What do you do if you're torn between pursuing a career in academia or administration in Higher Education?

Jobs in education, the only job that makes all the others possible! The desire to transmit, to accompany, to participate in the construction and evolution of young people. What greater reward could there be than to see what our former students have become? Whether in the academic field or in administrative positions, being in contact with young people is a perpetual rejuvenating cure! I do recommend !

The foremost requirement in academia is a deep passion for teaching. Without this passion, it's difficult to truly enjoy the career. Every day is an opportunity to learn, and you remain young at heart as you engage with the next generation of students. As passionate educators, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest market trends and industry requirements, ensuring we provide the most current knowledge to our students. Academia encompasses three verticals: Administration, Research, and Teaching. By prioritizing our interests and strengths in these areas, we can maximize our effectiveness and enhance student learning.

Interest in academia and administration can gel with each other. Consider administration as a subject. Then see how creative you would be in fulfilling administrative responsibilities. Academia gives you a space for personal growth and administration will enable to be the reason of growth of others working with you. Above all, worship your work, may be academia or administration. It will make you feel more like an accomplished professional.

stick with academia - already too many (albeit well meaning) administrators. of course, the deans, in most cases, are prime examples of the peter principle

One possible clue to decide on the administration track could be to ask yourself if being in leadership drives you. While we're leaders when teaching a class, leadership in administration is more corporate in nature. You will work with peers and superiors, not only to get tasks and projects done. But administration requires you to see the big picture - HOW Is the institution running? WHAT would make it better? HOW do you level up staff to meet these strategic goals? If these are not your cup of tea, and these questions resonate better when you replace "staff" with "students", perhaps you have your answer.

Assessing your current Skill-set is imperative to plan your career trajectory. As an academia, you must stay connected with the relevant pedagogical, research and subject related developments and should be able to provide a futuristic environment to learners. Administration on the other hand must delve into knowing the global trends and industry specific skills to ensure that the gaps are filled timely and effectively.

Both academia and administration demands different skill sets One need to do lot of research on career path and growth Don't give away your passion. Keep the required attitude

Great insights! I'd add that hybrid roles are increasingly important in higher education today. Combining academic expertise with administrative skills can lead to more holistic leadership and innovation in institutions. Balancing research acumen with strategic planning can not only enhance personal career growth but also drive institutional success in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Remember, your gifts will make room for you. Education is not limited to the classroom or the transfer of discipline-specific knowledge. Co-curricular activities, mentoring, and teaching also play a vital role in the quality of education that students receive. I have observed that some of the most influential leaders are either administrators who have a talent for developing students and colleagues, or faculty members who can inspire and lead diverse groups of people. To excel in higher education, one needs to remain flexible, open to new ideas and skill sets, and acquire job-specific expertise and general leadership capabilities. This way, multiple pathways can be created for growth and success in higher education.

When torn between academia and administration in higher education, Regarding career trajectory, academia offers a clear path from assistant professor to full professorship, with opportunities for tenure and research funding. Conversely, administration offers advancement from coordinator to dean or vice president, with potential for roles like provost or president. For instance, an assistant professor might aim for tenure and then pursue department chairmanship, while an administrator might progress from program coordinator to dean of academic affairs.

Administration means more meetings, procedural issues, regulations, and accreditation concerns. If you hate meetings and detailed paperwork, it'll be tough. If you enjoy thinking years ahead when developing strategy and policy, it can be very fulfilling. If you enjoy collaboration, planning, and resolving conflict, it might be for you. While it's possible to continue some research or teaching while in administration, it's challenging because the success of the institution will take precedence over publishing or finding time to teach a course.

If a person is highly skilled and passionate about teaching, numerous job opportunities await. There is a growing demand for excellent teachers in academia.

First of all, I would like to evaluate the pros and cons: I will make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a career in academia versus higher education administration. Consider factors such as job satisfaction, salary, job security, advancement opportunities, and work-life balance. Secondly, seek guidance! Talk to mentors or your leaders, career counselors, or advisors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate this decision. They can offer valuable insights (and even their own experience in choosing their career paths!) and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your individual circumstances.

In my case, I've been able to do both. I started in the classroom at a community college, they had an instructor suddenly quit, so they asked me to teach for a semester or two. Six years later, I then jumped to the administrative side and stayed there and on to other colleges. Then as life happened, marriage and then children I was blessed to return to the classroom while my boys (3 of them) were young and was blessed with having the same schedule as my wife (K12 teacher) and our boys. So summers, and winter break with them while they were young, and I was still "cool". Later as they got ready for college, I returned to administration and served as a VP for 10 years. Now as I approach retirement, I've moved back to my first love.. teaching.

I believe that the decision should be done by taking into account both your skills and your passions. Some times they are not aligned, but it's important to determine if you are willing to train your skills or explore new passions in order to achieve your professional goals.