New job in academia & looking for advice - I just accepted a job offer in academia (university level) in HR.

New job in academia & looking for advice - I just accepted a job offer in academia (university level) in HR. This will be the first time that I've ever worked in academia and I'm looking for advice for succeeding in this world. Throughout my career I have worked in the same profession, however I have worked in many different industries (mostly corporate American/Fortune 500 companies). While I am grateful for the exposure to different industries, I had to learn how to navigate the each new industry the hard way, which impeded upon my career advancement (I never had a mentor, however I'm hoping to get one soon and/or an executive coach). I would appreciate receiving any advice, words of wisdom, or lessons learned--what to do and what not to do. For those who are working or have worked in college/university settings, if you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be? Thank you!

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  1. Anonymous

    I just started in academia a year and a half ago, also on staff (but not HR, I do grants management and budgeting for academic projects). Here’s some positives and negatives so far:

    positives:

    * nice, non competitive colleagues who truly care about the students

    * fantastic health insurance

    *(for me) a great boss who is interested in my career growth

    *possible long term job security since it a state funded university

    negatives

    *getting a raise of promotion is extremely difficult due to the slow bureaucracy and system that is not necessarily built on merit, and you may need to switch teams and bosses

    * my salary currently is lower than the amount of work I do compared to past roles

    *high turnover due to the above 2 points

    that said I am currently on vacation and realizing how much I like my job!

    good luck and I hope it’s a good fit

  2. Anonymous

    Thank you - really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Enjoy your vacation!

  3. Cyndi Rosenblatt

    I would second all of these points. I didn't realize it wasn't universal for employers to support advanced and continuing education until reading these boards, but it's a great perk and higher ed is typically really great about this. Plus they often give raises or promotions as degrees and certifications are earned.

  4. Nilam Kotadia-Vaidya

    Hi! I work in higher education right now and would love to chat with you if you would like about hiring processes from a staff perspective. From what I see, most HR professionals don't understand how Student Affairs/Services recruitment works and how that plays into the politics of higher education. I also suggest maybe taking a look at NASPA, ACPA, ACUHOi, and other higher education professional organizations.

  5. Anonymous

    Thank you for responding and directing me to trade organizations. My role is in HR, however not in the capacity of an HRBP. Thanks!

  6. Cyndi Rosenblatt

    I think many support offices don't understand the nuances of those they are trying to support. Cross-communication and hiring staff from different backgrounds can help build those bridges.

  7. Anonymous

    Faculty members need a lot of hand-holding. This is even more of an issue if you have a significant international workforce. Depending on your office culture, I would highly recommend being proactive about reaching out to your customer base to offer detailed assistance with processes. This obviously depends on your actual role and job duties, but it can save a lot of headaches and frustration by doing that up front instead of waiting for them to approach you (many won't until things get desperately delayed or screwed up).

    If you are unsure, better to err on the side of addressing folks as "Dr" so-and-so. And while I'm inclined to be snarky by responding to them however they respond to me, I had a super supportive boss who would have backed me had it ever come to that. Can't count on that in your new role. You'll develop relationships with your regular contacts and they'll indicate how they wish to be addressed, but the biggest jerks can also cause trouble if you aren't showing (what they think is) proper deference. I get that this is an especially touchy topic with some women and minority folks who are often the only one in the space not being referenced as "Dr" so it's not always straightforward regardless. But you can't go wrong with "Dr" even if they don't actually have a doctorate.

    I second the other response - promotions and pay raises, negotiations (except for faculty members, who mostly work on contract) tend to be fewer and far between. I've seen 1-4% bumps in the form of either a merit increase or a cost of living adjustment almost every year. I've gotten raises outside of that, but the last two were separated by 9 years.

    This should be the policy for everyone in the workplace, but be nice to absolutely everyone. Search committees for new staff and faculty often pull from seemingly disconnected groups (different departments, different levels). That faculty member you were abrupt with due to what you perceived as obtuseness could well be on the interview panel for a new role you really want. And yes, you may think it's just as well because you don't want to work more closely with Dr Obtuse, but he may be there just because he was available even if he doesn't interact with the new role any more often than he does your current one.

    Because it's so difficult to fire people, we have lots of minimally competent lifers on campus. Word gets around that they are tough to work with and they apply all over campus but never get the job. The grapevine is unbelievably robust on most campuses. Listen to everything, but be very selective about what you pass on (even when you know it's 100% accurate).

    If you're at a research institute, keep in mind that the faculty are under an immense amount of pressure to publish and get new grants. Their entire careers are literally on the line year to year. In most cases, whatever negative interactions you have are not personal, or about you at all. There are always going to be nasty people, but most of them will come around if you prove you are trying to help and smother them with kindness.

    A lot of communications are protected, but if you're at a public institution, a lot of otherwise confidential information is subject to FOIA. Be careful about what you put in writing. I find myself using phone calls for clarification if something seemed shady at first. It could be a big problem that needs to be documented, addressed, and even escalated, but often it's just poor wording choices and miscommunication. Our various arenas are filled with jargon or regulatory terminology that doesn't hold universal meaning. Easy to create a tempest in a teapot.

    I've been in academia for almost 20 years now and I absolutely love my job, my colleagues, and the impact I have on the world. I hope you'll find it as meaningful and rewarding.

  8. Anonymous

    Thank you! Your insight is extremely valuable - I appreciate it!

  9. Cyndi Rosenblatt

    After reading these boards, it's clear that a lot of companies don't cut underperformers when they should/could, but I think it's probably easier for companies that are trying to turn a profit.

  10. Anonymous

    This is some great advice, thx!

  11. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer

    20+ years in higher education.

    Expect the following:

    1) things will move at a glacial pace compared to corporate

    2) There is a caste system in higher ed, with faculty being treated as gods

    3) Heavy resistance to change

    Keep notes on who you talk to early on - what was promised, what you promised, etc. Helps when you don't know who follows through/can be trusted.

  12. Anonymous

    Thank you - I appreciate it!

  13. Eileen Ma

    I was an HR professional for over 10+ years when I took a job in academia. You're already doing the most important thing - you're recognizing that you'll be working in a distinctly different environment. For me, it was an adjustment in the pace. Academia moved quite a bit more slowly than any of the private sector jobs I had held.

    Be proactive. You stated that you've never had a mentor in your career, but begin by enlisting your direct supervisor. Have a frank conversation with the person and ask (not for advice) how he/she views the difference between the environments. Then do some of your own research and implement best practices.

  14. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  15. Anonymous

    I echo what other respondents have said. The biggest thing to get used to about academia is the GLACIALLY SLOW manner in which everything is done. Expect the hiring process for crucial positions to take months, not weeks, and at a university I worked for in the past, people relied on the fact that if you worked the system right, it could take three years TO GET FIRED.

    The perks outweigh all of that though. Dig around and see what's offered- most universities offer some sort of tuition assistance for employees and dependents and let me tell you- that is an UNSUNG benefit. (I graduated with both a bachelor's and a master's with zero student debt)

  16. Amy

    lol, glacially slow is an apt description.

  17. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  18. Anonymous

    Be sure you understand the process involved in salary increases & promotions. It varies, and it could depend on your boss's opinion of you, in which case managing your manager ("managing up") is more important than your actual job duties.

  19. Anonymous

    Thanks!

  20. Anonymous

    It can be very political and nepotism is a bit of an issue. Be very mindful of what you say and who you say it to.

  21. Anonymous

    Thanks!

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