It’s my lifelong dream to receive a PhD and pursue a career as an academic philosopher. I plan to teach, write, and help spread Objectivism. Right now I am working to make this dream a reality. I am planning on utilizing the OAC and, if I can, the Anthem Foundation.
I am almost halfway done with my undergraduate studies and soon I will be applying to graduate schools.
…
I would like to make a couple of suggestions based on observations of academics in philosophy and history departments of my local university, Portland State University, in Portland, Oregon. My field is history, not philosophy, and I am not an academic. In my fifties, I recently spent 5 years taking classes as a post-baccalaureate student, for my own education. (My love is the history of philosophers and other intellectuals – what they did as well as what they believed.)
The “Big 10” may be the most prestigious and most powerful choices for a graduate student. But they certainly aren’t the only choices. What matters most in choices of career path is your own long-term happiness.
I have known several young people who – for whatever reason – were not able to enter the most prestigious schools in their fields. They became discouraged and abandoned the field that they love. That is a horrible mistake. One can be happy doing one’s work – assuming basic qualifications – in many areas outside the Big 10 and their ilk.
If you love field X and love teaching it, then be prepared to make some trade-offs in order to fulfill your love. That may mean living and working in places that are not your first choice, but that nevertheless enable you to do what you love.
My local university provides examples. It has a low ranking among universities. Yet, some of the academics there love what they are doing.
Even in the most competitive fields, persistence and flexibility, combined with basic ability, can win in the longterm.
