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Office for Faculty Excellence

Building Future Faculty Program

The Building Future Faculty Program helps launch academic careers.

The Building Future Faculty (BFF) Program helps launch academic careers. The NC State Building Future Faculty (BFF) Program is a two-and-a-half-day, all-expenses-paid workshop for doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars interested in pursuing academic careers. The program is geared toward graduate students in the dissertation phase or post-doctoral stage.

The program’s mission is to prepare graduate students and postdoctoral scholars for faculty careers by providing insights and resources to help them navigate the academic landscape.

During the workshop, held each spring at NC State University, participants attend sessions that cover life as a faculty member at a research-extensive university, expectations of new faculty, and the resources available for research and teaching. Presentations on research, teaching, and faculty development are followed by discussions with current faculty at various ranks, from assistant to full professor. Each participant is paired with an academic department whose interests align with theirs.

During departmental visits, participants meet with faculty to discuss research programs, learn about the departmental culture, and tour research facilities and laboratories. They also meet with current students, department heads, and deans of the colleges in which the departments are housed. These in-depth discussions provide participants one-on-one advice about preparing for an academic career, including feedback on their current preparation and areas for improvement.

While the Building Future Faculty Program is not a job placement program, it offers invaluable guidance for graduate students and post-docs preparing for faculty careers.

We strongly encourage applicants to take the time to complete the application. Gather all necessary information in advance, carefully review your responses, and check for accuracy before submitting.

Please read the instructions thoroughly. If you cannot complete the online application form in one sitting, you can resume filling it out using the same computer, provided your browser settings allow cookies. Otherwise, the form will not save your progress, and you must start over.

You will need to upload one file that contains the following three items. Please combine them into a single document to attach to your application form:

By ensuring all of these elements are included and properly formatted, you will present a strong and complete application.

  1. Cover Letter:
    • Describe what you hope to accomplish or gain by participating in the NC State Building Future Faculty Program.
    • Include the names and departmental affiliations of three NC State University faculty members you would like to meet during your visit.
    • Highlight how your research and teaching have enabled you to engage with varied populations and communities, and/or discuss how you would promote access and representation in higher education.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV):
    • Your CV should include your name and contact information, education, employment history, awards and recognitions, and a publication list. Indicate whether each publication is peer-reviewed.
    • List presentations with invited presentations marked.
    • Include teaching experience, synergistic activities (e.g., volunteer work, outreach, service), professional affiliations, patents, funding, and the current date.
  3. Statement of Teaching and Research Interests:
    • Provide a concise statement (500-word limit) outlining your teaching philosophy and research interests.
  4. Apply here!
  • Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the expectations, responsibilities, and opportunities of faculty members at research-extensive universities, including research, teaching, and service.
  • Participants will develop a clearer sense of the steps and requirements for pursuing and succeeding in an academic career, from postdoctoral work to tenure-track positions.
  • Participants will build meaningful connections with faculty members, department heads, and peers, fostering professional relationships that may support their academic careers.
  • Participants will gain firsthand experience with academic departments, including understanding the research focus, culture, and dynamics within specific fields of study.
  • Participants will receive personalized advice from faculty members on their academic preparation, identifying strengths and areas for further development in pursuing a faculty career.
  • Participating in the workshop and receiving guidance, participants will gain confidence in their ability to pursue and succeed in academic careers.
  • Participants will discuss managing personal and professional academic responsibilities and gaining insights into achieving a sustainable work-life balance as future faculty members.

Graduate students and post-docs who are seriously considering faculty careers, as well as graduate students who are sufficiently advanced in their dissertation research to present their work, will both benefit from participating in the program. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experienced faculty, receive valuable feedback on their research, and gain insight into the expectations of a faculty career, all while refining their professional skills and expanding their academic networks.

The Building Future Faculty (BFF) program is designed to provide graduate students and post-docs with essential information to prepare for academic careers. While it is not a job placement program, those who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

  1. Commitment to Higher Education: Individuals who demonstrate the ability to contribute meaningfully to advancing higher education, particularly in innovation, leadership, or academic excellence.
  2. Academic Alignment: Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral or post-doctoral program corresponding to a discipline offered at NC State University.
  3. Progress in Dissertation Research: Graduate students who have begun their dissertation research and can present their work to peers and faculty members.
  4. Interest in an Academic Career: Those who are seriously considering an academic teaching career at a research institution or are interested in pursuing independent research as a faculty member.
  5. Potential for Faculty Role: Applicants who demonstrate the potential to succeed as future faculty members, including a strong research background, academic achievements, and leadership qualities.
  6. Availability: Candidates must be available to participate in the program during the scheduled dates fully.

These criteria ensure that participants are well-suited to benefit from the program and are committed to preparing for academic careers in research-intensive environments.

Participation in the Building Future Faculty (BFF) Program offers numerous advantages, including:

  1. Insight into Faculty Life: Gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it means to be a faculty member, including the expectations, responsibilities, and challenges of academic life.
  2. Research Productivity Strategies: Learn proven strategies for increasing research productivity and effectively navigating the complexities of academic life.
  3. Skills Development: Enhance essential skills for teaching, networking, and public speaking, which are critical for a successful academic career.
  4. Application Guidance and Feedback: Receive valuable information and feedback on key elements of the faculty application process, such as crafting a strong CV, writing an effective cover letter, and developing a compelling research plan.
  5. Networking Opportunities: Engage with faculty in your discipline and other scholars, expanding your professional network and gaining mentors who can support your academic journey.

Resources

BFF Facebook group