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Writer's pictureDr. Deepessh Divaakaran
3 min read

"stay humble" is career advice that's keeping a faculty broke and stagnant

In the highly competitive world of academia, humility is often seen as a virtue. However, when it comes to advancing your career, staying humble can become a barrier. Faculty members often fall into the trap of assuming their skills, achievements, and potential speak for themselves. The truth is, if you don’t showcase your contributions, they might as well not exist.

"stay humble" is career advice that's keeping a faculty broke and stagnant
"stay humble" is career advice that's keeping a faculty broke and stagnant

The Misconception About Humility


Many faculty members worry that advocating for their own achievements might come across as arrogance. However, most people in academia are too preoccupied with their own work to focus on yours. What you perceive as self-promotion, others interpret as:

  • Clarity about your expertise and contributions.

  • Confidence in your ability to innovate and lead.

  • Proof that you can deliver impactful results.


Far from being off-putting, communicating your value is essential for establishing credibility and advancing your career.



The Cost of Staying "Humble"


When you remain overly modest about your contributions, the consequences can be significant:


  1. Your Research Goes Unnoticed: Ground-breaking research needs visibility to make an impact. Without showcasing your work, it’s likely to be overlooked.


  2. Teaching Innovations Are Overlooked: Unique approaches in the classroom deserve recognition but often go unnoticed if not highlighted.


  3. Others Take Credit for Collaborative Successes: Failing to articulate your role in projects leaves room for others to overshadow your contributions.


  4. Missed Opportunities: Grants, promotions, and leadership roles often go to those who can clearly communicate their achievements.


  5. Career Stagnation: Staying silent about your accomplishments can result in a stagnant career trajectory with limited growth.



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The Academic Reality


The academic world doesn’t just reward talent; it rewards those who can effectively communicate their value. The most recognized faculty members aren’t always the most talented—they are often the best at presenting their contributions. This isn’t about manipulation; it’s about communication.



How to Advocate for Your Achievements


If you want to break free from the constraints of excessive humility, here are actionable steps:


  1. Document Every Win: Maintain a record of your research breakthroughs, teaching accolades, and service contributions, no matter how small.


  2. Quantify Your Impact: Use measurable data such as improved student outcomes, research funding acquired, or citation metrics to showcase your contributions.


  3. Craft Your Narrative: Build a cohesive story that highlights your academic journey and its impact.


  4. Articulate Your Value: Practice presenting your achievements in department meetings, annual reviews, and conference settings.


  5. Share Your Work: Publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and engage with academic networks to maximize visibility.



If you don’t tell your academic story, someone else will—and they may not do it justice. Advocating for your achievements is not about bragging; it’s about ensuring that your hard work and contributions are recognized and valued.


In academia, your ability to communicate your value can open doors to new opportunities, secure promotions, and ultimately, shape a fulfilling career.


Remember, the academic world thrives on contributions that are seen and acknowledged. Don’t let excessive humility hold you back from reaching your potential.


 

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