Certainly, in my other life as a university academic historian, I was asked that question regularly. Usually by undergraduates, but not always -- a lot of people out there just know they could teach and research mediaeval history. (The standard reply was: get fundign for and complete a successful PhD. Publish in quality journals and ideally have a book deal. Apply for everything you can. Work, work, work. The things that couldn't be said? Watch out for academic politics. Be better than good. Be aware that if you start late in life -- which means older than 25, these days -- your chances are slim to none. Be aware that there is a pecking order for universities and if you're not from the right few, you're disadvantaged. Be in a hot subject if at all possible. Be in the right place at the right time. Be aware that contacts aren't a guarantee. Work even harder...) A lot of this translates to writing, I guess. But people will hear what they want to. Kari
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2009-11-24 01:00 pm (UTC)Kari