Academic Careers

An academic career is usually the obvious choice for most doctoral students after they complete their thesis. Such a career usually involves a rich life of continuous learning and growth in an intellectually stimulating environment. Most of the fellows from IIM-A who have taken up this route, were absorbed as faculty in some of the top management institutes in India as well as in other countries. The usual track of a professor advances from an assistant professor up to the level of professor of the institute. If an academic chooses they could become a director of an institute. An academic career involves doing research, writing, and publishing; teaching and instruction; coaching and mentoring students; and consulting with industry, business, government, etc. Research is a significant portion of the life of an academician and allows them to gain recognition in their field of study globally. This career choice also enables networks across the world by travelling for conferences where they can present and discuss their current research work. The grooming for publishing top-quality research, presenting at conferences, and training for teaching all starts while the scholar is pursuing the PhD degree at IIM-A.

The institute not only provides the educational mechanisms to encourage such activities but also provides sufficient financial aid and incentives to boost this career option. Another excellent option for an early stage academician is to opt for a post-doctoral position. A postdoc, as it is colloquially known, is a position that can be taken up immediately after the completion of the thesis to strengthen expertise in the techniques of research as well their preferred topic of research. This period allows them to be associated with a professor, an academic or research institute, the industry or even think-tanks that require research on upcoming studies. This is a good option for scholars who want to create networks within top research and academic institutes, contribute to the world through their research and get a few publications. Some PhDs have also looked at opportunities pertaining to managing educational institutes which are beyond the undertaking of teaching & research assignments. And some others have become part of research centres at educational institutes as well as research organisations.