Graduate student in medieval literature, here—so possibly the most seemingly impractical career choice ever, especially given my competencies in physics/math, but here are some of the main reasons:
Research, research, research—and the appeal of my own specific field, Anglo-Saxon/Old Norse literature & linguistics
Teaching—I do in fact enjoy lecturing and leading discussions. A great deal of theatre training has translated into ease and competence when speaking to large groups.
Relative flexibility and freedom—when working as a TA and a substitute lecturer, I have loved the freedom to set my own schedule (for marking/prep/etc.), outside of specific class times.
While in grad school, and afterwards if I manage to get an academic job: guaranteed support while I spend my time reading and writing and learning, which is what I’d want to do anyways.
Environment—I love the university environment, because it allows me to connect with (and learn from) researchers in so many different fields, not only my own.
I haven’t been as concerned about effective altruism as many here, but helping students develop critical thinking, writing, analysis, and communication skills is definitely important to me.
I believe, based on my experience thus far, that I do have the ability to be competitive on the academic job market.
Other related career options that I will be prepared for if academia doesn’t pan out: editing, publishing, writing, journalism, library science, translation, teaching ESL. I also work in professional theatre (as an actress & stage manager).
Graduate student in medieval literature, here—so possibly the most seemingly impractical career choice ever, especially given my competencies in physics/math, but here are some of the main reasons:
Research, research, research—and the appeal of my own specific field, Anglo-Saxon/Old Norse literature & linguistics
Teaching—I do in fact enjoy lecturing and leading discussions. A great deal of theatre training has translated into ease and competence when speaking to large groups.
Relative flexibility and freedom—when working as a TA and a substitute lecturer, I have loved the freedom to set my own schedule (for marking/prep/etc.), outside of specific class times.
While in grad school, and afterwards if I manage to get an academic job: guaranteed support while I spend my time reading and writing and learning, which is what I’d want to do anyways.
Environment—I love the university environment, because it allows me to connect with (and learn from) researchers in so many different fields, not only my own.
I haven’t been as concerned about effective altruism as many here, but helping students develop critical thinking, writing, analysis, and communication skills is definitely important to me.
I believe, based on my experience thus far, that I do have the ability to be competitive on the academic job market.
Other related career options that I will be prepared for if academia doesn’t pan out: editing, publishing, writing, journalism, library science, translation, teaching ESL. I also work in professional theatre (as an actress & stage manager).
(Convenient timing—I just posted, yesterday, some of my thoughts on this to my blog. Feel free to read if interested: http://merelyinquisitive.com/2014/03/10/why-graduate-school/ )