Review of Life on the Tenure Track: Lessons from the First Year by J.M. Lang

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an introspective review of one author's account of his first year in a tenure‐track academic career and general recommendations that can be drawn therefrom.

Design/methodology/approach

A critique of the book Life on the Tenure Track: Lessons from the First Year is presented to assist individuals pursuing or newly engaged in a tenure‐track academic position or to aid those serving as mentors of pre‐tenure faculty members. Areas addressed are balancing professional and personal life domains, teaching, research, service, publishing and tenure.

Findings

A central theme emerges suggesting that more information and formal and informal guidance are needed to assist new faculty members during the transition into academic positions. A number of practical suggestions and resources are provided.

Practical implications

A practical resource for new faculty members and graduate students planning to pursue a position in academia. Also a valuable source for administrators or senior faculty members supervising junior colleagues who have recently obtained a tenure‐track position.

Originality/value

This review identifies and expounds upon salient suggestions provided by author James Lang for surviving the first year of a tenure‐track position.

Citation

Montgomery, B.L. (2006), "Review of Life on the Tenure Track: Lessons from the First Year by J.M. Lang", On the Horizon, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 22-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120610648444