Lecturer Career Description
Lecturers facilitate learning and provide tuition and guidance to students on a tertiary level of education, in a specialized field.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Literally hundreds of subjects, each with its own requirements, can be presented at a college or university. These requirements differ from one tertiary educational institution to another.
Usually, lecturers are responsible for the preparation and presentation of lectures. They have to prepare examination papers, invigilate at examinations and mark the examination paper. Depending on their field of study, lecturers may be required to guide senior students in their independent study research.
In order to be well informed, lecturers should continuously try to uphold an attitude of studying and reading publications, papers and articles relating to their field of study. Conducting research is a very important aspect of most lecturers' work and it is
usually expected of them to publish their own results (which is important for promotion), in addition to acting as research counselors to their students.
Depending on their field of study and the institution where they are employed, they may be working with a large group of students, or may even be giving individual training to a single student.
As lectures are usually given in lecture halls, lecturers mostly work indoors. However, depending on their field of study, they may have to give training outdoors. The nature of the lecturers' or their students' research will determine where it has to be conducted. The circumstances under which research is undertaken vary enormously, depending on the field of study and specialization.
Being a lecturer often enables a person to undertake study tours or attend symposia and conferences. Excellent opportunities to come into contact with other experts in their field of specialization are thus available.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
A good intellect and an interest in a specific field of study, as well as a scientific orientation is required. As lecturers mostly work with the youth, it is essential that they are patient and tactful and they should be able to present their subject-matter in an interesting and fascinating manner.
Because of the degree of freedom they experience with regard to academic aspects as well as office hours, a sense of responsibility is equally important.
Where can I work?
Career opportunities and prospects are usually bright, depending on the field of study and specialization. The level at which a person is appointed varies from lecturer to full professor, depending on qualifications and experience.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Qualified lecturers, with the necessary experience in their fields, can give private classes from their home, have a private practice and do consultation work.
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