"To thrive at an undergraduate institution, one must love teaching and advising"

Abstract

In her interview, Jessica Karanian tells us about her goal of staying in academia and finding a balance between teaching and research. After holding a visiting assistant professor position, she now works at an undergraduate-focused university. This role requires an interest in teaching and advising. Research in this setting is primarily done with undergraduate research assistants as volunteers or when enrolled in independent research project courses. Jessica provides some advice on how to prepare for this career path, particularly in engaging in teaching and advising when possible and in looking for professional development opportunities. She also reminds us that there are many jobs that involve stimulating, rewarding, and meaningful work-we just need to keep our minds open.