, or taking a part-time teaching post. You might gain valuable expertise in teaching a subject by volunteering for a research position.

6. Academic Publications and Research

Colleges expect job applicants to have a track record of academic research. Hiring committees in several areas seek several publications in academic journals. On the job market, current graduate students promote their dissertation research, whereas applicants who have been out of the Ph.D. program for a time frequently have a longer publication record. Occasionally, job aspirants write an academic book before being hired as a professor for the first time.

7. Search and apply to academic positions

Look for job openings on the websites of colleges and universities, online job boards, professional networking sites, and social media. 

Customizing your resume and cover letter for each job application may be helpful. You should also get comfortable with responding to the questions that interviewers are most likely to ask during job interviews.

What do Professors do?

• Promote efforts that encourage student success in the classroom and online.

• Create an environment that is safe and conducive to learning for the students.

• Clarify the goals and expectations for the clinical tasks.

• Course materials for allotted sections must be distributed and submitted in compliance with departmental and college rules.

• Lead or participate in committees for the college or system as needed.

• Whenever necessary, act as a consultant for the creation of educational materials.

• Participate in the learning process as a facilitator and resource person.

• Maintain accurate and relevant records in compliance with departmental policies.

• Provide services such as student mentorship, continuing course development, and evaluation.

What qualifications are required to become a professor?

1. Master’s Degree

Master's Degree in a relevant topic from an Indian institution with at least 55% marks, or an equivalent degree from an accredited international university.

2. Competitive exam score

Cleared the UGC-accredited National Eligibility Test (NET), CSIR, or equivalent tests such as SLET/SET.

3. Teaching experience and skills

A minimum of ten years of university/college teaching experience, as well as research experience at university/national level institutions/industries, including experience supervising doctoral candidates.

4. Research and publications

You must publish several peer-reviewed papers, articles, or books that demonstrate the breadth of your knowledge and study. You must also be actively involved in researching and presenting new advancements in your profession.

What is the average time it takes to become a professor?

To become a college professor, one must put in a lot of effort over a long period. A three- or four-year bachelor's degree, a two-year master's degree, and a successful completion of state- or national-level competitive tests are all requirements for a full-time career as a professor. You might also require several years of research or teaching experience. A doctoral degree is an additional option that may be obtained after a master's program and requires three to six years to complete.

Can you be a professor with a master's degree?

If you can meet the below requirements with a master's degree, you can become an assistant professor.

• You have earned a master's degree from an accredited university with at least a 55% grade point average.

• You successfully completed the challenging UGC NET, UGC SET, or CSIR NET exams.

• You've had some research or teaching experience.

What is the job outlook like for professors?

A professor holds a position that is highly regarded. The career outlook for a professor is positive, with secure employment options and steady employment prospects accessible in this sector. Professors must possess the necessary abilities and credentials. They typically receive respectable pay as well as several benefits. The average yearly salary in India for a professor is Rs. 844895. 

What is the best way to find a job as a professor?

The most effective way to land a job as a professor is to start looking for a job while you are still in university. To learn about available teaching positions, requisite credentials, and pay, explore private, public, and research-based educational institutions. Limit your search to organizations and roles that fit your qualifications, interests, and expectations. Consider sending your application if any of them have openings for part-time work.

By networking with academics, you can increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams. Additionally, you can join online forums and groups, attend seminars and conferences, be active on social media, and subscribe to scholarly newspapers and periodicals.

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