Carly Rae Jepsen

Whoa I was not expecting this thread to be in such a state of, well, agonizing. I was hoping to find an outlet online to vent about the academic job market in the humanities--I've done some of it on Reddit but it is not...ideal. Anyways, as far as finding a job, I knew that it would be challenging from the get-go, and the relative scarcity I anticipated too. I think what upsets me most is the lack of transparency and time management skills from HR and, to a lesser extent, committees? I would appreciate if applicants were informed more frequently about decisions being made. I had a campus visit almost five weeks ago, and I have heard close to nothing from them! I was lucky to find one of the faculty at a conference who implied they went with another candidate, but clearly they must not have sealed the deal if I am still being kept in the dark! I think it would help a lot if at least other places reached out in the meantime but it seems that all due dates are in mid-March so I will not know anything until April, which is terrifying given that by then I will be very close to the defense. It is the chronology too that kills me.

I really really wish fellowship decisions came out earlier than mid-May! It is so useful to know if you are relocating somewhere before the summer!

Exact same situation with the reviewers--one marked everything excellent and the other fair or good! My one comment was very detailed and constructive though, so I am thankful to that person! Waiting on 3 other fellowships too, best of luck to you!

anybody got it? congrats if yes! still waiting for my notification...nerve-wrecking

I think they want to see that you are enthusiastic about this career path, so do mention your specific passions and interests if asked. Also, your spoken French is usually tested too, but casually, not like an examination.

I've been in a program for a few years and forgot how anxiety inducing application processes are now that I am applying for a few external fellowships. Even if these opportunities are not life/death for me (my program has a more or less acceptable stipend for humanities grads), I still need to embellish my CV. I recently got published which made me realize that academia is certainly my path. I just wish it didn't demand as much as it does!

Good luck guys! I applied a few years ago (2018 cycle), feel free to ask anything!

good luck everyone.... here to answer any questions as a current 2nd year student (im at WashU in STL but I applied/visited a few schools a couple years ago). Feel free to message me.

I am surprised this year the forum is so dead with French applicants When I was applying we had quite a few posters. I've heard UPenn is very eclectic, NYU and Columbia are great for Francophone subjects too. Rutgers apparently has done well with placement. As for application tips...review your applications well, reach out to faculty, include who you would work with in your statements, reach out to current students and emphasize your academic background in France, it will probably be very much appreciated. If you have experience tutoring or anything like that you could mention it as well.

Broke up with the guy I was seeing whoop! Perhaps I should write this in the positivity thread as it is a good thing

Boy problems! Who's got em? I got 'em too!

My boyfriend has depression

My papers are excellent, I think? I feel proud of my research! Also, my boyfriend is literally the sweetest.

It's final exams (papers, rather) season and I am super stressed about that (oddly less stressed than last semester, however; I know my writing process much better now and have started my research in advance. Professors were more proactive about demanding drafts in advance.) I feel like a machine. Concurrently, I am dating a very sweet, caring guy who has depression and who has difficult life circumstances and whom I am unable to help and that hurts. And to add to that, I'm feeling impostor syndrome so badly. One of my theory based courses is particularly challenging, and the professor has even mocked me for my contributions in class which only adds to my anxiety about not being good enough for academia. I haven't had time to chat with my family; my mom is sick but tells me she is doing better. Communication with the rest of them is not frequent. My apartment looks like a tornado passed through it. I get up in the morning, make a quick breakfast, go to the gym, eat something really quick, shower and spend all my evenings doing schoolwork. This is a lifestyle that people who are not in graduate school wouldn't understand--for them, work starts at 9 and ends at 5 (or at specific schedules.) For us, work is always with us. Even during breaks, you are supposed to consume knowledge like a beast. There is never a moment of rest.

Best of luck with your decisions everybody! Totally relate to the stress some of y'all might be going thru but it will be fine! Hugs.