A great book recommended by a former professor who recently wrote a letter of recommendation for me. After reading this exposé of graduate academe, I feel much more confident about my goals. ( )

Catalina gifted this to me, and I never put it on my "Currently Reading" shelf because I picked through it rather than reading it cover to cover.

The book is a frank, clear, and concise set of advice for navigating PhD programs and beyond into academia. It is especially relevant to women in academia, who have a far steeper uphill climb. Its written in a style that is professional yet academic, personal yet objective, and I've already put a lot of its advice and tips into effect to enhance my CV. ( )

Karen Kelsky has no illusions about academia. And neither should you. I found this book profoundly helpful for its frank discussion of the hiring process and concrete advice in improving my job application materials. I'll be entering my second year of the academic job search, and already, I feel more professional and confident. If you are an aspiring, discouraged, or even former academic, READ THIS BOOK. ( )

Karen has put together an excellent reference and essential guide for Ph.D.'s in the job market. I found this book an interesting read though, not for myself, but for my husband. The job market for academics like himself is particularly bleak. After finishing up his second Master's degree and considering a Ph.D., for which he was already accepted, the elephant in the room that surface was the job market. With his current level of education, salaries remain roughly the same for Masters and Bachalors level professionals, at least for our area and academic work is hard to find. So, is the Ph.D. worth the effort if all the jobs with salaries on par with the appropriate letters following ones name are non-existent, or at at least appears to be non-existent?

The Professor is In waves away all the mystery surrounding academic work, the job market, and questions of the value in higher education. I would recommend this book to all those who are considering higher degrees, but also those who are already struggling with this problem right now; it's not too late! Grab this book! ( )

I'm not going to lie. This book hurts. Even if you have already come to terms with the current state of the academy and the terrible job market, there is something in this book that will make you wince or want to cry. Kelsky writes bluntly and provides readers with a look inside the administration for institution hiring. If you are going to buy one book about how to become a university professor, buy this one. She tells you everything that many people are simply unwilling to share with graduate students. The content is straightforward and clearly written. I read it straight through and at first, her organization was tedious because she gives you the same information in multiple chapters, but after having finished, I realize that it will make it all the more easy to use the book later in quick reference. I especially appreciate, and even enjoyed, the example statements and grant proposals that she provides. I think this should be every grad student's best friend. ( )