Abstract
The confluence of an increasing emphasis on ‘deliverables,’ rising numbers of PhD candidates, and waning employment opportunities presents significant challenges for prospective and incumbent PhD candidates. I identify two coping strategies for adapting to this changing environment: 1) diversify the set of theoretical leanings and methods to which you are exposed during your PhD experience to alleviate some of the concerns around employment opportunities by making your knowledge and skill-set marketable beyond the walls of academia; and 2) streamline your teaching, learning, and research duties to minimize the impact of these formal academic duties on your personal life and completion timeline. In this essay, I formulate departmental- and personal-level tactics to achieve these goals based on my personal experiences and observations, and I identify structural impediments to their implementation.
Recommended Citation
Calvert, Kirby
(2011)
"Adaptive Strategies for PhD Candidates to a Changing Academic Environment: Diversification and Time Management,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 52:
Iss.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol52/iss2/6