"Getting Back into Academia" after Subject Area Break

[ktwho]

Hi everyone,

I posted this in Languages a couple of days ago but am re-posting here since this forum is more active.

I'm applying to Spanish/Latin American Lit. PhD programs this fall and have letters lined up. One former professor recommended that I "get back into academia," without any further advice. So, I'm interpreting this as either taking a couple of courses non-credit, if I can--given that I have a full-time job--OR by publishing something. This, however, could prove a little difficult to do in the next 6 months because most publications require much more lead time. I live close to Stanford and have been able to attend a couple of departmental events there, to at least be immersed in academic Spanish language, which has helped.

Does anyone have any thoughts/ideas/advice for this?

A little background:

-BA-Spanish and International Studies, grad. 2003

-One-year of MA coursework in Spanish 2004-2005 at the same university

-a gazillion moves with the military later as my husband was active duty, and I completed and online MA in ESL, 2010, while we were supposed to be living in Korea. I've been pretty entrenched in the ESL world since, though I've been trying to pick up some Spanish work lately. I've presented at the international TESOL Convention and a state conference and have published an article, though in a newsletter, not a journal.

None of my Spanish profs think that applying is a long shot and think that having my teaching experience may be advantageous, but, again, any advice would be appreciated. I'm thinking book reviews...

Thanks!

Edited July 16, 2012 by ktwho

[1Q84]

Sorry I don't have much advice to offer as I'm sort of in the same boat (but have even less than you!). I graduate in 2007 and am trying to get back into post-grad work.

From what I know about how profs value teaching experience, etc. I definitely think your experience will at least help you flesh out your background experience and knowledge in your SOPs. At least you weren't just loafing around and waitressing or something.

Good luck!

[ktwho]

Thanks, ponponpon! I've found a couple of graduate publications where I can submit book reviews (or an article if I have time), but who knows if it will make a difference. I'm definitely worried about explaining my switch back to Spanish....it was my primary focus and passion, until one too many moves and ESL work was easier to find--and let's be real: at some point, you have to grow up and pay bills! But now, I'm ready to pursue it again and my husband is out of the military, so we have the geographic stability for me to do it. And, by the way, I've had jobs outside of academia--there's nothing wrong with that! But you won't find them on my cv unless they're relevant!

[Stately Plump]

They probably aren't really expecting you to publish anything; that would be pretty absurd having been out of academia for the past several years. I would try to get involved in some of the journals in your area of interest. What are people publishing about? What are the current "trends" for the discipline? What are academic departments like now, compared to in 2005? If you have the opportunity to take classes, do, but I wouldn't stress if you can't. Just try doing some work on your own.

[ktwho]

Thanks, Stately Plump! Said prof left me scratching my head. I've been reading the "latest" journals--since 2005--but I have been focusing more on departmental foci and my own interests. Trends are hard to discern, but I have an idea...

[ktwho]

Update: I'm going to MLA next month. That will certainly help. In the mean time, I'm trying to work less so I can take ONE class at night.

[Riotbeard]

You might want to also look into going to the LASA (Latin American Studies Association) conference. Could be useful. I would ask a professor for a book/article list to catch up on reading, but really I don't think it will be that big of a deal. Even if you are behind at the beginning, a year of grad school tends to equalize the cohort.

Edited December 12, 2012 by Riotbeard

[ktwho]

LASA was here in SF and I missed it b/c of work in May. Heartbreaking. I will definitely go. Great tip! I also plan on catching up on a lot of reading....once all these apps are done! Thanks!