Success in the AAE Job Market: An International Student Perspective

Success in the AAE Job Market: An International Student Perspective By Octavio A. Ramirez Professor and Head Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

Qualifications • Interviewed over 100 applicants for faculty positions • Observed reaction to interviewees of about 30 faculty members • This observations, however, are still based on subjective assessment and personal opinion

Field(s) of Specialization • Too late! • Demand by field seems to be cyclical over time: watch the lag effect • Outstanding economic theory and quantitative skills are (almost) always a plus • However, they are often not enough to get you a job: need another field(s)

Field(s) of Specialization • Having two fields is a good thing, particularly if they are related • Be careful and explicit on how you present yourself if they are not • If you are marketing yourself as Agribusiness, be prepared to make a case and define what you mean by it in relation to your interests and expertise • Teaching interests will reveal your strengths

Application Letter • Tailored to the job, institution and department: Explain why you are a great match • Address any obvious concerning issues outright • Be selective on what you include: Do not cram it with details! • Recommend two pages

References • Put a lot of thought in selecting your references: • Major professor is a must • Reputation matters • Do not ask individuals who don’t have first-hand knowledge of you academic potential • Ask that they tailor letter to the job • Make sure that they are willing and able to send letters on time

The Interview • Under-dressing = lack of respect • Work on being relaxed and self-confident, but not to appear arrogant and uninterested • Show excitement about your Dissertation research and teaching • If the job has an extension split, make sure that you know what extension is all about (and that you are interested in it).

The Interview • Be prepared to answer the obvious questions • Research the institution that you are interviewing with and be prepared to ask “smart” questions about it • Know the faculty members by name and have an idea of their research and teaching interests

The Interview • Questions related to your job responsibilities should focus on the larger picture, not trivial details • If you must, be careful on how you ask about expectations for tenure and promotion • Don’t talk salary or benefits unless you are asked

For International Students • For international students, in most cases, verbal mastery of the English language is as important as scholarly qualifications, particularly for split teaching/research positions • Having an accent is not a disadvantage as long as you can communicate properly and clearly

For International Students • Be aware of cultural biases: • Reserved behavior of some cultures might be interpreted as unenthusiastic/non-dynamic • Show your knowledge and interested in issues related to U.S. agriculture and natural resources • Emphasize any evidence of proficiency in the classroom, particularly at the undergraduate level

Seminar • Make sure that your PowerPoint is properly designed: • It should be an outline of your presentation • Tables and figure labels should be legible • Should be able to cover all material in the allotted time • Emphasize the relevance of the issue and results • Practice until you are ready for a flawless delivery

Post Interview • Make sure that you send personalized thank you e-mails • If you must, wait for at least one month before you contact the search committee chair • Be careful on how you discuss alternative employment opportunities • Long wait might mean that you were not the top candidate: Do you care?

Best of Lucks on Your Job Search and… Keep in mind that the UGA is/will be looking for several outstanding candidates for new faculty positions

Success in the AAE Job Market: An International Student Perspective