Career Path for Teaching IxD

10 Sep 2010 - 11:43am
2 years ago
2 replies
665 reads
Josh Evnin
2005

I am interested in the group's thoughts about how to push one's career path into the academic side of IxD. Like many (really, most) of the folks in IxDA, I am a practitioner in the trenches. I have always had an interest in teaching, however, and so I wonder what steps one might take to teach IxD (and related topics) at the collegiate level.


I'm anxious to hear your experiences and suggestions. Thanks.
Josh

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http://josh.ev9.org/weblog

Comments

10 Sep 2010 - 12:32pm
Rachel Powers
2007

Hi Josh, I've been working both as a practitioner and as a faculty member for many years... it can be done! I recommend networking and reaching out to the local universities to make contacts and introduce yourself - let them know your interest in teaching a course. It's easier to break into the field as an adjunct in the beginning and then possibly later move into a FT teaching job later if you wish. Many universities like hiring a certain percentage of practitioners with "real world" experience, so you have a good shot. An alternative, more formal path, would be to return to school to get a PhD and start teaching while pursuing your degree (sometimes as part of an assistantship program). Teaching may not pay much, but it is very rewarding. I highly recommend following your interests and passions. Feel free to reach out to me if you want more info or tips.

10 Sep 2010 - 1:11pm
Dave Malouf
2005
As someone who made the extreme shift from full-time designing to full-time teaching I can say that it is definitely doable depending on the type of school & program. It go legit, you'll either need an MFA or PhD depending on the program you are teaching, but many schools will justify someone with substantial experience to teach a limited range of courses. My advice is to start teaching in this community, like workshops & tutorials, then use that experience & possible/hopeful notoriety to move into adjunt teaching. Finally, if you likey, then look at teaching full-time or maybe create your own relationship to teaching. Good luck! - dave
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