Moving from Industry to Lecturing???

crossor

Hi,

I am currently working in the investment industry in Dublin with just over 2 year’s full time experience (I have some part time and temporary experience in the industry prior to this). I have an honours degree in Finance and Computing and I’m also hoping to complete my CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams later this year.

I’ve recently started thinking of my long term employment options outside of Dublin and lecturing (in the Finance/Investment field) is something that really interests me (most likely in an IT). I’d like the flexibility to work on other projects while still having a reasonably regular wage coming in and the quality of life also appeals to me. I’m looking about 5 years down the line so by that time I’d hope to have almost 8 years industry experience (the bulk of which will be in the “front office”) and I’d also hope to have other relevant professional qualifications similar to the CFA. I’d like to set the wheels in motion now so my options are open at a later stage.

• Would I still need a PhD to lecture if I have good industry experience and a number of relevant professional qualifications?

I’m not sure if I’d be interested in a long term “career” in lecturing (i.e. continuous research, course development, faculty duties, professor etc…). I’m thinking more of a series of temporary (e.g. 2/3 year) contracts so that I have the free time to pursue other interests.

• I’m considering completing an MBA (in Finance) in the next 5 years or so- would this suffice or even be useful when looking for lecturing roles?
• Would my lack of a PhD put me at a disadvantage to other potential applicants who mightn’t have as much industry experience? How do Uni’s & IT’s judge PhD vs. experience for Finance lecturers?
• What about a part-time research MPhil with the option to continue onto a PhD- would this be a good compromise? How common are these?
• I’m not particularly interested in going back to full time education so I’d be interested in any advice regarding the best way to achieve whatever qualifications you deem necessary.

A lot of Curricula for taught Finance Masters seem less advanced than the CFA so I’m not keen in doing one of these simply for the sake of getting the piece of paper (and retracing old ground).

• Have I (m)any options on this front? Is there any chance of going straight into a research PhD with some consideration taken for the CFA (e.g. shorter completion time)?
• What should I consider when trying to weigh up a taught PhD vs. research? I understand Uni’s & IT’s prefer lecturers with a research PhD and this would probably be easier to do on a part time basis???
• Should I look at getting lecturing experience now (e.g. evening lectures)? Might this compensate if I don’t do a PhD?

A lot of questions I know but I’d appreciate any advice.

amyelmo

Afraid that I can't help with most of your questions as I'm not in the same area. However, from looking at lecturing jobs (both in ITs and Universities), it appears that a PhD is generally expected for lecturers although assistant lecturers in ITs require some years of experience post-batchelors degree, but not a PhD.

e.g. Look at the recent advertisement: http://www2.wit.ie/Vacancies/RecentVacancies/Fulldescription,31066,en.html

smcgiff

Crossor,

I was called for an interview for a full Lecturer position in accounting at a University just this week (see thread a little below this for the gory details) and I don't have a PhD. My major qualification is ACCA (considered equivalent to Masters). With that said, my work experience is very good and I think I submitted a good application.

My goal is still to become a lecturer and I hope to complete an MBA within the next two years and will try to get an article published - to ensure I'm an even more attractive applicant next time around.

It's killing me that I can't go for it this time around, but next time it shall be mine!!!

As for an MBA - this is a good allround Masters, but make sure there isn't a more relevant degree to what you want to lecture in. Perhaps, you can tailor your MBA to be in your chosen field - Good luck.

crossor

Thanks for the reply- that's some useful advice.