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Altac (Alternative Academic) Careers: Humanities & Social Sciences Resources
Resources about Alternative Academic (Altac or Alt-ac) Careers and Resources for Developing Altac Careers
Created by Health Science Librarians
Web Resources
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Alt-ac: Careers and scholarship beyond the tenure trackFrom the Modern Language Association. A blog subsite for discussion around altac and alternative employment for Humanities PhDs.
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Alternative Jobs for Humanities PhDsDescriptions of six different career paths for Humanities PhDs.
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Humanists@workHumanists@Work (HumWork) supports graduate student-led career initiatives in the humanities and engages with humanities PhD alumni to explore and document humanities expertise in the world.
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Imagine PHDOnline career exploration and planning tool for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars in the humanities and social sciences.
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Life, physical, and social science occupations: Occupational outlook handbookFrom US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Facts and figures on employment trends in the life, physical, and social sciences.
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Non-academic career options for PhDs in the Humanities and social sciencesFrom Columbia University. Career development resources including how-to guides, samples, and advice on resumes, cover letters, negotiating, and interviewing.
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#Alt-Ac, or Possible Futures for the Humanities Ph.D.Symposium on September 15, 2014, hosted by the Penn State Center for American Literary Studies. Podcasts available for download.
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The Humanities PhD ProjectFrom the University of Michigan, resources to support doctoral students and faculty as they pursue careers inside and outside academia.
Journal & Online Articles
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Careers in 21st century applied anthropology: Perspectives from academics and practitioners [special issue].Contains articles from anthropologists with advice and resources.
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From all sides: Rethinking professionalization in a changing job market. PedagogyThis article argues that English PhD programs should prepare students for careers both inside and outside the academy.
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Where do PhDs in English get jobs?: An economist’s view of the English PhD market.This article provides data about the job market for English PhDs.
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"Small bets" and the PhD process: Alt-ac careers for humanities PhDs.This article discusses the shift to alt-ac careers for humanities PhDs.
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Life after English: Taking the Ph.D. beyond the academic job market.This article discusses different career opportunities outside of the academy for English PhDs.
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The #alt-ac track: Negotiating your 'alternative academic' appointment.This article discusses how to negotiate alt-ac careers as a humanities PhD.
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Should students be encouraged to pursue graduate education in the humanities?This article discusses whether or not humanities undergrads should be encouraged to continue their studies and pursue a graduate degree.
Books/Book Chapters
Books in this list were selected because they apply to careers in the Humanities and Social Sciences including politics, social work, psychology, law, music, language, English, education, and art. Recent publications were favored.
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50 Unique Legal Paths
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Call Number: KF297 .F87 2008 (Law Library)ISBN: 1590319974Publication Date: 2009Ursula Furi-Perry’s book offers practical advice and resources for lawyers seeking alternative career paths. -
Career Opportunities in the Publishing Industry, Second Edition
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Call Number: Z471 .Y34 2010 (Davis Library)ISBN: 0816075425Publication Date: 2009The second edition of Career Opportunities in the Publishing Industry explores 90 jobs across various publishing fields, offering career insights, industry trends, and valuable resources for job seekers. -
Careers in International Affairs (8th ed.)
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Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781589011991Publication Date: 2008Careers in International Affairs (8th edition) is a comprehensive guide to global job opportunities, offering up-to-date career descriptions, organizational profiles, and expert advice on networking, interviews, and graduate school. -
Careers in Political Science
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Call Number: JA88.U6 C537 2004 (UL, Davis libraries)ISBN: 0321113373Publication Date: 2003Careers in Political Science offers practical advice and insights from career development expert Joel Clark to help students make the most of their Political Science degree and plan their career paths. -
Employment of English, The: Theory, jobs, and the future of literary studies
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Call Number: PE68.U5 B48 1998 (Davis Library)ISBN: 0814713009Publication Date: 1997In The Employment of English, Michael Bérubé examines the role of English departments in modern higher education, exploring how literary study can remain culturally relevant amid economic pressures and shifting academic priorities. -
Many paths, one purpose: Career paths for social work and human services majors
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Call Number: HV10.5 .M35 2006 (Davis Library)ISBN: 0761835156Publication Date: 2006Many Paths, One Purpose explores fifteen career tracks in social work and human services, featuring testimonials from professionals to guide those entering or already in the field. -
MLA guide to the job search, The: A handbook for departments and for PhDs and PhD candidates in English and foreign languages
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Call Number: PB11 .C37 1996 (Davis Library)ISBN: 0873526821Publication Date: 1996The MLA Guide to the Job Search provides graduate students with comprehensive advice on finding academic and nonacademic jobs, including application tips, interview preparation, and career opportunities outside of higher education. -
The musician's journey: Crafting your career vision and plan
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Call Number: ML3795 .T54 2013 (UL)ISBN: 0199861323Publication Date: 2013The Musician's Journey guides mid-career musicians through creating a career vision and business plan, offering practical strategies, industry insights, and resources for success in various music fields. -
Starting Your Career in Art Education
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Call Number: N8350 .S72 2013x (Art Library)ISBN: 1621532437Publication Date: 2013Starting Your Career in Art Education is a comprehensive guide to finding success in various art education fields, offering job search advice, portfolio tips, and insights from successful educators. -
Working world: Careers in international education, exchange, and development
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Call Number: eBookISBN: 1589012100Publication Date: 2008Working World offers guidance on building a career in international relations, with advice on networking, mentorship, and career development, alongside profiles of professionals and valuable resources for job seekers. -
You've Earned Your Doctorate in Psychology, Now What?
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Call Number: Available at NCSU. UNC users can request via ILL.ISBN: 9781433811456Publication Date: 2012This book helps psychology graduate students and early-career professionals navigate the job application and interview process, providing practical advice for securing a position in the field. -
Work your career : get what you want from your social sciences or humanities PhD
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Call Number: Available at NCSU. UNC users can request via ILL.ISBN: 9781487594268Publication Date: 2018Work Your Career encourages Canadian PhD students in the Social Sciences and Humanities to prepare for both academic and non-academic career paths, offering practical advice on skill development and career readiness.
Interlibrary Loan Services
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