Job Discussion Forums

[suphanburi]

In my experience with post grad credentials and working in the Asian context I would suggest that the OP spend a couple of years working at lower ranked universities gaining some classroom experience and lecture time.

As you gain experience parlay your network into better jobs.
If you have not been working on your network then prepare to get bottle-necked into a corner from which there is little upward movement. It is all about who you know and who knows you. Connections ARE needed.

Additionally, add some localized or regional conference presentations to your CV. These are usually pretty easy to get into and allow for publication of presenters work in their proceedings (tick the box for publications).

Most decent lectureship positions will require 2-5 years of post grad experience AND some publications in legitimate peer reviewed journals in your field. Anything leading to a position with a ranking as a professor (rather than lecturer) will require that or more just to get in.

If you want to get into better high schools rather than tertiary education then certification as a teacher is in your near future (in spite of having a PhD). ALL decent high schools (IB/CIE/etc.) will require it. Not having it will relegate you to entry level EFL type jobs or lower tier "Inters" with matching low remuneration packages.

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[Western East]

Appreciate all the helpful and considered responses.

nomad soul, I'm willing to consider remaining in China for longer if it's the best place to find university jobs, but to be honest, I'd prefer to go elsewhere if I could. China's air quality has been a bit of a put-off. I'll certainly check out those links you mentioned.

Elicit, i've heard of EAP before. Not sure how one begins to get into that specialised field though. I've come across one of the UK universitities with a campus in China (Nottingham was it?), but I feel like that might be a bit out of my reach currently. Thanks for being willing to consider me at your place of work for any future openings though.

HLJHLJ, taikibansei and suphanburi, all the points you've made about the need for building up a stronger research and lecturing profile rings true. I've not yet built up enough academic publications or university teaching experience to be a serious contender for university roles. It appears I will need to spend another few years trying to get some publications under my belt and building up as much university-level teaching experience as I can. Also, conferencing will be needed to build up networks and increase opportunities as suphanburi says. Basically, I'll need to get back into the world of academia and start working my way up. Work on getting my thesis or parts of it published, take whatever university teaching roles I can find, reconnect with my former supervisors and sign up for conferences again. Could take a while for it to pay off, but that is probably my best way forward. The alternatives would be to undergo teacher training and obtain a teaching qualification, or be willing to accept lower-level TEFL jobs for the foreseeable future.

Thank you, everyone, for clarifying my options on a way forward. I think it's been helpful reading all your recommendations.

[CKM]

[Elicit]

Everything CKM notes above, and also remember that the Chinese market is not flooded with people holding the academic qualifications you do (3 related degrees), so if you opt to stay in China don't sell yourself short and accept anything less than a good beginning at one of these reputable partnerships.

NCUK may have something worth considering for next semester. I think they have multiple partnerships throughout China. Take a look at the job vacancies on their website and revisit occasionally if they interest you and no vacancies are currently listed.

I was wondering where you completed the doctoral studies because I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. for personal interest in the future. Was it a traditional thesis or modular plus thesis? Would you recommend the institution to other people considering a doctorate?

[Western East]

CKM, yes, I've heard of those university summer programmes and I've actually tried applying for one. And the possibility of needing to do some kind of further teaching qualification further down the line is something I've thought about. So investing in an MA TESOL or DELTA is something I might need to consider, even with my academic background in English Language and Linguistics. I'm not too familiar with a DELTA, is that something you'd only do after obtaining a CELTA certificate? Thanks for the advice!

Elicit, I'll have to do more research into UK/China university partnerships. I'm only aware of the University of Nottingham China campus, but maybe there are others? And I'll message you about the nature of my PhD.

At this point, I don't feel like I can say with certainty yet what level and type of teaching I want to specialise in for the long run, but I think it seems clear that getting more teaching experience is crucial. Maybe after having experienced teaching in a few different settings, I might have a better idea of what type of teaching jobs I should be aiming for and whether I should invest in any further teaching qualifications which will differ depending on the type and level of teaching I want.

Many thanks again, everyone!

[CKM]