The dissertation ... and beyond: developing your academic career.

Abstract: Completing the dissertation is not the end of a long journey; instead, it is the beginning of a journey that offers unlimited adventure. That adventure unfolds to become the individual's academic career. The skill with which that trip is planned can mean the difference between a challenging, but rewarding career or years of floundering and frustration. The road to the dissertation involves at least six traveling companies: the student, their mentor/dissertation chair, and the dissertation committee members. Careful selection of the dissertation chair is the,first step to the successful completion of the dissertaiton. Forging that career-long partnership must be one of mutual benefit. Tips to aid in that selection are presented. Each committee member should be selected for their expertise and ability to support some aspect of cr student's dissertation research. Strategies for the selection and evaluation of committee members are outlined. Finally, advice is offered on how to fund your dissertation research, enhance your scholarly development - pre-and post-doctorally, and seek postdoctoral opportunities. Key Words: Dissertation; Academic Career; Nursing Education; Survival Strategies As everyone knows who has been through the process, completing a dissertation is a working partnership between interested persons. Not only must they be able to work together, but they must do so for the mutual benefit of the student. In doing this, they share in the excitement of discovery as well as receive the benefits of not only mentoring but also of being mentored. Lastly, they develop a cohesive career-long partnership with their mentee. PROCESS FOR SUCCESSFULLY SELECTING AND EVALUATING DISSERTATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS Selecting Your Chair You will be known by your Chair, and he/she will be known by you. Select the best expert in your field of study; however, do NOT select the best expert in the field IF you really dislike that person on a personal level. The Chair of your committee does not necessarily have to be your advisor; but you should enjoy each other's company. Don't take the initial meeting with your potential Chair for granted -- prepare to present your case. In presenting your case, send a copy of your curriculum vitae, your publications, abstract of your study prior to your meeting - and bring a copy with you to the meeting -just in case. Look for someone who is "hungry." Usually, an associate professor is best, because they have a well-established program of research, but are not too old and "grumpy" or preoccupied. Also, look up their publications, such as the number, quality and whether students have served as coauthors. Consider your mentor's relationship with former students. For example, what has happened to their doctoral students in the past? Did their students receive funding? Post docs? Publications? What kinds of positions do their former students hold? In evaluating your Chair's mentorship, be honest - this will allow the relationship to improve. In addition, make certain that the system demands and rewards doctoral student mentorship and consider ways you can evaluate your Chair's mentorship of you. Selecting Your Committee Members It bears repeating that you should get the best experts on your committee. If the "best" is not available at your institution, consider a long distance relationship. In looking for experts, look for the holes and fill the holes with experts. Remember, expertise must cover your methods and content areas. Someone who has a funding record should be on your committee; as well as someone with a publishing background, who publishes with students. In selecting your committee members, talk to former students who can give you the real truth about potential committee members. Interview potential committee members. When you conduct the interview, be prepared to "sell" yourself as worthy of their time and efforts. …