2024/5/17

Facing the Challenge: How Can Local PhD Graduates Overcome Disadvantages and Avoid Becoming "Wandering Scholars"?

On May 17 (Friday), the Center for Strategy and Human Capital Research at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) hosted the "Career Workshop for Local PhDs and Early-Career Scholars". The event featured three exceptional scholars who earned their PhD degrees in Taiwan, are currently teaching at top universities, and have received the National Science and Technology Council’s (NSTC) highest honor for young scholars, the Ta-You Wu Memorial Award. The distinguished speakers were:

• Dr. Chen Min-Nan from the Institute of Human Resource Management at NSYSU,
• Dr. Hsu Shu-Wei from the Department of Business Administration at National Chengchi University, and
• Dr. Chang Man-Ling from the Department of Business Administration at National Chung Hsing University.

These speakers generously shared their personal journeys, discussing topics such as their PhD studies, improving research capabilities, networking, job-seeking strategies, securing positions at top universities, and their teaching and service experiences.

The workshop was moderated by Dr. Ji Nai-Wen from the Institute of Human Resource Management at NSYSU, who began with a brief analysis of the current job market, highlighting the advantages and challenges faced by local PhD graduates.

Session 1: "Balancing Service, Teaching, and Research"

The first speaker, Dr. Chen Min-Nan, a recipient of the 2022 NSTC Ta-You Wu Memorial Award, addressed the pressures faced by early-career scholars in balancing service, teaching, and research. Using a playful Chinese metaphor of "Hu, Jiao, Yan "which means” teaching, research, service”. Dr. Chen emphasized the importance of effective time management, stress relief, and course preparation to avoid both mentally and physically exhausted "

Session 2: "Between Student and Scholar: A Paradox"

The second speaker, Dr. Hsu Shu-Wei, a 2020 NSTC Ta-You Wu Memorial Award recipient, presented on the intriguing topic, "Is and Isn’t, Isn’t and Is: Between Student and Scholar". Dr. Hsu highlighted the gap in domestic PhD programs, which often fail to prepare students for being effective teachers. He argued that aspiring scholars must start their academic careers by learning how to teach well. Dr. Hsu shared candid insights into the less glamorous aspects of academic life, helping participants set realistic expectations. His humorous approach and practical advice on case teaching and time management kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout the session.

Session 3: "Surviving and Thriving in Academia"

In the final session, Dr. Chang Man-Ling, a recipient of the 2017 NSTC Ta-You Wu Memorial Award, shared her insights on "The Survival Strategies for an Academic Career". Dr. Chang likened academic research to leveling up in video games, emphasizing the importance of persistence and maintaining passion for one’s field. She also discussed how she balances her research productivity amidst the pressures of administrative duties and offered tips on finding research inspiration from everyday life, making the process both meaningful and enjoyable.

Interactive and Engaging Discussions

The workshop attracted over 40 PhD students and early-career scholars from both within and outside NSYSU. The audience actively participated, raising numerous questions about research, teaching, and service, fostering lively discussions.

At the conclusion, moderator Dr. Ji Nai-Wen expressed his hope that all participants would gain valuable insights and inspiration from the workshop, enabling them to build a long-lasting and fulfilling academic career.