1. Experiences in Preparation for the U.S. Academic Job Market as an International Student Helen Pushkarskaya University of Kentucky August 3, 2004

2. Percentage of Foreigners among Graduate students and faculty 65%-75% among grad students vs. ~10% among faculty (Marchant, Zepeda, 1995,1996) Why? Not all international grad students want to stay in USA; Not all international students want to be a faculty; International students less prepared for an academic career then Americans.

3. Motivation – are you sure you want to be a faculty? It is not only about good grades! You will have to do: Research –Papers; –Grants; Teaching; Extension; Networking.

4. Comparative disadvantages: English as a second language; Agricultural Economics as a second specialization; Lack of understanding of the tenure process. Cultural differences

5. Strategies: Experience, experience, and experience. Teaching – TA, instructor, guest lecturer, private tutor, etc.; Research – try to make more presentation, start to write papers earlier;

6. Strategies: Grant writing - dissertation grants, grants with faculty members; Networking – communicate with faculty in your and other schools; send them your research ideas and ongoing research; attend invited talks. “Be a part of the crowd”

7. Postdoctoral Positions An opportunity to explore if an academic career is right for you and to gain more experience.

8. Good Luck!