Colleges and universities need people with the most varied background in business, finance, sales, marketing, public relations, etc. to fill administrative vacancies besides teaching and research.  However, if teaching is your call, then what follows may help fulfill your objective.

What position can you apply for? 

Well, it all depends on your credentials and experience. The point here is to be informed about the higher education system in the United States to not submit your resume in vain. Most colleges and universities organize their academic titles following specific criteria. Some universities have dozens of approved academic titles. Below, you will find the main ones, what each one consists of, and what they can offer. 

Assistant professor is the first step into a long-term career at most colleges and universities. Graduate students who want to become a professor should start tutoring under a professor's supervision to gain experience. Then, Associate Professor is the next step to path their way to a full professor position. The whole trajectory may take at least seven to ten years. The vast majority of universities require a Ph.D. in a specific field, substantial teaching experience, and publications to grant the professor title.

However, if teaching was not in your plans during your college years, but it is now, there are other teaching opportunities. 

Lecturer and instructor titles are usually used interchangeably and refer to those willing to work under a part-time or full-time contract. Having a Ph.D. would be great, but a master's degree is, in general, enough to start at an entry-level. As a lecturer, you need o to be prepared to talk to big audiences.

Adjunct professors have the 'professor' title, but they do not enjoy a tenure-track professor's benefits. Holding a master’s is generally the central requirement, especially for community colleges and a Ph.D. for 4-year colleges. These professors usually have part-time positions as a complement of their primary careers, and get their pay per course given.

Local community colleges are the best bet for a first attempt.

Minimum documentation

• A letter of application. Focus on how your expertise fits the philosophy of the institution.
• A resume and a CV tailored to the job posting. Mention any experience you have had in front of groups, summer camps, volunteer work, etc.
• A cover letter and personal/teaching statement, which should highlight your approach to teaching.
• List of contacts of possible recommenders, if possible in education -for example, a former professor- or supervisor if you worked with groups.
• A teaching portfolio, which will be more helpful to you than to your employer, because it will contain your teaching philosophy and how your experience, though not directly related to education, may enrich your classroom.

Hints on preparing your documentation on teaching

Get an update about the education industry. Colleges are far from what they were when you pursued your studies. Standards, methodologies, and student communities have changed. 

Research each institution you will apply to tailor your papers accordingly, the same as you would do with any other job.

Gain teaching experience in non-conventional teaching places. Your career has not probably placed you in a classroom, so the most challenging part is to show experience that you lack. For example, some museums offer workshops for which you can offer your services in the area of your expertise for free. You can also do volunteer work in summer camps, clubs, religious groups, your city, etc., which will show how you deal with groups. Internships are also an option.

Networking is essential, not only because you will get information about prospective employers but also because it is the best opportunity to “interview” your contacts about the profession, such as insights in the application process, main hard and soft skills requirements, and so on.

Most of the literature you will encounter, will mention communicative skills -both oral and writing-, group management, and patience as core requirements. Never forget the main one: Passion.

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