PhD in European Studies, 2011
Assistant Professor in Political Science, Oregon State University
Please describe your career path to date
After I received my Ph.D. at LSE I immediately entered an Assistant Professor position at the Oregon State University's political science department and School of Public Policy. I was fortunate to enter a tenure track position immediately after completing my degree (especially since there were over 130 applications per place for the job).
Has your career path developed as you planned?
My research experience, teaching roles and the publishing record I produced at LSE was a huge help to attaining the position I have now. The European Institute was very supportive of graduate publishing, and undertook a variety of initiatives to help graduate students publish in peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, opportunities for teaching undergraduates in departments outside my own (namely in the economics department) gave me an interdisciplinary edge in teaching (I currently teach courses in economics and political science at OSU).
Tell us about your current job
Typical to the usual academic job, my work is primarily spent on research and teaching (half of my teaching allotment is undergraduate teaching, focusing on European and EU politics, and the other half is allocated towards teaching quantitative research methods to Masters and Ph.D. students).
In regards to research, the bulk of my work focuses on producing articles in leading discipline and sub-discipline journals, as well as a book manuscript which is currently under revision. Service involves serving as a chair on a tenure track search committee, relevant service commitments to the department, and serving as an advisory for Masters and Ph.D. positions.
Why did you choose this job?
I love what I do and I always knew I wanted to be an academic, and knew that a strong publishing record was the primary route to obtain this position. I get to do research that I find interesting and important, I teach subjects that I love, and Oregon State provides a lot of research support for my endeavours.
What do you like most about your job? Is there anything that you dislike?
There isn’t a lot I dislike about my job (except unproductive meetings). I consider myself fortunate to be in a job that I absolutely love and I wouldn't change it for another profession.
What career plans do you have for the future?
I plan to continue in my current job and strive for tenure (I am not averse to going to another institution if an exciting new position emerges - but I am very happy here).
Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?
I chose my degree because I was interested in European Political Economy and wanted to study at an institution that was renowned for its research in European studies. I also wanted to study at an institution that was close to Europe, and hence would reduce the costs of fieldwork for my dissertation.
How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career?
LSE provided great training, but their approach to pushing students into research outputs early, rather than emphasizing two additional years of core courses gave me a particular edge.
There are a multitude of research opportunities at the university, and teaching opportunities are abundant, not only at LSE but also other University of London institutions. What was perhaps the most important feature of my experience was that faculty were very supportive of promoting graduate student participation in their own research. As a result of this, I had two journal articles and an additional four under review when I went on the job market, which helped me stand out amongst other applications (having the LSE pedigree also helped).
What advice would you give to prospective or current LSE students?
Take advantage of the research opportunities and get started early - if you want to enter academia, you're going to need all the research experience AND research outputs that you can get because it's a tough job market. Also, enjoy London; don't waste your time away merely focusing on your school work/research. Even though this is not entirely apparent, you have more time to relax during your Ph.D. than you do once you enter a tenure track position with a ticking tenure clock!
Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?
My experience at the LSE was fantastic. I wouldn't change it for any other Ph.D. experience. The faculty there taught me how to think independently and how to tackle interesting and important research questions. They provided me with the necessary tools to adapt, think on my feet, and continue to reinvent my research.