CAREER GUIDE
has a lot of value for people who are beginning an
T
his article is based on a talk I gave at the
JSM 2007 meeting for the ASA Committee
academic career. So, I refer new faculty members
David L. Banks,
on Career Development. But, I should
to that, and, in this article, shall focus on topics
Department of Statistical
Science, Duke University
confess at the outset that I have no particular qual-
that apply to everyone, not just recent PhDs and
ifications or any expertise on this topic, aside from
not just academics.
having held a lot of jobs (which ought to raise
Although statisticians are relatively homoge-
questions about my suitability in the first place).
neous in our training, we have the usual range of
Years ago, I was involved in drafting the New
talents, personalities, and utility functions. This
Researchers’ Survival Guide (available at www.
creates many career paths and many ways to be
imstat.org/publications). Reading over it again, we
successful. It also means you can be miserable if
were awfully earnest and a bit naïve, but I think it
you get caught on a path that doesn’t fit your per-
sonal strengths and values.
34 AMSTAT NEWS SEPTEMBER 2008
SEPTEMBER AMSTAT FINAL.indd 34 8/20/08 2:26:59 PM
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