How to become a Lecturer

How to become a Lecturer Looking for a career in a classroom? You should become a Lecturer… Lecturers provide course materials, guidance, and learning activities to students who are studying the subject they specialise in.They’re based at universities or higher education institutions â€" and teaching methods will usually include a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical demonstrations (many of which are shared electronically).To ensure what they teach is accurate and up-to-date â€" Lecturers are also required to carry out a range of research, preparation, and administrative duties. Many will even write and publish their own papers for academic journals.Typical duties for a Lecturer could include:Researching subject area in line with course criteriaCarrying out a range of administrative dutiesPreparing and organising teaching materialsDelivering lectures, seminars, and other forms of teachingCarrying out one-on-one sessions with studentsGrading work and providing feedbackAttending conf erences, seminars, and staff meetingsIs it right for me?Aside from a genuine interest and expertise in your chosen subject, an aspiring Lecturer will also need to be an excellent teacher with an ability to present knowledge and ideas enthusiastically.You should also be entertaining and engaging â€" something which isn’t always easy, especially if your subject is a little on the dry side (sorry, accountancy and finance students).Additionally, you’ll need to have a constant desire to research and expand on what you know, which will allow you to provide the most helpful (and relevant) information to students.A Lecturer will also need to be:An excellent presenterAn effective communicatorConfidentFlexibleAble to meet deadlinesOrganisedCareer Progression Entry-level LecturerUp to £32,000 LecturerUp to £45,000 Senior LecturerUp to £60,000What's it really like? Being a Lecturer combines my two favourite things: learning and teaching. And although it might seem like delivering lectu res is all we do â€" there’s a lot more to it than that. Aside from providing students with engaging content (not boring the students is key), I’m also responsible for encouraging their overall development. Everyone learns in different ways â€" so it’s important to understand that when teaching. The role additionally involves general admin and planning, alongside practical research in my chosen subject area. Not only does this inform what and how I teach, it also provides insight for my own papers that eventually become published pieces of work. Get qualifiedYou’ll usually need to be qualified to degree level, with a minimum of a 2:1 in your chosen subject, and most employers will also look for candidates with postgraduate qualifications (e.g. a PhD). Additionally, proven experience in teaching, researching, and publishing your own academic work will be beneficial.