Switching from a faculty to an administrative position is a logical step for many academics. But the path to promotion in higher education can be fraught with obstacles. Whether you are considering this career move into university management, have already taken steps towards it or aren’t quite sure what it entails, this collection of resources offers guidance on mapping out your route within the university hierarchy.
Are you ready for promotion? Things to know before you apply for a university administrator role
There are many paths to a successful administrative career so choose the one that works for you. Find advice below on what the move to management in higher education may entail from those who have done it. Once there, it can feel solitary being the one who must make the final decisions. However, if you are good at your job, you can minimise feelings of loneliness that come with moving up the career ladder. So read up here on the skills and actions that make effective managers.
Are you ready to manage? Management is rewarding, but managing people is not an easy task. It takes commitment and genuine passion to develop and empower people to achieve their very best, writes Colleen Robinson-Hunte of the University of the West Indies.
Campus talks - how to prepare for university leadership: Middlesex University vice-chancellor Shân Wareing talks about the need to make the path to senior roles transparent and why confidence is not the be-all and end-all of leadership.
Taking on academic leadership even if you are not prepared for it: The call to leadership can come before you feel ready for a more senior role, as happened to David Waller of the University of Technology Sydney. Here he shares what he has learned from five years as a department head.
How to become a university administrator – and why you should: Many career paths lead towards administration. Arina Ziganshina of Dubai Medical University draws on her own experiences to offer advice.
How to make the move from academia to academic administration: Transitioning from academia to academic administration requires proactivity and a desire to learn. Here are some tips to help you prepare, from N. N. Sharma of Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
The transition from faculty to administrator
Why do people choose to move to an academic administrative position – or “the dark side”, as some within higher education call it? These resources provide answers to this question, outline what skills you should draw on when stepping into leadership roles and explain how to make the transition from faculty to management while staying true to your academic roots.
How to navigate your first steps into university leadership: Moving from colleague to taking charge can be a daunting transition. Kingsley O. Omeihe and Ibiyemi Omeihe of the University of the West of Scotland offer advice on your first few moves as a leader.
Moving over to the dark side - academic or academic administrator? Academics may view administrators with suspicion, but Elaine Sharplin of Nazarbayev University recommends stepping over to the dark side – as long as you stay true to your roots.
Streamlining a move from a faculty position to a leadership role: Moving into a leadership role at an academic institution includes setting ambitious goals around collaboration and finding solutions to worldwide challenges. These techniques from Brian Lattimer of Virginia Tech can support leadership success.
Tips for moving from learning designer to educational leader: Learning designers have all the skills to make great leaders, an Adelaide University team write. Here’s how to transition into the role.
Six tips for when you’re moving up into university management: Making the leap into administration can feel daunting, but Yağmur Çerkez of Near East University’s advice will help you to develop the skills and strategies needed to thrive
Hone your communication skills
To lead a team effectively requires strong empathy and communication skills, according to this group of authors, who write from experience.
Effective communication between faculty and administrators enables collaboration, saves time, prevents misunderstandings and – in some cases – defuses conflict. When the relationship breaks down, fundamental disagreements can emerge over who is responsible for what, and who makes decisions. Read guidance on how to build healthy working relationships.
Bridging the communication gap between administrators and faculty: Academics who understand the needs and priorities of administrative staff will work more effectively – and vice versa. Everybody wins, writes Catherine Léglu of the University of Luxembourg.
Key knowledge to be a good manager in higher education: Academics are the most important asset for any university, though they are often the most neglected, making it even more vital to be a good manager, says Şerife Eyüpoğlu of Near East University.
How to be an empathetic leader during times of change: No one style is the panacea for all leadership challenges but, as Rachel Gibson of Adelaide University explains, empathy is a crucial ingredient for leadership success.
Eight ways to be a better leader in higher education and beyond: Being brave enough to make decisions without worrying about failure is important. Lead the way and you can inspire and develop your team, writes Padma Rani of Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Navigating challenges of academic career progression
Professional jealousy is just one common challenge faced by ambitious academics. Individual circumstances can result in all sorts of unique obstacles on the route to success in higher education. Hear from a range of academics on how to approach personal and professional difficulties in order to develop as an effective leader.
A survival guide for academic department leaders: Administrators walk a line between support for faculty and accountability for performance, writes University of Delaware’s Saleem H. Ali. Here, he offers six tips for building good governance and legacy.
Managing professional jealousy - navigating challenges and fostering growth: Self-awareness, self-improvement, gratitude, open communication and a growth mindset can help you tackle inevitable encounters with jealousy constructively and create a more positive, supportive work environment in the process, writes Tariq Al-Musawi of Al-Mustaqbal University.
A tale of two models - rethinking shared governance: Ryan Litsey and Jon McNaughtan of Texas Tech University discuss how the growth of faculty-turned-administrators has complicated the traditional view and execution of shared governance.
Finding – and raising – my voice as a Black female leader in higher education: Women of colour face a formidable set of challenges in the quest to find their place and voice in higher education. Menah Pratt of Virginia Tech shares the lessons learned in her journey – from the power of persistence to harnessing her creativity.
Five leadership tips for women in higher education: The first woman of Indian heritage to head a Russell Group business school, Palie Smart of the University of Bristol shares leadership insights for women in higher education, from mentorship and resilience to self-discovery and embracing your unique identity.
Leadership and the intersectionality of being queer and living with HIV: Coming out as gay was a first step, but it was being open about living with HIV that showed Raymond Crossman of Adler University how his whole self shaped his role as president. Here, he talks about intersectionality and leadership.
What I’ve learned from a decade of working with a disability in academia: Meredith Wilkinson of De Montfort University gives her younger self advice on climbing the academic ladder in an able-bodied world, but also calls for greater support for academics with disabilities.
Thank you to all Campus contributors who shared their expertise and insights in this guide.
If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter.
comment